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Ice Skating in London, Winter 2008
 
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Outdoor skating is a time-honoured tradition that London maintains each Christmas. Taking to the ice surrounded by the capital’s magnificent historical architecture really is a fabulously festive experience. In recent years the rink at Somerset House has dominated the skating scene. However, there are now heaps of ice rinks popping up all over the capital year after year. With skating facilities at the Tower of London, the Natural History Museum, and Kew Gardens, some of London’s most historical attractions are dabbling in a spot of festive fun. It's one of the best things about winter in the city so what are you waiting for... get your skates on.
   Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY Open all year round The biggest (it has a total capacity of 1,250) and best permanent ice rink in London, Alexandra Palace is a great place to go skating. And because it's indoors you can get fresh on the ice whatever the weather - quite useful in those chilly winter months. In December, from 15th-17th, 19th-21st, the rink comes alive with their annual pantomime production which this year tells the story of Peter Pan. So if you're more a spectator than a skater this could be the rink for you. Address: Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY Phone: 020 8365 4386 Timing: Mon to Fri 11am-1.30pm, 2pm-5.30pm (Friday also 8.30pm-11pm), Weekends 10.30am-12.30pm, 2pm-4.30pm, 8.30pm-11pm | School Holiday Skate All Day Sessions - Mon to Fri 11am-5.30pm Pricing: £6 (Adults weekdays daytime), £7 (Adults weekends & evenings), £5 (Children & Concs daytime), £6 (Children & Concs weekends) Nearest Station: Wood Green Tube Alexandra Palace Ice Rink - Information  Broadgate Ice Rink
Broadgate Circle, EC2M 2QT 15th November 2008 - 8th March 2009 City workers can inject a bit of fun into their lunch break with a skate around this circular ice rink in Broadgate. Conveniently close to Spitalfields Market, it's also a great place for Christmas shoppers to take a break with a spin on the ice. Some weekends are set aside for private hire so check dates and times before you go. For those who like team sports with an unusual twist look out for their unique Broomball sessions. It's a bit like hockey but instead of curved sticks you get - you guessed it - a broom. And instead of skates you slide around in trainers which can be hazardous in the wrong hands (or feet). Venue: Broadgate Circle Phone: 020 7505 4037 Date: 15th November 2008 - 8th March 2009 Time: 15th Nov-19th Dec - Mon, Tue, Fri midday-2pm, 3-5pm, 6-8.30pm, Wed & Thu midday-2pm, 3-5pm, 6-8.30pm | 20th Dec-4th Jan - Daily 10-12pm, 1-3pm, 4-6pm and 7-9pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day | 5th Jan- 1st Feb Mon-Wed - 12-2pm, 3-5pm | Pricing: £8 (Adults), £5 (Concs & Under 16s), £2 (Skate hire) Nearest Station: Liverpool Street Tube / Rail Ice Skating at Broadgate - Information  Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Canada Square Park, E14 5AX 22nd November 2008 - 22nd February 2009 Nestled beneath the mirrored towers of Canary Wharf, this 30m x 15m outdoor ice rink adds a cheerful dose of Christmas spirit to office life. Hundreds of dainty lights, transform Canada Square Park into a fairy-tale Christmas kingdom. The Wharf's suited and booted office workers will no doubt be the primary type of skater you get here, sampling a little festive fun when school's out. But really it's meant for everyone. If you're more a gawper than a glider, watch the activities from the expanded viewing gallery and finish the night off with a festive tipple or two from the Rinkside Bar - also bigger and better than last year. Be warned though, they've sharpened up the skates for 2008 so be prepared to whizz rather than waddle across the ice. Venue: Canada Square Park Address: Canada Square, E14 5AX Phone: 0844 847 1556 Date: 22nd November 2008 - 22nd February 2009 Time: Mon to Sat 9.45am-11pm, Sun 9.45pm-7.30pm Pricing: £12 (Adults peak), £10 (Adults off peak), £9 (Concs), £7.50 (Children), £32 (Families) Nearest Station: Canary Wharf Tube Canary Wharf Ice Rink - Information  Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU 29th November 2008 - 11th January 2009 The