Attingham Christmas magic to include new skating rink

Visitors to Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury, will be able to experience 'Skate Attingham' from December through to early January, with an innovative eco skating rink in the outer courtyard behind the Georgian mansion.

‘Skate Attingham’ will be open from Saturday, December 2, to Sunday, January 7 – excluding Christmas day, and visitors can book tickets now.

Nick Harris, visitor operations and experience manager at Attingham said: “The eco rink will add an extra sprinkle of magic to Christmas visits at Attingham this year.

"Follow the fairy lights leading to the outer courtyard at the rear of the mansion, to find Skate Attingham, equip yourself with a pair of our special boots and glide gracefully onto the synthetic acrylic ‘ice’ surface to enjoy a festive skating session.”

Attingham said that the rink is made from a synthetic acrylic ice that does not consume excessive energy and "does not compromise on the fun factor".

The eco-rink will be sheltered, ensuring the experience will not be affected by the weather.

Each skate session lasts for 30 minutes and is suitable for children aged five upwards, or those wearing infant size eight shoes.

Tickets cost £4 per child and £8 per adult, family tickets are also available – admission charges also apply for non-members of the National Trust.

Pre-booking is advised for the experience.

Skate Attingham is not the only festive entertainment at Attingham Park this December.

The mansion will be filled with themed festive decorations that will explore stories of 'illusion, deception, and material possessions'.

Sorrel Poulton, senior collections and house officer at Attingham said: "Visitors are invited to look beyond the glitz and glamour to find out what really mattered to the people of Attingham.

"While exploring two floors of historic rooms filled with stunning themed Christmas trees and decorations, celebrating the hidden depths of Attingham.”

People can enjoy ‘All that Glitters’ in the Mansion from Saturday, December 2, to Monday, January 1 – excluding Christmas Day, with pre-bookable visits.

'All that Glitters' tickets will be released in one-week blocks, with two weeks available to book at any one time.

The first tickets release will be available to book from Thursday, November 16, via Attingham’s website.

A sprinkle of Christmas magic will also be found around the outdoors at the venue with twinkling Christmas trees welcoming visitors on arrival.

For youngsters there will also be the magic of the ‘Tale Trail’. With decorated trees around the Mile Walk all themed around classic fairy tales, families will need to guess which tree has come from which tale.

After completing the trail participants will take home a gingerbread man.

The activity trail costs £4 per pack and can be purchased on arrival.

Visitors to the outdoors will not need to book for the trail or the outdoors.

National Trust members and under 5s can visit for free, admission charges apply for non-members.

For more information on Christmas at Attingham Park, and how to book for Christmas events at Attingham, please visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park.

Bookings can only be made via the website or by calling the Central Booking Line on 03442 491895.