Bath’s popular festive ice rink is to be nearly 50% bigger this Christmas after its expansion plans were approved by councillors.
The increase from 494 sq m to 720 sq m will enable operator Bath on Ice to accommodate up to 240 people per session on the rink. It will also be lit up alongside the glow-in-the-dark mini golf course in Royal Victoria Park. 
Additional space has been created for a newly themed Moguls Alpine Bar and Pizzeria as well as larger viewing areas and more seating.
Now in its sixth year, Bath on Ice, pictured, has been named as one of the top eight festive ice rinks in the UK outside of London, due partly to its location close to the Royal Crescent. This year it will open on November 17.
Bath on Ice director Simon Smith said: “We have listened to feedback from our customers, who wanted more space to skate. Our dream for the last five years has been to expand and this new scheme has been a long time in the making. Bath deserves an ice-rink of this size and quality and we are delighted that we now have the go ahead.
“Our new layout will maximise the customer experience in every way. Skate hire, outdoor viewing space, indoor heated seated areas, bar capacity – every facet of Bath on Ice will get an upgrade and we can’t wait to show people. We always say we never want to stop improving.”
Opening times are 10.30am-9.30pm (dusk until 9.30pm for golf) from November 17 to January 2.
