London offers some great ice skating spots with iconic backdrops from historic castles to stunning museums.
So whether you’re Bambi on ice or a self-confessed semi-pro figure skater, ice skating in the capital is a must for its magical open-air view of the city.
Broadgate
The glamorous rink is located in the heart of the city and has a rinkside bar, perfect for a drink apres-skate.
There’s also plenty for kids with skating aids and lessons on offer.
When: November 14 – February 2. Open 10am-10pm (Mon-Fri); 10am-10pm (Sat-Sun).
Where: Broadgate, EC2A 2BQ.
Cost: Adults £13.50; children £9.50; families £36.50.
Closest Tube: Liverpool Street; Shoreditch High Street.
Canary Wharf
Located in the heart of the business district, the Canada Square Park ice rink is perfect for business professionals who want a fun getaway from the office.
The bar serves drinks seasonal snacks, perfect for an after-work soiree with colleges.
If you want to watch under the heated viewing deck, this year over 8,000 LED lights will be sparkling under the ice and will make for a magical sight.
When: November 4 – February 25. Open 10am-10.15pm (Mon-Thur); 10.30am-10.45pm (Fri); 9.30am-10.45pm (Sat); 9.30am-9.30pm (Sun).
Where: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB.
Cost: Adults from £9.95 (early bird offer); children £9.95. A £2.50 booking fee applies and there are fees to use the lockers.
Closest Tube: Canary Wharf.
Winter Wonderland- Hyde Park
Nothing says Christmas like Winter Wonderland!
With fun-fair games and rides for children and adults, market stalls serving festive treats, circuses and the Magical Ice Kingdom, Winter Wonderland is a must-see.
Entry to Winter Wonderland is free and just a wander through the park will turn a scrooge into Elf.
The ice rink is the biggest outdoor rink in the UK and is sure to get you into the spirit of the season, with views of the surrounding Christmas themed fairground.
When: November 18 – January 2. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Where: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH.
Cost: Adults from £9.50; children from £7.50.
Closest Tube: Hyde Park Corner.
Natural History Museum
Dance with dinosaurs this year at the ice rink on the lawn of the Natural History Museum.
The rink is 1,000 meters square, and connects to a smaller rink for children with less skating experience.
The enchanting rink is accompanied by a nine foot Christmas tree set to dazzle with 6,000 fairy lights, 1,000 Swarovski crystals and surrounded by live music, a fair-ground carousel and a café-bar.
When: October 27 – January 8. Open daily 11am-9pm.
Where: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.
Cost: Adults from £12.65; children from £8.80; families from £39.60.
Closest Tube: South Kensington
Sommerset House
The 900 square meter ice rink oozes sophistication with the stunning Sommerset House as a backdrop and tempting festive treats.
The rink-side lodge will offer champagne, afternoon tea and even private dining whilst on ‘club night’ you’ll be able to dance the night away to the Ministry of Sound.
When: November 17 – January 15. Open daily 10am-10.15pm (Club Nights run until 11.30pm and there are a smattering of morning sessions from 8.45am to 9.45am).
Where: Somerset House, The Strand, London WC2R 1LA.
How much: From £7.50; a booking fee is applied to each ticket booked online, plus a one-off transaction charge.
Tube: Temple; Charing Cross; Covent Garden.
Tower of London
Less than 10 minutes away from our Tower Hill apartment, this ice rink is on the (dry) moat of the Tower of London.
Take in views of the ancient cast while you skate or visit the ice bar for drinks on ice…. Literally.
When: November 16 – January 3. Open daily from 11am to 10pm.
Where: Tower of London, EC3N 4AB.
Cost: Adults from £13.50; children from £9.50.
Closest Tube: Tower Hill.
By Orianna Rosa Royle