London Ice Skating – Where to Get Your Glide On
Even if snow doesn't blanket London this winter, there's plenty of ice to go around as several squares are transformed into ice-skating rinks for the frosty months of December through February. Having a spin around the rink is a time-honoured tradition for both visitors and residents of the British metropolis, so here are a few of the places to for a day of ice-filled fun and what's nearby to see and do.
Somerset House
One of the most popular of the London ice rinks, the one at Somerset House is set up in the enclosed courtyard of this stately building. It’s pretty sizable, and has a drinks tent set up next to it by whichever sponsor is on board this year. Somerset House is located on the Strand, very near to Covent Garden on one side and Waterloo Bridge on the other, so dinner or drinks at Covent Garden before or after would be very convenient, and you’re pretty much in theatre-land here, so you could time it nicely with a show. Tickets need to be booked in advance and tend to cost about £10 at full price. The rink is open from November 22nd 2011 – until January 22nd 2012.
Alexandra Palace
Taking the ice-skating trip north, Alexandra Palace is a spectacular building from 1873 which is set in Alexandra Park. It is the venue for public events, exhibitions and concerts, and its ice rink is actually a permanent fixture open all year round, so if you just miss the dates for the seasonal rinks but are still feeling like a spot of ice-skating would be festive then you can always head here. Although easily accessible by tube, it’s quite isolated in terms of London sites, so it would be worth seeing if there are any events going on at the Palace at the same time as your visit. Prices are anywhere between £5 at the bottom end and £27 for a family ticket.
National History Museum
Another stunning and very popular venue, this ice rink is set up right in the grounds of the NHM, with the colourful brick towering over the skaters. This is a great one to have a spin on if you’ve just been visiting the South Kensington-based museum itself, the Science Museum or the V&A just down the road, or have been at a concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Plenty of hotels are in the South Kensington area, too, so you might find yourself based here. The rink is open from 4th November 2011 to 8th January 2012, and ticket prices start at £8 and average out at about £12 at peak times.
Hyde Park
Very central, but very rural. All we need is some snow and it will be a winter wonderland. Actually, that’s what it’s called: The Winter Wonderland is set up in Hyde Park every year, and includes a Christmas circus, rollercoaster rides and Santa Land, along with sparkly lights and chestnuts roasting on open fires. The Winter Wonderland hosts the biggest ice rink in London which sits amid an area packed to the gills with entertainment for the whole family. While the Winter Wonderland itself is free to enter, it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance for skating. Full adult price for peak times rises to £13.50, and the rink is open from 18th November 2011 until 3rd January 2012.
Westfield Shopping Centre
One for the shoppers: the still sparkly and new Westfield Shopping Centre by Shepherd’s Bush station is one of the biggest in Europe, and gets into the festive spirit by putting up an ice rink for people to take a break from their consumerism and glide around the ice for a while. While the roof is glass “so you can skate under the stars”, it is nevertheless indoors, so perhaps a little less chilly than the other rinks. Prices start at £9.50 for adults, and while the opening dates are to be confirmed, the working dates are 19th November 2011 until 8th January 2012.