striking Tudor façade of Hampton Court Palace provides a majestic backdrop to the open-air ice rink. It's a wonderfully traditional way to enjoy the festive season. Located on the west front of Henry VIII's historic home, the rink affords sweeping views of its breathtaking architecture. Weary skaters can recharge at the Ice Rink Café, serving up a scrummy selection of hot refreshments (think mulled wine and mince pies). The palace itself is adorned with festive decorations at this time of year and it's worth leaving extra time to take a look inside or explore the maze. It's enchanting stuff that will undoubtedly leave you with that warm festive glow. Venue: Hampton Court Palace Address: Kingston-Upon-Thames, KT8 9AU Phone: 0844 412 4641 Date: 29th November 2008 - 11th January 2009 Time: 10am-10pm. Closed Christmas Day Pricing: £11.50 (Adults Peak), £10 (Adults Off Peak) | £8 (Children Peak), £7.50 (Children Off Peak) | £32 (Family Peak), £30 (Family Off Peak) Nearest Station: Hampton Court Rail Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink - Information  Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, W2 2UH 22nd November 2008 - 4th January 2009 Throughout December a section of Hyde Park near Hyde Park Corner is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Get in the Christmas spirit with a visit to Santa and his elves at the Hyde Park bandstand, surrounded by a traditional German market with fairground rides, a giant wheel and ice skating all adding to the festive scene. Getting on the ice is a great way to embrace the cold - and flailing your arms around as you try to stay upright will soon warm you up. This claims to be the biggest outdoor rink in London so you'll benefit from a bit of extra space in which to slip and slide around. At 50 metres high, doing a turn on the wheel takes in great views over this winter wonderland and one of London's most prominent parks. Venue: Hyde Park Address: Knightsbridge, W2 2UH Phone: 0871 231 0824 Date: 22nd November 2008 - 4th January 2009 Time: Daily 10am-10pm | Open Dec 24th, 26th, 31st & New Year's Day | Closed Christmas Day Pricing: Free admission. Tokens for rides & attractions | Ice Rink - £10-£12.50 (Adults), £7.50 (Children), £9-£11 (Concs), £28-£30 (Families) | Wheel - £6-£7 (Adults - advance bookings), £4-£4.50 (Children), £20 (Families). Booking fees apply. Nearest Station: Knightsbridge Tube Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - Information  Kew Gardens Ice Rink
Kew Gardens, TW9 3AB 29th November 2008 - 4th January 2009 There is something particularly fresh and wholesome about skating in Kew Gardens, surrounded by the natural beauty of the great outdoors. On a crisp winter's day Kew's iced rink, set in front of Temperate House, sparkles. The world's largest Victorian glasshouse and acres of woodland create a wonderfully rustic scene. Even if you're a novice skater, looking for all the world like Bambi on ice, you'll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. It's perfect for a romantic date, meeting up with mates or a family outing - the blur of a confident youngster can usually be seen racing past. From 13th December there's a special Christmas feel with Christmas trees, wreaths and Father Christmas waiting to meet you in his grotto. If you need to rest up after all that activity there's a cosy cafe serving up a feast of festive bites and warm drinks. Venue: Kew Gardens Address: Richmond, TW9 3AB Phone: 0844 412 4642 Date: 29th November 2008 - 4th January 2009 Time: Daily 10am-10pm. Closed Christmas Day Pricing: £11.50 (Adults Peak), £10 (Adults Off Peak) | £8 (Children Peak), £7.50 (Children Off Peak) | £32 (Family Peak), £30 (Family Off Peak) Nearest Station: Kew Gardens Tube / Rail Kew Gardens Ice Rink - Information  Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Natural History Museum, SW7 5BD 6th November 2008 - 18th January 2009 The Natural History Museum's annual icing over of its gardens kicks off again this winter. As with everything this establishment does, the 1,000-square-metre rink surrounded by overhanging trees and fairy lights makes an impressive attraction. The additional junior rink is particularly good for tots to teeter about at their leisure, while non-skaters can take a seat at the rink-side café bar. Before you leave, make sure you save some time