Great skates: The best places to hit the ice

Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, Brighton

Set against the grandeur of the famous palace, the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink tops the list when it comes to impressive vistas. Make an evening of it with the rinkside Bar & Kitchen, which serves up a three-course menu of warming comfort food and festive favourites, including turkey and stuffing and traditional Christmas pudding.

Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is open from 5 November 2016 to 15 January 2017, tickets from £13; royalpavilionicerink.co.uk

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Skate at Somerset House, London

This year, Somerset House has gone all out to ensure a suitably festive time for all, whether or not you're a pro on skates. It has partnered with Fortnum & Mason to create a rinkside pop-up shop packed with tempting treats and gifts – ideal for sneaking in some Christmas shopping. Visitors can also kick back in Fortnum's Lodge, which serves up seasonal signatures such as the Chocolossus hot chocolate, mulled cider and fondue. As the evening approaches, the rink is transformed into an outdoor nightclub with the help of some of the most sought-after DJs and record labels, including Rough Trade, Moshi Moshi and Dimensions.

Skate at Somerset House is open from 17 November 2016 to 15 January 2017, tickets from £7.50; somersethouse.org.uk

Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink

The famous gothic cathedral towers over this popular attraction, which has undergone a makeover for its tenth anniversary, adding a clear roof for protection from the elements. Sitting alongside is the Christmas market, inspired by the classic German tradition and featuring a variety of food and drink, as well as classic wooden chalets showcasing a selection of goods from UK craftspeople.

Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink is open from 18 November 2016 to 2 January 2017, tickets from £10.95; winchester-cathedral.org.uk

Broadgate Ice Rink, London

A stone's throw from Liverpool Street railway station, the Broadgate Ice Rink – dubbed Broadskate – is London's longest-running outdoor ice rink and still one of the best. For those uneasy on the ice, head instructor Robert Burgerman and his team of qualified coaches are available for private lessons. For some post-skate sustenance, take advantage of the range of restaurants in Broadgate Circle, including Jose Pizarro and Franco Manca. A rotating list of special street-food traders are also on hand for the occasion.

Broadgate Ice Rink is open from 14 November 2016 to 2 February 2017, tickets from £13.50; broadgateicerink.co.uk

The Ice Factor, York

If size matters, head to The Ice Factor in York, home to the largest outdoor rink in the north of England. An all-round festive extravaganza, it is surrounded by an illuminated forest and log cabins, with refreshment provided in a heated alpine-themed chalet, complete with a cosy outdoor heated terrace. Within the grounds is a funfair, which for the first time is solely comprised of vintage rides, from a ghost train dating back to the 1950s to rare Brooklands Dodgems from 1937.

The Ice Factor is open from 19 November to 2 January 2017, tickets from £10.45; yorkshireswinterwonderland.com