There's something inherently romantic about skating. Surely, it's no coincidence that Torvill and Dean won Olympic Gold on Valentine's Day.

And think of Love Story, the greatest weepy of them all. Love might mean never having to say you're sorry, but with all that skating action, even Ali McGraw and Ryan O'Neill must have had a few accidental-on-purpose collisions.

Of course, it's another matter for the balance-challenged mortals among us. But with ice rinks springing up across London like Christmas specials on TV, we're all being encouraged to date and skate.

Determined to try it, I've booked a ticket for two at Kew Gardens Ice Rink and - in the wake of a more suitable suitor - I've borrowed my mate Rich for the occasion.

It's already dark when we arrive for our 6.30pm slot and the beautiful Temperate House - lit up with blue and green floodlights - gives Somerset House a run for its money in the picturesque stakes.

Unfortunately, I don't cut such an elegant pose. Instead of the pretty white boots I'd imagined, I'm handed the same chunky blue plastic skates as Rich. Thank goodness I've remembered to colour-coordinate my outfit as my snowflake socks are soon on display.

Stepping out onto the ice is quite a leveller. As with so many dates, we get off to a slippery start but our wobbles force us to break the touch barrier immediately.

Balancing really is easier when holding hands (I promise) and some degree of body contact is inevitable, it just might be from someone else. One girl comes careering up behind me and is forced to use my bottom as a brake.

We speed up as our confidence grows but the proverbial pride is my downfall before long, and as Rich scoops me back up on my feet, I turn all girlie and giggly despite myself.

Sadly, dating your mate (as I've been warned) is hardly ideal and in the absence of romance on our part, we quiz some other couples instead. They're certainly out in force - from fresh-faced teenagers in mini-skirts and hoodies to the older, more cautious fleece brigade. And they all agree a skate date makes a welcome change from the cinema.

I'd hazard a guess that it might even be good for frostier couples, more used to skating around the issue than an ice-rink. Because going round in circles is the point. And, who knows, you may just fall head-over-heels all over again.

Kew Gardens Ice Rink, Victoria Gate, Kew Road, Kew, until Sunday, January 7, hourly slots from 10am to 10pm, £8-£10, family ticket £30 (1 adult 3 children, 2 adults 2 children), spectators £1.

Call 0870 4000 797 or visit kewgardens icerink.com for more information.