Get your skates on – these are the best ice rinks London has to offer this Christmas
Along with those highly anticipated Christmas adverts and window displays, the festive season also heralds the return of many ice rinks in London. Yep – it’s time to get your skates on.
Whether you’re a pro skater or an ice rink amateur, there are dozens of rinks dotted around the capital’s landmarks.
Here’s a roundup of the city’s best, in case you’re not yet convinced
Broadgate
Broadgate is home to London’s longest-running outdoor ice rink. It opens today, and runs right through until February next year – so you've got plenty of time to fit a couple of trips in.
Adults, £13.50; children (aged 4-13), £9.50
Opening times: 10am – 10pm daily (extended opening hours on 31st December)
Canary Wharf
This year Canary Wharf has upped its ice skating game, and has created “LuminoCity”, 8km of LED lights which sparkle under the ice, and features an astonishing 16m different colours. If you just can’t get enough of the bright lights of the city, this may be the spot for you.
Adults (13 years and over) from £14.50; children from £10.50
Opening Times: 9am until 10pm daily
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
This venue offers an array of activities to enjoy – as well as ice skating you can go on the numerous funfair rides, watch a show at the circus – and there are also themed bars for the grown-ups.
Adults from £9.50; children from £7.50
Opening times: 10am – 10pm
(Source: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com)
Somerset House
Back with its Fortnum and Mason partnership, this venue (as featured in Chrimbo classic Love Actually) offers an impressive backdrop for skating sessions this festive season. The Fortnum's Lodge will offer champagne, afternoon tea and even private dining, as well as exclusive club nights. The rink opens on 17 November and will run till 15 January.
From £7.50
Opening times: 10am until 10.15pm daily
(Source: www.somersethouse.org.uk)
Natural History Museum, Kensington
Open until 8 January, you can have a fun day or night out on the ice against the backdrop of Hintze Hall, where there’s also a smaller rink for children for a gentler space to practice in. The surrounding trees, draped in fairy lights, provide a bit of extra magic.
Adults, from £12.65; children (12 and under) from £8.80
Opening times: 10am-5.50pm (last admission 5.30pm)
(Source: www.nhm.ac.uk)
Tower of London
Offering a grand historical setting for seasonal skating sessions, take a twirl on the grounds of the Tower of London. It opens on 16 November and closes 3 January 2017 – and to keep things cool, there’s also an ice bar on site.
Adults from £12.15; children from £8.55
Opening times: First skate 11.00am, last skate 9.00pm
(Source: www.toweroflondonicerink.co.uk)
Westfield, Shepherd's Bush
Take a break from shopping and skate to live music under twinkling Christmas lights. The rink has a 160-person capacity and is located in the shopping centre’s atrium. Sessions are an hour long, and penguin- and seal-shaped stabilisers are available for younger skaters.
Adults from £10.50; children £8.50
Opening times: 10am til 9pm Mon – Sat, 10am til 6pm Sun
