Skate Tots is a great value, fun way to introduce under 5s to ice skating. It runs during term time on Monday and Friday mornings from 10am to 11am.

A section of the ice rink is separated from the main rink with barriers so you don't have to worry about older children and adults speeding past. For nervous (or lazy!) youngsters there are sledges on which you can pull your child along and Little Tikes-style cars that they can sit in. When your child is ready to try skating, there are model penguins which are about 80cm tall that your child can hold on to, so they can get used to the sensation of skating without worrying about balancing.

A qualified skating instructor is also on hand to give useful tips to children and parents. Lots of toys such as skittles, balls, cars and bubble wands are available for your child to play with: my 3 year old seems to have invented a game with a stick and puck while being pushed around by me in a car which seems like a cross between ice hockey and polo! The best part is that sessions are only £1 per skater so you can have change left over from a fiver for a hot chocolate in the cafe at the end of the session.