6 of the Most Festive London Ice Rinks
Winter isn’t Winter until you’ve layered up 3 pairs of socks, dug out your novelty pom pom beanie and glided onto the rink. If you agree with us that ice skating in London is an essential part of the run-up to Christmas then read on to see our pick of the 6 most festive ice rinks.
Somerset House
London’s most beautiful ice-rink
Ice-skating at Somerset House is an iconic Christmas pastime. It isn’t just ice skating that they have though, there is the Fortnum & Mason’s Lodge where you can feast on smoked salmon and champagne, the Skate pop-up, club nights on the ice and even a jazz festival on ice. Ice skating at Somerset House should be right at the top of your skating list.
Where: Strand, London, WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom
Website: www.somersethouse.org.uk
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Ice skating in the City
You work in the city, you’ve finished work, switched the computer off and got into ice skating mode, channelling your inner Torvill or Dean. Where do you go? You head to the Canary Wharf ice rink. Skate under the glittering fairy lights, or if you’re Bambi on ice then watch from the heated terrace. Afterwards we suggest you head to Plateau to their winter pop-up for a much needed cocktail.
Where: Montgomery Street, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB
Website: http://www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
Natural History Museum
Culture and skating
Think ice-skating in London and the rink at the Natural History Museum has to be up there with one of the classics. If you want you can get in some culture beforehand with a trip to the museum or you can just don your skates, twirl about (read: cling to the edge) for a bit before heading to the café for mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Where: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 5BD
Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/ice-rink/food-and-drink.html
Tower of London
A Royally good ice rink
One of the most iconic landmarks in London has once again transformed the dry moat into an ice rink. Skate with Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress in the backdrop, illuminated by twinkling blue and red lights. If you want your fate to end on a brighter note than poor old Anne Boleyn’s did, head to the Ice Cafe after for mulled wine, boozy hot chocolate and food from Chelsea shop The Pie Man.
Where: The Tower Of London, London, EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Website: www.hrp.org.uk
Broadgate Ice Rink
Get down to business
Just round the corner from Liverpool Street Station and Spitalfields Market lies Broadgate Ice Rink. Despite welcoming all ages and abilities with the iconic penguin and seal skate aids we suspect it will attract an older crowd. Suits and skates are a questionable sartorial combination but why not hire the rink out for a group booking or work night out so you can work the ice together.
Where: Broadgate Ice Rink, Exchange Square, Primrose Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 2BQ
Website: http://www.broadgate.co.uk/ice-rink-london
The London Eye
Eyeskating
The London Eye is great for enjoying aerial views of our lovely city, but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a view of the landmark itself. The ice rink in the forecourt of the London Eye is part of their Frostival winter experience and in addition to 45-minute skating slots they are offering skate and spin packages with a 30-minute rotation on the London Eye. We suggest skating first – the cocktails may make you believe you’re more Sochi-pro than Bambi-beginner.
Where: The London Eye, Riverside Building County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB
Website: https://www.londoneye.com/frostival
