Christmas comes early as Born in the Borders opens real ice rink and enchanting winter wonderland

There’s more festival fun and Christmas cheer than ever being offered up at Born in The Borders’ winter wonderland.
Rebecca and Callie Patterson and Alan and Carter Purves try out the new rink with Steph Common, John Shankie and Page Ridley from Hawick and Ross, Isla and Astrid Gardiner from Galashiels.Rebecca and Callie Patterson and Alan and Carter Purves try out the new rink with Steph Common, John Shankie and Page Ridley from Hawick and Ross, Isla and Astrid Gardiner from Galashiels.
Rebecca and Callie Patterson and Alan and Carter Purves try out the new rink with Steph Common, John Shankie and Page Ridley from Hawick and Ross, Isla and Astrid Gardiner from Galashiels.

For the past two years, the brewery, gift shop and restaurant near Lanton has transformed its outdoor grounds into a haven of seasonal activities.

But this year it’s going one better with the introduction of a real ice rink for the first time.

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“This winter, we’ve pulled out all the stops to create the most amazing Christmas experiences ever,” owner John Henderson said. “From the real ice of our incredible new rink to the excitement of our illuminated forest walk, we’re inviting visitors to make some truly amazing memories this winter.”

Ice rink and enchanted forest attractions at Born in the Borders.Ice rink and enchanted forest attractions at Born in the Borders.
Ice rink and enchanted forest attractions at Born in the Borders.

The new ice rink is more than triple the size of the synthetic one which was on offer the last two years and is made of real ice.

“It’s a huge investment for us, but when we found out there wouldn’t be a rink at the Edinburgh market this year we thought it was the right thing to do in bringing one to the Borders,” John added.

“We see this as an opportunity to do something for the community and bring some community spirit and a bit of a Christmas feel to the region. The ice rink will be an anchor for that. Before we decided to go for it, we’d started work on a new illuminated forest walk, so we really decided to just go huge this Christmas.

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“There’s nothing like this in the Borders so people are having to spend time and money to travel elsewhere. We wanted to offer something that is affordable for families and really magical and special too.”

Further festive attractions running until January 5, include grass sledging and a series of visits from Disney princesses Anna and Elsa, of Frozen fame, for the kids.

Grown-ups, meanwhile can enjoy Christmas afternoon teas throughout the festive season.

The new ice rink is open from 10am to 4.30pm from Monday to Wednesday and from 10am to 7.30pm Thursday to Sunday. Sessions , costing £6, last 30 minutes and take a maximum of 25 people. Skates are provided as well as penguin aids for youngsters.

Grass sledging, meanwhile, is on offer from 10am to 4pm daily with 30 minute sessions costing £5.

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