London Ice Skating

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 but there are now loads of other skating facilities all over the capital, including the Tower of London and the Natural History Museum, as well as Hyde Park's magical Winter Wonderland. Slightly further afield, some of the best historical attractions in the area, including Windsor Castle and Hampton Court, are also dabbling in a spot of festive fun. Sadly, there will be no skating at Kew Gardens this year, while the rink at Alexandra Palace is undergoing refurbishment until January. But there's still a great choice of venues, including new ones at Westfield and the London Eye, so get your skates on.

Broadgate Ice Skating

Broadgate Ice Rink, EC2M 2QT
25th October 2011 - 23rd January 2012

London's only circular ice rink, home of the feted Broomball League, is ideally placed for City workers, who can inject a bit of fun into their lunch break with a skate around this rink tucked behind Liverpool Street Station 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. What's more, the Broadgate Ice Rink is London's one and only turn-up-and-skate outdoor rink, with admission purely on a first-come-first-served basis. Some weekends and evenings, however, are set aside for private hire so check dates and times before you go. Prices have gone up since last year but its location should still make the Broadgate Ice Rink a Christmas hit. For those who like team sports with an unusual twist look out for the ice rink's unique Broomball sessions in January. It's a bit like ice 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). Session times can be changed according to the weather so do check that it's cold enough before you get your skates on. The 2011 schedule is yet to be confirmed but lastyear the ice rink was open on Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

More info: Broadgate Ice Skating Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Canary Wharf Ice Skating

Canary Wharf Ice Rink, London, E14 5AG
12th November 2011 - 19th February 2012

Nestled beneath the world-famous mirrored towers of Canary Wharf, this compact 450-square-metre outdoor ice rink adds a cheerful dose of Christmas spirit to the area's sedate office life. Hundreds of dainty lights transform Canada Square Park into a fairy-tale Christmas kingdom seven days a week from mid-November right through to late February. 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 now the recession seems to be petering out and their bonuses are no longer frozen. But really it's meant for everyone - including those who prefer gawping to gliding (the expanded Rinkside Bar and viewing gallery should keep everyone in good spirits). Fitting for the competitive, testosterone-heavy surroundings, brand new sharpened high quality skates are available this year - so you better be on your toes (so to speak).

More info: Canary Wharf Ice Skating Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Hampton Court Palace, London, KT8 9AU
26th November 2011 - 8th January 2012

The striking Tudor facade of Hampton Court Palace provides a majestic backdrop to this popular open-air ice rink. Located on the west front of Henry VIII's historic home, the 900-square-metre rink affords sweeping views of its breathtaking architecture and is easily accessible by train from central London. Sessions last an hour and weary skaters, axel-ed out, can recharge at the adjacent cafe, serving up a scrummy selection of hot refreshments (think mulled wine and mince pies), or have a go on the old-fashioned carousel. Wheelchairs are welcome on the ice except during the last session of the day. 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.

More info: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
18th November 2011 - 3rd January 2012

Throughout late November and December the section of Hyde Park near Hyde Park Corner is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, complete with fairground rides, giant wheel, circus, Christmas market, food and drink stalls, Santa's grotto and, of course, an ice rink. It's the fifth consecutive year that the Winter Wonderland has come to Hyde Park and it's already a favourite in many Londoners' calendar, notching two million visitors in 2010. Doing your best Torvill and Dean impersonation is a great way to embrace the cold and this new Ice Rink - which now surrounds the Victorian bandstand and is illuminated by 108,000 pea-lights - is the biggest of its kind in the UK. You'll certainly benefit from the extra space for all those slick ice manoeuvres (such as the classic floor-pick-up). Doing a turn on the 53-metre-high Observational Wheel takes in great views over London's most popular Christmas attraction, fittingly set in the capital's most prominent park. After a successful debut two years ago, Zippos Circus returns - and the 35-minute show is bound to pull crowds into its heated big top when temperatures plummet. Finally, new this year are the acrobatic Zippos Cirque Extreme, the Alpine Hotel - the biggest funhouse in Europe - and the Alpine Adventure roller-coaster. The traditional Angels Christmas Market, with its wooden chalets and various Bavarian-style bars and cafes, is a hoot - but don't go with an empty wallet because while the whole thing is not cheap, it's such fun you'll want to get into the spirit and spend. (Remember: advanced booking on the main attractions is advised while you'll need to buy tokens from kiosks dotted around the fair for the many rides.) Free entry means you can just walk around and absorb the festive ambiance - but it will take a strong will not to succumb to the smells and fun on offer.

