Ice skating in and around London
Feature by Lizzie Guilfoyle
IF YOU enjoy ice-skating or even just watching others take to the ice, there are several ice rinks to chose from, both in and around the capital, this coming festive season.
Canary Wharf – from November 12, 2011 to February 19, 2012.
Last season’s larger size rink has been maintained and is still located in Canada Square Park, surrounded by Canary Wharf’s famous towers. The park itself will be decked with lights; a fully licensed ice-side cafe will stock warming winter food and festive music will add to the holiday atmosphere.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink Website
Natural History Museum – from November 4, 2011 to January 8, 2012.
Set within the historic Victorian grounds of the Natural History Museum, the impressive 1,000 square metre ice rink has become an integral part of London’s winter scene since it first opened in 2005. Other on-site attractions include a children’s rink and a beautiful fairground carousel.
As well as taking in the beautiful location, guests can warm up in the cosmopolitan and cosy Café Bar, offering an extensive menu of sumptuous food, hot and cold drinks and entertainment for all to enjoy.
Natural History Museum Website
Somerset House – from November 22, 2011 to January 22, 2012.
Now celebrating its 12th birthday, this is London’s original outdoor ice rink. Situated in the magnificent courtyard of Somerset House, it’s presided over by a giant Christmas tree festooned with lights. As well as Club Nights, there are Big Ice Dance Lunchtime Workouts, Skate School, Teatime with Tiffany skate sessions, Storytelling and winter warmers at Tom’s Skate Lounge.
Somerset House Website
Tower of London – from November 19, 2011 to January 8, 2012.
Back for a seventh year, the rink is situated in the moat beneath the north wall. Hot drinks and snacks will also be available for skaters and spectators in the Moat Cafe.
Tower of London Ice Rink Website
Hampton Court – from November 26, 2011 to January 8, 2012.
Back for the ninth year, the 900-square-metre rink is located on the West Front of Henry VIII’s historical Tudor palace. The Frost Fayre Cafe serves a selection of hot refreshments, such as mulled wine and mince pies and there’s an old-fashioned carousel to add to the fun.
Hampton Court Ice Rink Website
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
Alexandra Palace’s ice rink is situated against the backdrop of its dramatic Victorian architecture. It has long been viewed as London’s ice rink, and home to the region’s ice skating communities. The rink has recently undergone a £2.3 million refurbishment, massively improving public skating conditions and also allowing it to be used as a competitive standard ice skating venue.
Alexandra Palace Website
Winter Wonderland – November 18, 2011 to January 3, 2012.
Set between Hyde Park Corner and the Serpentine, Winter Wonderland will once again transform London’s Hyde Park into an exciting world of ice and festive fun that will delight not only children but adults too.
Winter Wonderland Website
London Eye Ice Rink – November 19, 2011 to January 6, 2012.
For the second time, ice skating will be available daily, this year from midday to 9pm in November and from 10am to 9pm in December and January. Afterwards, warm up on a Mulled Wine flight – the perfect treat to enjoy with friends whilst experiencing the magic of London at Christmas.
London Eye Ice Rink Website