Discover writer Emily Hince visits the Brighton Royal Pavilion for a fairy-tale evening on ice.
Hurrying slightly behind our Saturday 6pm slot through the dark, concealed gardens, I must admit a childlike enchantment overcame me as I approached the historic landmark, transformed by magical pink light. There’s no backdrop quite like it—especially at this time of year. A familiar spectacle illuminated by colour and ice: it’s as if you are stepping into a Christmas card.
After placing our bags and coats in the lockers provided (£1 per locker) and grabbing the correct size ice skates, my skating partner and I headed over for our turn to glide in front of the palace fit for a snow-queen. With each time slot running for 45-minutes, I advise arriving at least 15-minutes earlier than your designated session. Believe me, once you are on the ice and, dare I say, have gotten the hang of it, you will want more time, so make sure to squeeze every minute of it.
In the interest of integrity, though I had ice skating lessons when I was younger, I was perhaps not the graceful swan I envisioned myself to be. However, after a few practice laps gripping onto the wall (and onto a few jackets of passersby), I got into the rhythm of it and managed a few circuits on my own—watch out, Torvill and Dean.
Be sure to lift your eyes above the ice to take in the fairytale landscape around you. It’s great fun, and the surrounding shrieks of laughter and smiles on everyone’s faces would agree. Time flies, and so will you after you’ve mastered it, so I’ll say it again: arrive ahead of schedule.
We then retreated into the cosy rinkside bar and cafe to grab a well-earned drink and catch our breath. There are plenty of delicious food and drink options to warm your cockles, with the standout on the menu being the gingerbread mulled wine, which was clearly popular.
Despite being tempted by the festive options, including other classics such as Baileys hot chocolate, I opted for a reasonably priced small bottle of prosecco (perhaps to celebrate my success in not falling a*se over elbow). It’s safe to say, drink in hand, in a prime spot for both chatting and watching skaters circle around hypnotically, the Holiday scene was set.
Whether visiting with mates, a first date or making it a whole family outing, I can vouch with confidence that the Royal Pavilion ice-rink is a Brighton Christmas activity-must do.
Book now: royalpavilionicerink.co.uk. General Skate (Ages 12+) £20.00 per person. Junior Skate (Under 12) £15.00 pp. Concession £17.00 pp.
