THE frosts of winter are often a sure sign that Christmas is around the corner – and never more so than in the form of an ice rink.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of Warwick Castle, visitors are being invited to soak up the seasonal fun by donning some skates and taking to the ice.
We were among the first to be let loose on the rink which can also be enjoyed after the castle closes. Skating by night in one of the country’s most historic settings is truly a magical family experience.
And all ages and abilities are welcomed – and supervised from a distance, as nervous parents (including this one) cheer on from the sidelines with cautious encouragement. Novices soon find help is at hand should they need it and, despite the inevitable slips and spills, there were beaming smiles all round.
Plus there’s some supportive plastic penguins to help the littlest skaters stay safe and confident on their blades.
To keep warm, seasonal snacks and drinks are available from a selection of festive vendors and the atmosphere in the bedecked castle grounds is wonderfully festive. It’s certainly jolted me into the Christmas spirit.
During the winter period, guests to the 64-acre Castle grounds can also enjoy a Winter Birds of Prey show, Horrible Histories® Scavenger Hunt, Winter Wedding Princess Tower experience and more.
Nothing heralds Christmas more than the wide eyes and smiles of the children on a traditional ice rink in the historic night time setting such as this.
Skating is available until Sunday, January 5th. Ice rink and Castle tickets cost from £25 per person. Tickets for the ice rink only are from £13 per person with the option of special late-night skating experiences as the rink stays open into the evening on selected dates.
Further details at: www.warwick-castle.com/explore/christmas-at-the-castle.aspx
