Get your skates on at one of London’s ice rinks this winter

The Christmas period seems to be hurtling towards us at full speed, which means the capital is getting a festive makeover. One of the most popular winter activities is visiting some of London’s open air ice rinks. Many rinks have lessons and penguin aids for those less confident balancing on the blades. As well as the rink, many of the venues offer pop-up cafes and Christmas markets so you can warm up after a swirl – or fall – on the ice. Here’s a guide to London’s rinks this winter.

• 29 October – 3 January 2016 : Natural History Museum Swarovski 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 from £15.95, Children 12 and under from £11. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 5BD. Nearest tube: South Kensington. To book, visit the Natural History Museum website.

• 31 October – 27 February 2016 : Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Skate in the middle of the soaring skyscrapers on Canary Wharf and surrounded by shops. Non-skaters can watch the action from a heated viewing terrace. Session times last 1 hour. Opening times vary. Adults £14.95, Children £9.95. Canada Square, E14 5AB. Nearest tube Canary Wharf. To book, visit the Ice Rink Canary Wharf website.

• 14 November – 3 January 2016 : Eyeskate @ London Eye

Skate in a raised rink in the park shadowed by the London Eye as part of their Frostival. Open daily from 10am until 9pm. Session times last 45 minutes . Tickets start from £9.45. London Eye, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Southbank, SE1 7PB. Nearest station: Waterloo, Westminster or Embankment. To book, visit the London Eye website. For Metro Girl’s post on the Frostival, click here

• 16 November – 25 February 2016 : Broadgate Ice

Temporary ice rink at Broadgate Circle in the City of London is open for over three months. This year’s rink will be accompanied by a pop-up Alpine Bar, where you can warm up and enjoy a Choc-tail and cheese or chocolate fondue. Open 10am-10pm. Session times last 1 hour. Adults £13, Children £9. Broadgate Ice Rink, Exchange Square EC2A 2BQ. Nearest tube: Liverpool Street. For more information, visit Broadgate’s website.

In the courtyard: Skate at Somerset House on The Strand

• 18 November – 10 January 2016 : Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason

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 10.30pm (later for club nights and New Year’s Eve). Adults and Children start from £8.85. Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Nearest tube: Temple. To book, visit the Somerset House website.

• 19 November – 3 January 2016 : Westfield Ice Rink

In between shopping, enjoy a spot of skating at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. Will also host live entertainment. Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Adults: £10 (off-peak), £12 (peak), Children: £8 (off-peak), £10 (peak). Westfield shopping centre, Ariel Way, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 7GF. Nearest station: Wood Lane or Shepherd’s Bush. To book, visit the Westfield website.

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

• 19 November – 3 January 2016 : Ski Zillertal 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. 10am-10pm. Adults £14.50, Children up to 12 £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 Metro Girl’s blog posting on Winter Wonderland.

• 20 November – 3 January 2016 : Wembley Park Ice Rink

Ice skate in the grounds of Wembley Park outside the London Designer outlet. There will also be a Christmas market on from 20 November – 3 January and a fun fair. Open 11am-8pm. Tickets: Adults: £7 (off-peak), £12 (peak), Children £7 (off-peak), £8.50/£10.50 (peak). London Designer Outlet, Wembley, HA9 0PA. Nearest station: Wembley Stadium or Wembley Park. For more information, visit the Wembley website.

• 20 November – 3 January 2016 : Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Skate in front of King Henry VIII’s favourite London residence. The Ice Bar & Café will also feature a selection of festive food and drinks. Session times last 1 hour. First sessions start at 10am, last sessions start at 9pm. Adults £11.50 (off-peak) £13 (peak), Children £9 (off-peak) £9.50 (peak). Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court (36 minutes from Waterloo). To book, visit the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink website.

• 26 November – 23 December : Winterville

Pop-up rink 600 square metres in this alternative festive wonderland in East London. Open Mon-Fri 12-9pm (last skate), Sat & Sun 11am-8pm. Adults 13 & over: £12.50 (peak), £7 (off-peak), Children £8.50 (peak) £5.50 (off-peak). Victoria Park, Grove Road, Bow, E9 7DD. Nearest station: Hackney Wick, Mile End or Cambridge Heath. For more information, visit the Winterville website.

• 5 December – 24 January 2016 : Richmond Rink

Skate against the backdrop of the stunning 18th century Gothic castle Strawberry Hill House. Open 9am-8pm. Adults: £12 (off-peak), £13.50 (peak), Children: £8 (off-peak) £9.50 (peak). Strawberry Hill House, 268 Waldegrave Road, Richmond, TW1 4ST. Nearest station: Strawberry Hill. For more information, visit the Richmond Rink website.

• 6 December – 10 January 2016 : JW3 Ice Rink

Pop-up ice rink at the Piazza at JW3, the Jewish Community Centre London. Also including café serving mulled wine, hot drinks, etc. Adults: £12, Children £7.50. 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, Wood Green, N22 7AY.
• Streatham Ice Rink, 390 Streatham High Road, Streatham, SW16 6HX.
• Lea Valley Ice Centre, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, E10 7QL.
• Queens Ice And Bowl, 17 Queensway, Bayswater, W2 4QP.

For a guide to what else is on in London in January 2016, click here.

For a guide to what’s on in London on New Year’s Eve, click here.

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