to browse the stalls at the museum's Christmas Fair (25th November to 4th January). With unusual gifts, selling everything from glassware to candles, it's a great place to do a spot of Christmas shopping. Venue: Natural History Museum Address: Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD Phone: 0844 847 1577 Date: 6th November 2008 - 18th January 2009 Time: 10:00-22:00 Pricing: £11.50 (Adults off peak), £13 (Adults peak), £8 (Children off peak), £8.50 (Children peak), £31 (Family off peak), £34 (Family peak) Nearest Station: South Kensington Tube Natural History Museum Ice Rink - Information  Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House, WC2R 1LA 19th November 2008 - 25th January 2009 The courtyard of Somerset House makes for a spectacular ice rink and a delightful way to enjoy the holiday season. Sliding around under the Tiffany decorated 40-foot Christmas tree with a hot toddy to keep out winter chills is one of London's most appealing winter rituals. Just be sure to watch out for the 7-year-old whizz kids skating backwards past you. If you have young ones in tow, families can enjoy Breakfast with Tiffany early morning skate sessions throughout December from 8.45am. Alternatively, there are Late Skate and DJ Nights from 8pm on Fridays in November and January. Even if you don't feel like braving the ice it's a great spectator sport and a good spot to enjoy a hot chocolate. Venue: Somerset House Address: The Strand, WC2R 1LA Phone: 0844 847 1519 Date: 19th November 2008 - 25th January 2009 Time: Daily. Daytime sessions 10am-4.15pm, Evening sessions 5.30pm-9.15pm, Late session 10.30pm Pricing: £10.50 (Adults daytime), £12.50 (Adults evening), £15 (Adults late), £7.50 (Children 12 & Under daytime), £8 (Children 12 & Under evening) Nearest Station: Embankment Tube Skate at Somerset House - Information  Tower of London Ice Rink
Tower of London, EC3N4AB 22nd November 2008 - 11th January 2009 Nestled in the rounded hollow of the dry moat, the Tower of London's ice rink area forms a wonderfully festive scene. Running for its fourth year, this outdoor ice rink offers a grand and historical option for skaters. The ideal winter activity for kiddies, couples and mates, visitors can carve their route across the ice while taking in one of the most legendary buildings in London. Cold skaters can thaw out at the Moat Café (free for spectators), warming hands around hot chocolates and munching on mince pies. It's worth paying a little extra and exploring the murky history of the Tower too. For the past 900 years the medieval fortress on the Thames has been the setting for an array of famous and gruesome executions. Beefeaters, the Crown Jewels and a gory array of torture instruments make it a fantastically colourful attraction. Venue: Tower of London Address: Tower Hill, EC3N4AB Phone: 0844 412 4640 Date: 22nd November 2008 - 11th January 2009 Time: Daily 10am-10pm. Closed Christmas Day Pricing: £12 (Adults Peak), £10 (Adults Off Peak), £8 (Children Peak), £7.50 (Children Off Peak), £32 (Family Peak), £30 (Family Off Peak) Nearest Station: Tower Hill Tube Tower of London Ice Rink - Information  Windsor Ice Rink
Alexandra Park, SL4 1NJ 1st December 2008 - 31st December 2008 TBC Alexandra Gardens become Windsor's winter wonderland when the Victorian gardens, dating back to the early 1900s, get covered in frozen ice for your skating pleasure. Even if you decide against the ice, the Thames Café is an inviting spot to enjoy a warm drink and absorb the seasonal sights. With the famous castle's tower overlooking the rink, there's an awe-inspiring view of the royal residence as you skid around. As one of the greatest surviving medieval castles in the world, the reserved grey walls, punctuated by prodigious medieval bastions, continue as far as the eye can see. Don't just come to skate, a tour inside really is worthwhile. Also, taking time to stroll around the town's endearing cobbled streets, adorned in twinkling Christmas lights, is a magically festive day out. DATES AND TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED. Venue: Alexandra Park Address: Windsor Castle, SL4 1NJ Date: 1st December 2008 - 31st December 2008 TBC Time: TBC Pricing: TBC Nearest Station: Windsor Rail Royal Windsor Ice Rink - Information
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