With Christmas lights brightening London’s streets and markets springing up across the capital, the festive season is well underway, so grab your skates as there’s one more way to glide into this year’s festivities: ice skating.
With the Natural History Museum’s famous rink closed to make space for an urban wildlife hub, these are SWL’s top venues to skate this Christmas.
Battersea Power Station
London’s brand-new and only riverside ice skating rink has arrived at Battersea Power Station.
The power station opened to the public this autumn, with people wowed by the reimagining of this iconic south west London building.
Now they’re introducing their latest innovation, Glide, the only place where people can skate whilst taking in the scenic views of the River Thames.
Come along and go skate at the new attraction until Sunday 8 January.
Somerset House
SKATE LATE: Somerset House keeps its festive cheer open til late with DJ sessions. Photo Credit: ricardo via Flickr
Opening its doors today, one of the first festive ice rinks in London is set at one of the capital’s prime cultural hotspots.
From now until January, Londoners can skate in the courtyard of Somerset House, just a step away from one of the supreme Christmas districts: Covent Garden.
Take in the beauty of the neoclassical gallery, snap some pics with their Insta-famous 40ft Christmas tree and enjoy late-night skating DJ sessions at this unique venue.
Wheelchair users can use the rink during any session, with dedicated wheelchair sessions on 27 and 30 November.
The rink is open until Sunday 15 January.
Hyde Park
SUNSET SKATE: Winter Wonderland regulars will rejoice at the return of this rink. Photo credit: Garry Knight via Flickr
A firm favourite for wintertime festivities, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is back with its ice rink.
Trade in your shoes for skates and hit the UK’s largest open-air ice rink in Westminster’s royal park.
Set around the Victorian bandstand, skaters can get away from the hustle and bustle of Winter Wonderland under the canopy of twinkling lights.
It will be available from Friday 18 November to Monday 2 January.
Hampton Court Palace
The Tudor palace of Hampton Court makes an enchanting setting to take to the ice.
Skate in the place of gardens that once belonged to Henry VIII, and warm up with a hot chocolate in front of the lit-up façade of the royal building.
Wheelchair accessible, the rink also offers season passes for unlimited rink access during this skating season.
Head to Hampton Court from Thursday 17 November until Sunday 8 January.
Featured image credit: Garry Knight via Flickr under CC BY-SA 2.0
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