Outdoor Ice Skating in London this Christmas

Which London Ice Rinks to Take the Children to in December

Nov 7, 2009

London is home to many iconic historic sights. Come December, a few of them reveal another magical side offering a winter activity that appeals to kids and adults alike.

England has a temperate climate so it is almost inconceivable even in middle of winter that a pond or lake would ever freeze over and be safe enough to skate on. Long ago however the Thames was known to freeze over and ‘frost fairs’ would be held on the ice. The river is now a lot narrower and flows faster than it used to so such occurrences are unlikely to happen again unless global warming takes a sudden turn in the opposite direction.

The lack of opportunity for a natural outdoor skating rink has not dampened London’s spirit to continue an age-old winter tradition. The first frost fair on the Thames was recorded in 1608 and they continued right up until the 1800s. Instead of a frozen river, there are now four spectacular places offering some fun on the ice and in their own way, they take us through the ages of London’s frost fairs. All sessions are timed and require tickets and it is best to check and book online or by phone in advance. Peak time costs are listed below although family tickets and concessions are usually available and skate hire included.

Tower of London Ice at the Tower

Building of the Tower of London began in 1080, long before frost fairs were recorded and possibly in existence but this is about as close as you can get to skating on the river, which flows alongside the dry-moat beneath the Tower’s stone fortress.

For anyone not wanting to take a spin on the ice, a free viewing gallery overlooking the rink can be accessed. There is also the Moat Café, where you can warm up after a skating session. If it’s your first time ice skating, ice guides are available for an additional fee to help you find your feet.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Skating

Purchased by King Henry VIII in 1775 for use as his private hunting ground, Hyde Park is now thankfully accessible to the public and now home to more peaceful activities.

As part of the expansive Winter Wonderland in December, this is London’s biggest outdoor ice rink for the Christmas season. For those who want to do it all, combination tickets are available for ice skating, Zippo’s Circus and the Giant Wheel. Viewing platforms can be accessed for free, ice guides are available and nearby a mock Bavarian village will be selling warming food and drinks and Christmas gifts.

Skate at Somerset House

The Duke of Somerset first set up house at this location in 1547. Just over 200 years later, his palace had fallen into disrepair and it was sadly demolished to make way for the current Somerset House that graces the Strand today.

Skating at Somerset House is now in its tenth year and has quickly gained a reputation in town and given the stunning backdrop it is not difficult to see why. The rink is located in the courtyard and is enclosed by the palace walls with Embankment and the Thames directly to the south.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

As one of London’s latest outdoor skating venues, the Natural History Museum is also a relative newcomer as the building was completed in 1881. The building and its collections have been inspiring and amazing visitors ever since.

It is sad though that the ice-skating here is shunted off to the side, with the rink in front of the ugly and uninspiring café building. The café and viewing platform are free to watch from but despite its proximity to three of the most revered museums in the city (the other two being the Science Museum and Victoria & Albert) this is probably the least vibrant and romantic of the central London ice skating locations.

The copyright of the article Outdoor Ice Skating in London this Christmas in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Sara Revell. Permission to republish Outdoor Ice Skating in London this Christmas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.