More info: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

London Eyeskate

London Eye, London, SE1 7PB
19th November 2011 - 6th January 2012

In its second year on the South Bank this winter is the EDF Energy London Eye open air ice skating rink, which should prove to be one of the capital's must-do events this Christmas. Customers can combine their skate with a trip on the London Eye, with special Mulled Wine and Champagne Flights providing a perfect way to view the Christmas lights along the Thames. With the Cologne Christmas Market reappearing on the Southbank in late November and December, the London Eyeskate (see what they've done there?) should do a roaring trade and will certainly have a wonderfully festival ambiance. If the sounds and lights of the nearby Christmas carousel fail to get you into the seasonal spirit then you're a right old Scrooge. What's more, with all those delectable goodies and sweets smells doing the rounds you'll be hard pressed to keep the grin of your face (or your hands in your pockets).

More info: London Eyeskate Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD
4th November 2011 - 8th January 2012

The Natural History Museum's annual icing-over of its gardens returns in November with the arrival of a 1,050-square-metre rink surrounded by 76,000 glowing pea-lights dangling from the overhanging trees outside Alfred Waterhouse's imposing building. Additional attractions include a smaller 100-square-metre rink for youngsters, a stylish balcony cafe/bar (open to all) where you can warm your hands and insides on vin chaud or hot chocolate and a classic fairground carousel. Big-foots amongst you will be pleased to know that skates go up to adult size 15, five wheelchair sessions are also available - see www.nhm.ac.uk for details - while marshals are on hand to offer tips and advice during every session. New last year were special penguin stabilisers to help children skate with more confidence. The ice rink and cafe bar are available for private hire too for a minimum of 150 guests. In previous years there has been a Christmas Fair throughout December which will help you get into the Christmas spirit with some festive smells and shopping.

More info: Natural History Museum Ice Rink Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Skate At Somerset House

Somerset House, WC2R 1LA
22nd November 2011 - 22nd January 2012

The grand 18th-century courtyard of Somerset House makes for a spectacular backdrop for one of the most popular ice rinks in town. Skating around under the Tiffany-decorated 40-foot Christmas tree with a hot toddy to keep out seasonal chills is one of London's most appealing winter rituals - and a superb way to ease yourself into the festive spirit. Just be sure to watch out for the seven-year-old whizz kids skating backwards past you and pulling off a special Somerset Salchow. This year Teatime with Tiffany combines tea-dance music with live ice-dance displays and delicious treats. Your young ones will love the Storytelling sessions beside the Tiffany Christmas Tree and you can even grab a workout with the Big Ice Dance lunchtime sessions. If you're looking for something a bit more late night, then experience the unique atmosphere of open-air clubbing, on and off the ice, to a soundtrack curated by prominent DJs, iconic clubs and trend-setting festivals at one of the Club Nights. Now in its 12th year, Skate At Somerset House is "one of the great sights of a London winter... a wonderful place to be" (The Times).

More info: Skate At Somerset House Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Tower Of London Ice Rink

Tower Of London, EC3N 4AB
19th November 2011 - 8th January 2012

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 seventh year, this outdoor ice rink offers a grand and historical option for skaters. An ideal winter activity for children, couples and friends alike, visitors can carve their route across the ice while taking in one of the most historical buildings in London as they practice their camel spins, double axels and choctaws (or simply slip and slide aimlessly in circles). Ice guides are available for groups up to 15 people, while cold skaters can thaw out at the Moat Cafe (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. A word of warning for gentlemen skaters - go easy on the twizzles for a bad landing could damage your own crown jewels...

More info: Tower Of London Ice Rink Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Westfield London Ice Rink

Westfield Shopping Centre, London, W12 7DS
19th November 2011 - 8th January 2012

It was only a matter of time before the capital's biggest shopping centre got in on the Christmas ice skating act, and this year Westfield London is home to a 30x15 metre ice rink in its airy atrium. The rink has the capacity for 150 skaters at a time and being indoors, there will be no concerns about the weather. Given its location, the rink will provide a great distraction from Christmas shopping for both those on the ice and those watching from the surrounding walkways under the atrium's stunning glass roof. The rink is open right through to early January but is closed on Christmas Day. The largest skate size is adult 15 so even tall basketball players should get a chance to show off their ice skills. Pre-booking your tickets is advised - and children under the age of 12 will need to be accompanied by an adult. Along with the skating rink, Westfield will also boast a Christmas Grotto while the whole shopping centre will be decked out in Christmas lights and decorations.

More info: Westfield London Ice Rink Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Windsor Castle Ice Rink

Windsor Castle, London, SL4 1NJ
10th December 2011 - 2nd January 2012

For a right regal ice skating experience, head to the Queen's third official residence, Windsor Castle, where the much-loved rink makes a return after being frozen out last year. Located in the riverside Alexandra Gardens, in the shade of the largest inhabited castle in the world, the Windsor Castle ice rink is arguably one of the London area's most stunning skating sites - and promises to be an ideal day or evening trip for Londoners. Windsor is easily accessible by car or train from Waterloo, the castle is a true feat of architectural excellence and its manicured Victorian grounds a superb place for a winter walk.

More info: Windsor Castle Ice Rink Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube