National Ice Centre

You're looking at one of the UK's premier indoor ice skating venues, right on the edge of Nottingham city centre. The National Ice Centre houses two Olympic-standard ice rinks under one roof - one for public skating, one primarily for training and competitions. It's the sort of place that actually delivers on what it promises: proper ice, good conditions, and enough space that you're not queueing for hours to get on the rink.

Public skating sessions run throughout the week, though you'll want to check the timetable before you go as they share ice time with club skaters and events. Hire skates are available if you haven't brought your own, which most casual visitors won't have. The café does the usual overpriced arena food - coffee, chips, that sort of thing.

It's brilliant for families with kids who fancy a go at skating, though younger children will need proper support and patience. Experienced skaters get more from it, obviously. Even if you're not stepping on the ice yourself, watching the speed skaters and figure skaters train is worth an hour of your time - they're genuinely impressive.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites like Holme Pierrepont just down the road, it's an easy afternoon out that doesn't depend on the weather. Admission isn't free, but it's not ruinous. Allow two to three hours including getting changed and grabbing a bite. Winter months are naturally peak season, but sessions run year-round.