Fancy doing some ice skating in London this Christmas season? Winter is well on its way which means London is decking its halls with all things Christmas, including plenty of places for a spot of dancing on ice. Get a group of friends together or ask that special someone to join you on a tour of London's best ice rinks for 2019, as we have put together 6 of this year’s best contenders which will be sure to satisfy your winter cravings.
1 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Don your skates for an afternoon of dancing on ice right next door to London’s famous Natural History Museum. The must-see museum right in the heart of the city makes for an ideal background for that perfected Instagram post from the ice. Once you’re done with your photoshoot and you’ve had a gander around the museum (and befriended the dinosaurs) top off the day with a well-earned glass of red wine at the Café Bar, along with a bird’s-eye view of the action on the ice. Adult ticket prices start at £12.65. The Natural History Museum ice rink is open from 19th October up until 12th January 2020.
Nearest hostel: St Christopher’s Inn, Shepherd’s Bush
2 SKYLIGHT AT TOBACCO DOCK
Pennington St. Car Park Entrance, Wapping, London E1W 2SF
Tobacco Dock’s rooftop Skylight bar is back from another Christmas revamp, having been transformed once again into Europe's only real ice rooftop ice-rink. Enjoy a warming mulled wine or wintry cocktail overlooking the city, as this place is without a doubt one of London’s hottest ice skating spots. Once you’ve skated your feet off, chill out in the warm, cosy igloos that you can hire out for up to 10 people. Entry to Skylight is totally free if you just fancy soaking up the atmosphere, and is £12 for 45 minutes for those keen to have a go on the ice.
Nearest hostel: St Christopher’s Inn, London Bridge
3 SOMERSET HOUSE
Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN
Nothing marks the start of the festive season like ice skating at Somerset House in Covent Garden, and this year is set to be the best ever. As always there will be mulled wine at Fortnum’s Lodge, an enormous Christmas tree (40 ft to be precise), not forgetting stalls to pick up some stylish Christmas gifts. So get your skates on and book a slot! Skating at Somerset House will be one of the best £11 you spend this winter! From 13th November to the 4th January, you have plenty of time to experience the magic.
Nearest hostel: St Christopher’s Inn, Liverpool Street
4 TOWER OF LONDON
Tower Hill, St Katherine’s & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
Glide around one of London’s most famous historic landmarks for an ice skating experience you won’t forget. From 16th November, the Tower of London’s dry moat is playing host to ice skating novices and enthusiasts this winter with jaw-dropping views of the river Thames. Soak in the atmosphere with a festive tipple from the sideline or join in the fun and skate beneath the perfect backdrop of the Tower of London in Christmas lights. Adult tickets will set you back £16.20. The ice rink will be there for 8 weeks. Legend has it that should the ravens that watch over the tower ever leave, the tower will fall to the ground. So keep your eyes peeled!
Nearest hostel: St Christopher’s Inn, London Bridge
5 WINTER WONDERLAND
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Open now!
Twinkling lights, live music and the biggest ice rink in the UK, Winter Wonderland is back and this year it will be sure to knock your skates off. The Victorian bandstand will be put to full use so you can skate along to some festive tunes played right beside you. When your 50 minutes on this ice is up, channel those apres-ski vibes with a glass of mulled wine in the alpine-style village bar. For £14.50 for a standard adult ice skating ticket you’ll definitely be feeling festive by the end.
Nearest hostel: St Christopher’s Inn, Hammersmith
6 Hampton Court Palace
Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
Head to Hampton Court Palace this year for an epic ice skating experience under the sparkly stars. Once the home of Tudor monarch King Henry VIII, this is your chance to glide around the palace grounds and be a little part of British history. This year the ice rink is 1,040 square metres with an Ice Rink Cafe Bar where you can treat yourself to mulled wine, hot chocolate, pies and soups. Tickets from £16.20.