It's December and that can only mean one thing: it's time to get our skates on and hit the ice, when all over London parks, shopping centres historic attractions provide a inspiring backdrop for you to glide elegantly into Christmas. Here's our round-up of our favourites. Bear in mind that at most places you will need to book and that there is often a difference between peak time and off-peak prices; family tickets are often available.
Canary Wharf
Skating through the trees of Canada Park underneath the twinkling lights is the closest you get to Manhattan in London. There's a unique skate path with trees lit with fairy lights and an impressive traditional Christmas market.
Nov 4–Feb 25. Prices From: Child £10.50; Adult £14.50; Family Tickets Available.
Somerset House
An
all-time Christmas favourite of any Londoner, Somerset House is one of the best
ice skating rinks around. With top
DJ club nights, spinning tunes as you go round, plus the dazzling fairy lights
and gorgeous enclosed surroundings, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
Nov 15–Jan 14. Tickets from £7.50.
Natural History Museum
The diamond-encrusted feel of the tiny twinkling fairy lights illuminating the stunning History museum building couldn't be a more romantic place to skate. If you go on a late weekday evening, you'll get the true intimate experience.
Oct 26–Jan 7.
Child £8.80, Adult £12.65.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Boasting one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in the UK, Hyde Park, with its mammoth Winter Wonderland is the where all the Londoners flock to each December.
Nov 17–Jan 1. Child from £8.50; Adult from £9.50.
Hampton Court Palace
The
iconic grounds of this Tudor palace make a delightful stage for skating, steeped in history and a touch of
magic. And if you book a session in the dark, the entire palace is illuminated, making this grand setting even more magical.
Nov 24–Jan 7. Child £10.00; Teen £12.00; Adult £14.50. Family tickets from £40.
Tower of London
It's not often you get the chance to skate in the moat of a medieval castle, but the ice rink at the Tower of London offers you the chance every year to do just that. And afterwards you can warm up in their cosy Ice Bar & Café.
Nov 17–Jan 2. Child from £10.50; Teen £12.50; Adult £14.50. Family tickets from £42.00
Winterville
The Winterville Ice Rink is the first ever on Clapham Common, but if gliding across the Common doesn’t appeal, then why not enjoy a winter warmer in the neighbouring café, where you can check out all the action in comfort.
Nov 23–Jan 1. Child from £9.00; Adult £13.50.
Greenwich Winter Time
There's a new Christmas experience in town: Greenwich Winter Time Festival. Experience the magic of skating on a bespoke, covered clear canopied ice rink in the historic courtyards of the Old Royal Naval College, on the banks of the River Thames.
Dec 1-Dec 31 (please note, some dates you cannot book) Child £14.00; Adult £20.00
Skylight Rooftop Tobacco Dock
London's most imaginative rooftop destination has been transformed this winter to feature London’s first rooftop ice skating surface as well as lots of other goodies: offer delicious fondue, seasonal cocktails and mulled wine.
Nov 2- until early in the New Year. Tickets £10.00 (please note, children are able to join in the fun when Skylight is open during the afternoons (12:00 - 18:00).
Westfield
Take a break from your shopping to hit the ice at Stratford's Westfield, and afterwards enjoy a cocktail at their rinkside bar.
Nov 24–Jan 8. Child from £8.80; Adult from £10.50; Family Tickets from £31.50.
Wembley Park
What more could you want than to top off your Christmas shopping at the nearby London Designer Outlet Centre with a spin on the ice under Wembley Stadium's iconic arch?
Nov 18–Jan 2. Child £5.50-£7.50; Adult from £12.50.
