London’s ice rinks are inviting guests to get into the festive spirit nice and early this year, with a variety of winter themed pop ups opening from November through to the New Year. To help you decide which ice rink is going to be the best for you (whether you’re a pro or more of a Bambi on ice), we’ve listed what we think are the best ice rinks in London and why you should visit them this year.
Natural History Museum
One of the most enchanting ice skating rinks resides against the beautiful backdrop of the Alfred Waterhouse buildings at the Natural History Museum. With a grand Christmas tree in the centre of the ice, visitors are invited to get their skates on and join in the festive cheer. Hotel Chocolat will be cheering you on from the sidelines this year, providing a selection of toasty beverages, alongside an indoor Café Bar with a viewing balcony overlooking the ice. Open from October for the majority of the winter season, the magical experience is definitely a festive must.
Somerset House
The 18th century courtyard holds one of London’s most popular ice rinks. Accompanied by the Skate Lounge, Fortnum Lodge and Christmas arcade, there are plenty of reasons to visit Somerset House this winter. Enjoy ‘Skate Late’ events throughout the festive period, with DJ’s and music artists to get your night started right, topped with an assortment of festive and alcoholic beverages. Head down to the stunning galleria from November 15th to celebrate the festive season on the ice in style.
Skylight
Bringing you London’s first rooftop ice rink! An ice skating rink that is big enough to show off your skills, but small enough to fit on the roof, Skylight in the East End’s Tobacco Dock is getting into the festive spirit. With a captivating backdrop of the London city skyline, visitors are invited onto the ice to skate, or to watch from the sidelines with a blanket, some street food and a glass of mulled wine. With free entry to the rooftop playground, Skylight are celebrating the winter season from November 2017-January 2018.
Canary Wharf
This indoor ice rink is perfect for those rainy days when you can’t bear to be sat in your room watching another Christmas film. The combination of music and LED lights creates an immersive experience, with the twinkling lights of the London skyscrapers glistening in from the surroundings. There are skate sessions for those who need to be brought up to speed, and even a secret skate path that takes visitors outside under an arch of illuminated trees - perfect for a romantic moment or just somewhere to hide from the embarrassment of constantly falling over. This attraction is open from November 2017-February 2018, so there will be plenty of opportunities to head out on those cold winter nights.
Winter Wonderland
Find the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink at Winter Wonderland, alongside an array of festive attractions in London’s Hyde Park. Get into the Christmas spirit and surround yourself with winter markets, fairground rides, Santa’s Grotto and even an Ice Bar. The pop up attraction is returning to Hyde Park for the 11th year in a row, so the successor is clearly a winter must see! Opening on November 17th, the magical festival invites you onto the ice to celebrate the festive season as you skate around the Victorian bandstand, under a blanket of fairy lights illuminating the night sky.
Tower of London
If being surrounded by some of London’s iconic landmarks as you skate isn’t quite exciting enough for you, this ice rink is actually in one! There’s no better winter location for all you history lovers as the ice rink is set up within the walls of the Tower of London, palace of the world-famous Crown Jewels. Treat yourself to a variety of festive pleasures including hot chocolates, mulled wine, champagne and an array of hot snacks from November 17th to ensure you warm up as you take in the unforgettable experience at the historical riverside location.
Remember to check out all the great Christmas events we've got planned over the festive period here, and read up on how to enter our #AMerryChapterXmas competition here!
