Fun, Scotland, Winter

Indoor ice climbing course here in the UK

28 Comments

A week ago, I took part in a four-day winter skills mountaineering course in Scotland. The trip was a lot of fun. Great group of adventurous people from all types of backgrounds and of all ages, men and women. Only problem was the weather. Not enough snow to actually use ice axe and crampons. Too stormy to attempt the Ben Nevis summit via the ridge. As luck would have it, the day after we left the conditions became perfect. UPDATE 29 March 2023: According to various news reports the Indoor Ice Climbing Wall seems to have closed for good. So sad. No more indoor ice climbing course UK.     MORE TIME AT OUR HANDS THAN EXPECTED AT THE INDOOR ICE CLIMBING COURSE UK We managed to get a fair bit of hiking done nonetheless. However, all days were cut short and we usually returned mid-afternoon, beaten by the hail […]

Continue Reading

You may also like

Fun, London, Winter

Greenwich Ice Rink – Fun on Ice with a Beautiful View

2 Comments

Greenwich Ice Rink, or Queen’s House Ice Rink, as it is officially called, is one of the best ice rinks in London. It’s only in its second year, nothing compared with London’s oldest ice rink Queens in Bayswater, which has been around for over 90 years. The first ice rinks sprang up during the so-called ‘rink mania’ of 1841–44. Back then they used pig’s fat mixed with salts instead of artificially cooled frozen water. Open Hours Until 24 January the ice rink is open from 10am to 9pm every day except Christmas Day. The price varies from £14.50 to £17 for adults 25 years of age and above, £9 to £12 for under-25s, and £7.25 to £9 for children (ages 3 to 15). Minimum age is 3 years. In addition there is a one-off transaction fee of £2.95 per order (orders are limited to 6 tickets). Pre-booking is essential. The […]

Continue Reading

You may also like

Fun, London, Winter

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – Perhaps London’s Best Ice Rink

7 Comments

We have just returned from our visit to Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, which opened today and will be open until 17 January (extended from the initial 3 January end date). Except for Christmas Day, the rink will be open every day from 10am to 9pm. The last skate starts at 8pm. From 18 December, the hours will be extended to 9am to 9:45pm. Tickets Pre-booking is required. Sessions last up to 45mins and guests are being asked to arrive at least 15mins early. Adults and teens pay £16, children £11.50. There are discounts for families. Food and drinks are available on location. Light Show We prefer visiting during daytime. However, many guests choose to do their skating after dark, when the castle is covered in a stunning light show. Family-friendly fun We were very pleasantly surprised to find the large (1,040 sqm) skating area almost empty, compared with our […]

Continue Reading

You may also like

Austria, Travel, Winter

Bad Hofgastein – this skiing paradise 1h from Salzburg sports the Eastern Alps’ longest slope

2 Comments

To me Bad Hofgastein is synonymous with winter fun. My parents first came here with four of my uncles and aunts and one of my grandmothers in the late 1960s. From the time my sister and I were born in the mid-1970s my parents took us to the same B&B for a week every winter. The owners’ son, who now runs the hotel with his wife and oldest kid, and I engaged in snowball fights and built snowmen 40 years ago. This year round, my parents met up with Ms B & me for just an extended weekend (4 days and 4 nights). While my parents brought all of their own gear, we borrowed ours at Ski-Verleih Service Irausek (pre-ordered via Alpinresorts.com, both of which I’d recommend, even though if you can get a decent deal for ski rental at Angertal valley station then go for that, as much more […]

Continue Reading

You may also like

Fun, London, Winter

Skylight Ice Rink, Shadwell – Close to impossible to find, but good fun once you’re there

1 Comment

We’ve recently checked out the Skylight Ice Rink in East London, which is located on a roof top of the Tobacco Dock. Take the DLR from Bank (one stop) or London Overground from Whitchapel (one stop) or Canada Water (three stops) to Shadwell station. From the station, walk Cable Street westward until you get to the first major crossing, where you turn left into Cannon Street Road. Walk down Cannon Street Road until you get to The Highway. Turn left into The Highway, then immediately right into Chigwell Hill. When you reach the T-junction with Pennington Street, the Tobacco Dock parking house entrance will be on the opposite side of the street slightly to your left. The walking distance from the station is no more than five minutes. There will not be any meaningful signage, but just enter the parking house and the porter will point you towards the staircase […]

Continue Reading

You may also like