There is so much to look forward to this winter across the North East, from hours of Christmas shopping, planning an evening stroll at a festive lights trail or visiting as many Christmas markets as you can.

For those looking to do something a little bit different this year, why not try ice skating?

Whether you’re a pro on the skates or you’ve never whizzed around the ice before, wrap up warm and head to your nearest ice rink with family and friends for hours of fun.

You certainly won’t be alone if you find yourself holding on to the sides for most of the time or find yourself grabbing a little plastic penguin to push around for some support – we’ve all been there.

Some of the best ice rinks in the North East to visit

Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town Ice Rink

Location: Bishop Auckland Marketplace

Dates: November 24-26

On the Bishop Auckland Christmas Town website, it says: “Embrace the thrill of gliding through the Christmas Town Ice Rink—a winter wonderland experience for all ages.

“Lace-up those skates, and let the festivities begin! Experience the enchantment of the season as the Christmas Town Ice Rink returns for another spectacular year!”

The special Christmas ice rink will be open on Friday (4pm-9pm), Saturday (10am-8pm) and Sunday (10am-6pm).

Tickets cost £8 per adult and £6 per child – book online now.

@scienceatlife Slaying their routine during Storm Debi 💅⛸️⛈️ #iceskating #icerink #figureskating #routine #storm #newcastle #northeast #ne1 #sciencecentre ♬ It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls

Billingham Forum Ice Arena

Location: Town Centre, The Causeway, Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham, TS23 2LJ

There are various ice skating events to attend at Billingham Forum Ice Arena, from ‘Simply Skate’, ‘Family Freeze’, ‘Pulse’ and ‘SNAPS’.

You can see the full timetable here including prices for all sessions.

Whitley Bay Ice Rink

Location: Hillheads Road, Whitley Bay, NE25 8HP

The website says: “Whitley Bay Ice Rink was built with the idea that we can provide a fun and unusual fitness activity for families to enjoy all year round.

“We are the most established Ice Rink in the country and have hosted many Olympic stars! So come and have a fun day out Ice Skating or come watch one of our thrilling Whitley Bay Warriors ice hockey matches.”

If you want to learn to skate there are adult classes, kids classes and public skating sessions.

You can see the full timetable here including prices for all sessions.

Rainton Arena

Location: Rainton Arena, Mercantile Road, Houghton Le Spring, DH4 5PH

Dates: 24 November until December 31

The website says: “With the winter months on our doorstep and the Christmas season around the corner, it’s time to get on the Ice rink and glide, cut shapes and have the time of your life on our ice rink! The perfect winter activity that will get you moving, encourage quality time and banish those winter blues.

It adds: “A fun and energetic activity to accompany a Winter Wonderland, the ice skating rink will be our main attraction.

"Families can choose various ice skating sessions during the day, including afternoon sun, twilight and after-dark under the stars!”

The Winter Wonderland event at Rainton Arena also runs from November 24 until December 31 (various times).

Fairground rides, Santa’s Grotto, a tipi bar and food stalls will all be available.

Rainton Arena says: “Immerse yourself in all things festive for 5 weeks from 24th November to New Year's Eve.

“Offering a wide variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks and so much more, we guarantee there’s something for everyone!”

No tickets are needed for entry to the fair.

The Northern Echo: What's your favourite thing about ice skating?What's your favourite thing about ice skating? (Image: Getty)

Ice skating tickets cost £2 per person mid-week and £6 per person on weekends – children ages 4-14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Life Science Centre

Location: Life Science Centre International Centre for Life, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP

Dates: November 11 until January 7

The website says: “Life’s open-air ice rink returns for the festive season until Sunday 7 January. 

“Situated in Times Square, just outside Life Science Centre, the rink is ideal for ice skaters of all abilities and ages.

"Skating sessions last approximately one hour (includes time to fit skates so expect 45 minutes on the ice). To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking tickets online ahead of your visit."

The ticket prices are as follows:

  • Family of four (max two adults) - £46.00
  • Adult (age 18 and over) - £15.00
  • Child (age 10 and over) - £13.50
  • Child (age 9 and under) - £11.50
  • Carer (please bring proof) – free

You can book your tickets on the Life Science Centre website now.