Ice skating is a regular part of the Christmas season for us. Maybe it’s because I grew up with visions of myself twirling on ice like Dorothy Hamill (the US equivalent of Jane Torville in singles skating). This rarely happened. I grew up in a semi-arid desert, the nearest rink an hour and a half drive away. These days in London, you’re never far from someplace where you can get your skates on. Here’s a peek at the rink at the Natural History Museum this season. Plus, scroll down for my take on other London ice skating rinks.
The Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum, near Exhibition Road. Til 4 January 2015.
www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/ice-rink
Other great holiday ice rinks in London
Somerset House – The classiest rink of them all, set in the courtyard, with club nights and a Fortnum & Mason affiliation. Less of a family feel but a magical setting. Til 11 January 2015.
Westfield London indoor rink – No rainy weather, no chilly wind. Whether you think skating next to New Look, Topshop and a bustling food court out of the fresh air is a fun twist or against nature depends on your outlook. My daughter loves it. Just remember to do your shopping afterward as the lockers for stowing your stuff are in a different area of the building. Til 4 January 2015.
Hampton Court Palace – It’s the location fit for a king, with the rink in front of the grand Tudor and Baroque building. There’s plenty of parking and if you book at the right time, you can combine skating with a palace visit. I think the rink seems a bit marooned on the vast lawn in front of the building and my daughter says this rink is “too small” although it seemed comparable to other temporary rinks to me. Til 4 January 2015.
Canary Wharf Ice Skating Rink – It’s a strangely serene experience — skating amid the steel high rises in Canary Wharf. We find ourselves strangely drawn to this rink, which also seems less crowded than some of the others in town. You can read my full review of the rink here: The ice skating rink at Canary Wharf
Other rinks I haven’t yet visited. Have you been to them?
Great tips! We went to the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland one a couple of years ago and it was fun but I’d like to go to the one at Somerset House as it looks amazing.
We’ve been to Winter Wonderland but never skated there. Would love to hear how it is.
YES! We went to Winter Wonderland’s opening night last week and I blogged. It’s pretty magical, with fairy lights overhead and there was a live band the night we went. I always find skating as a family a bit of an effort – with the faffing and boots – but once on the ice, there’s nothing more magical! I also LOVE the rink at Lapland UK – best I’ve been on in the UK. And tip for those with young children – the skates that go over shoes / boots need a reasonably narrow boot! You have been warned 😉 x
Katy, great tips. I’ll have to check out Lapland UK. The live band at Winter Wonderland sounds amazing. Thanks for the comment.
I needed that little penguin you featured when I skated! Great video. We went for afternoon tea afterwards at a hotel in Kensington to warm up. If it is really cold/wet you can always dress the kids in salopettes/waterproof trousers..
Kirstie, good point. Waterproof trousers are a great idea.
Love your tips, especially the multiple pairs of socks!
Sarah, thanks for commenting. That tip has been learned from years of rubbed ankle bones.
I will certainly be bringing another pair of trousers. Everyone thinks that because you can ski, you can skate. I am proof that this is not true. Agree that Somerset House is a beautiful setting though – particularly if you sit and watch with a hot chocolate or something stronger
My twins have ice skating at the top of their list this year I’m just a little bit frightened by it as I’m not a good skater. Great tips, I guess I’m going to have to bite the bullet at some point!
Mari, go on then, take the leap (or glide) of faith.
That’s it, I’m book!
….”ing”. I’m BOOKING. •goes back to bed*
Great tips, Jen, especially the extra socks. Those skates do look a bit hard! Glad you had fun x
So much fun! But I’m a bit sad that I couldn’t make it there.
Fabiana, thanks for commenting. Keep it in mind for next year.