Get your skates on to the zoo (From This is Hampshire)

Get your skates on to the zoo

3:04pm Sunday 21st October 2007 in News

MARWELL Zoo is to have an outdoor ice skating rink for the first time this Christmas.

The park, near Colden Common, is hoping to attract families throughout the festive season by erecting the 300-metre square ice rink.

It follows Winchester Cathedral, which will bring back its ice rink this Christmas after attracting 35,000 skaters last year.

Marwell's ice rink, which opens on December 1, will have a spectators' area, where guests can drink mulled wine and mince pies from the various food stalls.

The attraction will form a part of Marwell's Christmas programme of events, which will include a Santa's Grotto, festive illuminations and trips around 14th century Marwell Hall, which will be specially decorated for the occasion.

From Boxing Day, Marwell will run The Cinderella Experience' for children, which will see characters from the pantomime telling stories to the youngsters, who are encouraged to get involved.

Fifty minutes on the ice rink will cost £6 per adult and £5 per child, although visitors will have to pay for entry to the park, which is £13.25 per adult and £9.25 per child.

However, there will be special after dark' tickets on offer so families can visit the ice rink and other Yuletide attractions after 4pm, after the main zoo is closed. This will be free for children and £3.50 per adult.

Marwell's Magical Winter will open everyday from Saturday, December 1 up to and including Sunday, January 13, excluding Christmas Day.

For more information or to book visit www.magicalwinter.co.uk or telephone 08714 720419.