Cornwall


<p>From Crave&#8217;s <em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/film-tv/heated-rivalry-is-this-the-hottest-and-most-uncomfortable-watch-on-tv-right-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heated Rivalry</a></em> to the buzz and bravado building around the XXV Winter Olympic Games (aka Milano Cortina 2026, on from Fri 6 to Sun 22 Feb), ice sports are officially having <em>a moment</em>. Cornwall is more well known for water sports and surfing, but there are still a few surprisingly close-to-home spots where you can swap waves for blades and give winter sports a go. Cold never looked so cool (or hot!).</p>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Official Trailer | Heated Rivalry (Crave Original)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ADi1iextoUM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-skating">Ice Skating</h2>



<p>In Cornwall we have the <a href="https://www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-on/ice-skating" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eden Project’s ice rink</a>, which remains open throughout the winter season, including February half term, offering people in Cornwall and across the South West a special chance each year to try <strong>ice skating</strong> at a time when very few alternative local venues are available. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/02/Eden-Project-ice-rink-Aisling-Lessiter-Oatey-1000x667.jpg" alt="Young British ice-skating star, Aísling Lessiter, was invited to be among the first to glide onto the Eden Project’s glittering ice rink" class="wp-image-39720" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/02/Eden-Project-ice-rink-Aisling-Lessiter-Oatey-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/02/Eden-Project-ice-rink-Aisling-Lessiter-Oatey-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/02/Eden-Project-ice-rink-Aisling-Lessiter-Oatey-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/02/Eden-Project-ice-rink-Aisling-Lessiter-Oatey.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Young British ice-skating star, Aísling Lessiter on the Eden Project’s glittering ice rink</figcaption></figure>



<p>Lessons, family-friendly and toddler play sessions can be booked to get started or to help build confidence and skill ensuring people of all ages and abilities can join in.&nbsp;Book a 40-minute ice skating session, which is suitable for all ages and abilities and includes skate hire for £13 (adults), £10 (children) or £40 for a family ticket, plus you&#8217;ll need Eden entry too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-hockey">Ice Hockey</h2>



<p>If Shane and Ilya have nudged you into watching, or even fancy having a crack at, <a href="https://englandicehockey.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice hockey</a>, you&#8217;ll need to venture beyond Cornwall. There’s a growing campaign to bring back a permanent ice rink to Plymouth since Plymouth Pavilions closed, so with a bit more local buzz and bums on seats, who knows – we might just help nudge <a href="https://www.instagram.com/teamgbicehockey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Team GB</a> back onto the world stage. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/02/2.icehockey-1000x667.jpg" alt="ice hockey in bristol" class="wp-image-80840" /></figure>



<p>Fear not, if you want to have a go at ice hockey or even synchro skating (a bit like figure skating but in a team!) the answer is still gloriously South West. Until Plymouth does get a rink the (amateur but very passionate) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/plymouthphoenixicehockey/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Phoenix Ice Hockey team</a> train and play up in Bristol, which also means a handy excuse to catch the <a href="https://bristolpitbulls.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bristol Pit Bulls</a> in action while you’re there. They train at <a href="https://planet-ice.co.uk/locations/bristol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planet Ice</a>, Bristol, which also has a top notch track record for teaching people to skate, even adopting the ‘Skate Excellence’ program which places a bigger emphasis on fun whilst learning. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curling">Curling</h2>



<p>Wanna have a go at curling? Sorry this one is not South-West at all but if you&#8217;re heading to <a href="https://london.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/winter-olympics-sports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London</a>, you’re in luck because the ice sport that involves sliding discs as close as possible to a target has landed at King’s Cross. Take advantage of pop up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kingscross.co.uk/event/club-curling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Club Curling</a>&nbsp;(closes 1 March; tickets £12; open 12 – 9pm). at Coals Drop Yard, which has multiple ice bays where players of up to six can compete, plus a Club Curling Lounge inspired by vintage Italian ski culture, serving cocktails, Morty’s hot chocolate, mulled wine and coffee.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/P_KXC_PRJ_COL_001_N12941_kxweb-1240x836-1-1024x690.jpg" alt="Club Curling " class="wp-image-17964" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skiing-amp-snowboarding">Skiing &amp; snowboarding</h2>



<p>If Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale winning mixed team snowboard cross gold at Milano Cortina 2026 has you craving a lesson, your best bet is to nip just over the border to <strong><a href="https://www.jnlplymouth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Snow Sports</a></strong>.</p>



<p>There were plans for a ski slope in St Austell with Altitude Snow Park granted planning permission back in 2021, but until that pipe dream becomes reality (and let’s be honest, it’s not looking hugely promising right now) it is off to Plymouth. Perched above the Plym Valley near the A38, this dry slope serves up skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and assorted downhill thrills, and all conveniently close enough to still count as a Cornwall-friendly day trip. Alpine vibes, minus the passport.</p>



<p>If you want to make more of a weekend of it, <a href="https://www.gloucesterski.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gloucester Ski &amp; Snowboard Centre</a>, Gloucester is the biggest and best ski destination in the region. Or, hit up Staffordshire&#8217;s Tamworth for the incredible <a href="https://www.snowdome.co.uk/snow-fun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snow Dome</a> where you can get stuck into skiing, ice-skating, snow play and loads more. Check out <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/weekend-escapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weekend Escapes</a> to plan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skeleton-and-bobsleigh">Skeleton and Bobsleigh</h2>



<p>If Matt Weston&#8217;s two golds (one alongside Tabby Stoecker) have you googling &#8220;where to try skeleton Cornwall&#8221; &#8211; not just us, surely! &#8211; sadly there is no ice track in Cornwall. You&#8217;ll need to keep an eye on the <a href="https://www.thebbsa.co.uk/give-it-a-go" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Bobsleigh &amp; Skeleton Association</a> who run from the University of Bath. They run taster sessions during the summer, and once they&#8217;re all back from Italy will surely be opening up their dates for 2026 and 2027. Or, <a href="https://www.thebbsa.co.uk/join-the-team-live-the-dream" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use their sign-up form</a> to be considered for the next Olympic cycle! No, we don&#8217;t have any idea what skills you really need, but have a go! What is the worst that could happen?</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/snowdrops/">Snowdrops everywhere! Where to find them in Cornwall</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/film-tv/heated-rivalry-is-this-the-hottest-and-most-uncomfortable-watch-on-tv-right-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘Heated Rivalry’: Is this the hottest watch on TV right now?</a></li>



<li><a href="https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/top-gastropubs-cornwall/">Top 50 gastropubs 2026 revealed but which pubs in Cornwall made the list?</a></li>
</ul>


Ice ice baby! Where to try locally if you’re inspired for some winter sports action

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