Coventry Cathedral’s ice skating rink has opened to a very warm reception.
While coronavirus has put the skids on many of the traditional events this year – including the city’s big lights switch on – the outdoor ice rink has managed to forge ahead to bring us all frosty festive cheer.
An escape from the everyday has never been more needed – and what better way to get yourself into the Christmas spirit than throwing yourself into some wintry fun at Coventry Glides.
The ice itself is nestled in the old ruins, giving skaters a magical experience. The amazing views alone are worth the trip (and inevitable wet bum!).
Daytime sessions are available, but a visit at night is truly spectacular as the team have done an amazing job decorating the rink with twinkly lights.
There are even Christmas trees in the middle of the rink within a smaller loop to skate around. The atmosphere is topped off with popular tunes pumped out over the ice (some Christmas, some Whitney Houston and more!).
It is the first time the historic venue has hosted such an event, but I doubt it will be the last. It’s such a perfect setting for the activity, with no roof to block your view of the stars as you whiz or stumble your way around the ruins.
For those nervous about getting out and about at the moment, the event also felt very safely managed – and has been approved by Public Health to go ahead.
It’s outdoors, and there are lots of different entrances so people are not funneled in all at one. There are also timed slots so not too many people are on the ice at once, and hand sanitising stations dotted around the venue. Everyone (apart from those exempt) also have to wear a facemask – a definite plus as it keeps your nose warm!
After sitting at home on the sofa way too much this year, it was just what I needed to really kick start my Christmas celebrations.
Read on for how you can book, and some helpful tips for when you go.
Helpful tips
– Make sure you arrive a little early so you can head to the box office and pick up your wristband. You get 40 minutes on the ice – plenty of time as skating is a good workout for your core – but you’ll need to get strapped into your skates, so don’t be too late or you might miss some of the fun.
– You can pay for a locker and skate aids at the box office. A locker costs £1 and a skate aid (a penguin to hold on to for balance) is £2.
– Skate hire is included with the ticket price, or you can bring your own with you.
– Disabled people can take part too and there are special sessions where wheelchairs are allowed out onto the ice!
Prices and more
Tickets start from £5.
The event runs until January 10 and is suitable for ages 5+.
You can’t currently attend if you live outside of Coventry, Warwickshire or Solihull due to coronavirus restrictions, but it could open up to more people if the Tier changes when the government is set to review the levels on December 16.
For all the information – and to book – click here.
