Get your skates on!

Open-air ice skating has fast become a tradition for many Londoners around Christmas time. This year sees some temporary venues open earlier than ever, with many open for over two months. The activity is incredibly popular so it’s highly recommended that you book tickets in advance. Session lengths and times vary between venues. Of course, all are closed on Christmas Day, with most finishing early on Christmas Eve. Some – such as Somerset House – have club nights so you can try your hand at ice dancing.

• 31 October – 5 January 2014 : Natural History Museum Ice Rink

A 1,000 square metre rink in the gardens of the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. Opening hours vary. Session times last 1 hour. Adults £11.50/£13.50, Children 12 and under £8/£9. Nearest tube: South Kensington. To book, visit the Natural History Museum website.

• 4 November – 27 February 2014 : Broadgate Ice

Temporary ice rink at Broadgate Circle in the City of London is open for nearly four months. Open 10am-10pm. Session times last 1 hour. Adults £12.50, Children £8.50. Broadgate Circle, EC2M 2QS. Nearest tube: Liverpool Street. For more information, visit Broadgate’s website.

• 11 November – 5 January 2014 : Bluebird Skating Rink

The courtyard of the Bluebird in the King’s Road will play host to an ice rink this festive season for the first time. Tickets available on the day at £10. Open 1-9pm daily. 350 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UU. Nearest tube: South Kensington or Sloane Square. For more information, visit the Bluebird website.

• 14 November – 5 January 2014 : Skate at Somerset House

One of the original pop-up ice rinks located in the courtyard of Somerset House. As well as general skating, they also host club nights on ice and skate lessons. Session times last 1 hour and are from 10am until 9.15pm (later for club nights and New Year’s Eve). Adults £10.00/£16.00, Children £7.50. Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Nearest tube: Temple. To book, visit the Somerset House website.

Gliding: Take to the ice at the Winter Wonderland’s ice rink

• 16 November – 5 January 2014 : Tower Of London Ice Rink

Skate in the moat of one of the most iconic and historic buildings in the capital. Session times last 1 hour. First sessions start at 10am, last session starts at 9pm. Adults £11.50/£13.50, Children £9/£8.50. Tower Of London (off Lower Thames Street or Tower Hill), EC3N 4AB. Nearest tube Tower Hill. To book, visit the Tower of London Ice Rink website.

• 21 November – 5 January 2014 : Westfield Ice Rink
  

  Whole lotta history: Skate in the dry moat of the Tower Of London

In between shopping, enjoy a spot of skating at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. Will host also host DJ evenings, family days, date nights and student events. Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Adults: £7-£11.50 (online), £8.50-£13 (walk up). Children: £5-£6.50 (online), £6.50-£8.50 (walk up). Westfield shopping centre, Ariel Way, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 7GF. Nearest tube: Wood Lane or Shepherd’s Bush. To book, visit the Westfield website.

• 22 November – 5 January 2014 : Ice Rink @ Winter Wonderland

A pop-up ice rink at the annual Winter Wonderland in the south east corner of Hyde Park. Session times last 1 hour. First sessions start at 10am, last session starts at 9pm. Adults £10.50/£14.50, Children £8.50/£9.50. Hyde Park, W2 2UH. Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch or Knightsbridge. To book, visit the Winter Wonderland website. For a sneak peek, check out MOAMG blog posting on last year’s Winter Wonderland.

• 26 October – 16 February 2014 : Ice Rink Canary Wharf

In the middle of the soaring skyscrapers on Canary Wharf and surrounded by shops is another pop-up rink. Session times last 1 hour. First session times vary from 9.45am/10.45am ending at 11pm most nights. Adults £13.50, Children £9. Canada Square, E14 5AB. Nearest tube Canary Wharf. To book, visit the Ice Rink Canary Wharf website.

• 27 November – 9 January 2014 : Eyeskate @ London Eye

A newer addition to the open air ice rinks is the raised rink in the park shadowed by the London Eye. Open daily from 10am until 9pm. Session times last 45 minutes . Adults £10.50 (£9.45 online), Children £7.50 (£6.75 online). London Eye, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB. Nearest tube: Waterloo or Embankment. To book, visit the Eyeskate website.

• 30 November – 12 January 2014 : Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Skate in front of King Henry VIII’s favourite London residence. Session times last 1 hour. First sessions start at 10am, last session starts at 9pm. Adults £11.50/£13, Children £9/£9.50. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU. Nearest train Hampton Court (36 minutes from Waterloo). To book, visit the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink website.

• 8 December – 12 January 2014 : JW3

Pop-up ice rink at the Piazza at JW3, the Jewish Community Centre London. Also including café serving mulled wine, hot drinks, etc. Tickets: Adults £10, Children £6 (includes skate hire). JW3, 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET. Nearest station: Finchley Road and Frognal. To book, visit the JW3 website.

And if you fancy ice skating any other times of the year, these rinks are open all year round…

• Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY.
• Lea Valley Ice Centre, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, E10 7QL.
• Planet Ice, 49 Brixton Station Road, Brixton, SW9 8PQ.
• Queens Ice And Bowl, 17 Queensway, Bayswater, W2 4QP.

In the courtyard: Skate at Somerset House on The Strand

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