Open Air Ice Rink

The Open Air Ice Rink returns to Gloucester Quays on Friday 20 November, running through to Sunday 3 January. It's a family winter favourite set in the city's waterside leisure quarter, the historic docks of Gloucester Quays, which also house the outlet shopping centre, a multi-screen cinema, and the Waterways Museum, along with a growing number of bars and restaurants.

Around the rink, the wider Christmas Markets run for seven weekends, with more than 130 traders and an undercover street-food marquee at Mariner's Square. There are returning favourites too: Steffan the Welsh Cake Man is back after retiring last year, and Santa comes to the Quays to meet visitors beside the rink. The whole setup is pitched as a venue for winter events, work get-togethers, and group parties, so it works as a proper day out as much as a quick skate. If you'd rather not get on the ice, you can just grab a hot chocolate and take in the outdoor spectacle from the sidelines.

Tickets are £12 for children and £15 for adults. You'll find the rink at Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 5SF, open from 20 November through to 3 January.