By Lauren Harmes
It’s that time of year where you pack away your summer clothes, fish out the winter warmers and enjoy the activities that the festive season brings. One of Londoners’ favourite festive events is ice skating, and in our great city we’re lucky enough to have a selection of rinks to choose from.
Here are some of our favourites:
Natural History Museum
The most famous ice rink in London is back again for 2019. The Natural History Museum outdoor rink boasts a huge Christmas tree in the middle of the ice for that perfect Instagram shot. When you’ve tired yourself out after a few laps, head inside the museum for a leisurely stroll around the exhibits or enjoy a warming beverage or two in The Coffee House to thaw out.
Open 10am – 9pm until 6th January 2020.
SKATE at Somerset House
For a beautiful setting as the backdrop of your ice skating adventure, it doesn’t get much more picturesque than Somerset House. Get your skates on and glide around the courtyard to your heart’s content before delving into some shopping in the Fortnum & Mason Christmas Arcade or enjoy a mulled wine in The Fortnum’s Lodge – what could be more perfect?
London Revealed recommends: on 7th December London’s first 24-hour skating event will be taking place, with DJs providing the soundtrack to an ice spectacular.
Open 10am – 10:45pm until 12th January 2020.
Skylight at Tobacco Dock
If you fancy an ice skating experience with a difference, look no further than Skylight at Tobacco Dock – a rooftop ice rink with spectacular views.
With bars, igloos and live entertainment at Europe’s only rooftop ice rink, you’d be a fool to miss out on this perfect winter date night.
Open until 5th January 2020.
Tower of London
There is nothing better than gliding around an ice rink at one of the capital’s most famous landmarks, and this rink at the Tower of London is no different.
Expect to see the walls of the tower covered in lights when darkness falls, and a heated Ice Rink Café when the cold snap gets too much for you to bear – just watch out for the ravens!
Open 10:30am – 9:30pm until 5th January 2020.
Hampton Court Palace
Fancy your ice skating with a side of royalty? Head down to Hampton Court Palace where you can regally glide around in the former home of King Henry VIII.
Skate against the backdrop of one of the most stunning palaces in the world, followed by a visit to Hampton Court with a delicious hot drink in the café to round it all off.
Open 10:30am to 9:30pm until 5th January 2020.
Bar Elba, Waterloo
Now for something a little less grand but no less charming, Bar Elba is another rooftop ice rink situated in Waterloo.
Themed on the Mediterranean island of Elba where Napoleon fled to for 300 days, this unusual ice rink offers mulled wine, hot cocktails and blankets as well as festive burgers. This is the adult’s only ice rink you’ll be telling all of your friends about.
Open 4pm to 1am until 28th February 2020.
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