It’s an hour’s drive from Bristol and is home to more than 90 brands
A file image of Clarks Village Ice Rink(Image: Clarks Village Ice Rink)
An outlet shopping village in Somerset has confirmed the return of its “magical” Christmas attraction. Clarks Village, which is just over an hour’s drive from Bristol, will open its seasonal ice rink on November 11.
This will mark the fourth year that shoppers will be able to glide around on their skates, but bosses have announced a twist for 2025, SomersetLive reports.
Chris Davis, centre director of Clarks Village, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the ice rink back to Clarks Village its fourth year. It’s become a much-loved part of our Christmas offering, whether guests are here to enjoy the skating itself or make it part of a full festive day out with shopping and dining.
“This year promises to be even more special, as we introduce a series of exciting new themed nights designed to make the experience truly unforgettable. The ice rink really brings an extra touch of magic to the outlet at Christmas, and we can’t wait to welcome guests from across the region to enjoy it with us.”
Bristol shoppers used to enjoy the festive outdoor rink at Cribbs Causeway, but it is not yet clear if it will return this year. For those wiling to travel further, there are a few other options for skaters within an hour’s radius of the city.
The undercover rink at Clarks Village in Street will span 550-metres and run for more than seven weeks until January 4. Features include wheelchair accessibility, Friday disco nights, 2-for-1 skating deals plus special quiet sessions and parent and toddler sessions.
Pre-bookable 45-minute sessions, including skate hire, are priced from £13.50 for children aged 12 and under, £15.50 for adults and from £50 for family tickets. An early-bird discount of 20 per cent is available for those who book before midnight on November 10.
The outlet mall is home to more than 90 brands including Barbour, FatFace, M&S, Joules and Hotel Chocolat, as well as restaurant chains such as Wagamama, Slim Chickens, Pret and Bill’s. The latest addition opened just this week in the form of Castore Sportswear.
Clarks Village entrance, Street, Somerset, UK(Image: Education Images/Getty Images)
Alongside its sporting collaborations, Castore offers its own range of men’s, women’s and junior clothing designed for both training and everyday wear. Also launching at the outlet is The Handmade Boutique – a pop-up store featuring creations from up to 40 local producers, crafters and artists.
Opening hours at Clarks Village are until 7pm on weekdays and Saturdays but there is late-night shopping every Thursday, when closing time is delayed until 8pm. It’s worth noting that the shopping area is outdoor and open to the elements, unlike other malls such as the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Swindon.
The Swindon outlet is advertising even later shopping hours as part of a half term event next week. On Wednesday and Thursday (October 29 and 30) many shops will be open from 10am until 10pm and an extra 20 per cent discount will be offered, with “magical performances through the night” according to McArthurGlen.