Do you know your Russian Split from your triple Salchow? Do you have a soft spot for Ravel's Bolero? As Christmas approaches, many towns and cities across the country offer the opportunity for budding Torvills and Deans to work their magic on the ice. The West Country is no exception, with a number of temporary ice rinks opening to add to the festive cheer - so, get your skates on!
Plymouth city centre has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with a 15x30 metre open air rink on the Piazza, remaining open until Sunday 24th February 2013. As well as regular skating sessions from 9am to 8.15pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 6.15pm on Sundays, the outdoor rink will be hosting a range of special events, including schools sessions during term time, ice skating lessons, private hire, parties, shows and breakfast with Santa. Make tracks back to L151.
In Truro, a Christmas ice rink is helping to fund a revamp of Truro Cathedral School. The rink on Cathedral Green, run by a company set up by Olympic skater Robin Cousins, will open every day from 28th November until 6th January, with the exception of Christmas Day. The school, which is next to the cathedral, closed in 1982, with plans to refurbish it and create a major cultural centre for Cornwall. Hang up your boots at S235.
Bournemouth town centre will host an outdoor Christmas ice rink this year, set in the the beautiful grade II listed Lower Central Gardens, between the famous Bournemouth balloon and the Square. The rink will be open all day and there will also be special late night sessions for those who prefer skating under a starlit sky. The rink will accommodate around 100 skaters at any one time and be open from 4th December until 6th January. Relax by the fireside at H73.
One of the most unique settings you'll find for ice skating is the Eden Project, which has a stunning rink now open until 3rd March 2013. Young novices might like to try out the penguin skating aids, ideal for helping gain confidence on the ice. The rink also offers parent and toddler ice-play sessions for the under 6s, with plenty of toys to play with, as well as Chilly Juniors sessions for 6-12 yr olds with various races and games. Each person skating will also need to have a valid admission ticket to the Eden Project. Take a look at a video (from 2011) of Eden's rink below:
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