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Christmas in London 2007: Ice Skating
 
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When winter approaches the best way to embrace the cold is on the ice. Dodging young tearaways who can go backwards faster than you can go forwards is one sure way to warm up. As much a part of the build-up to Christmas as mulled wine and mince pies, taking to the ice is a great way to get in the festive mood. And now you can slip-slide around in the most magnificent historical settings as many of the city's most spectacular parks and buildings open up temporary ice rinks. It really is a fabulously festive experience. In the past the delightful rink at Somerset House dominated the skating scene. However, there are now ice rinks popping up all over the capital. This year, a vast new rink at The O2 provides a welcome indoor option. But for a more scenic skate, the Tower of London, the Natural History Museum and the rink next to Windsor Castle are among the best options. A bracing session of skating may leave you a little rosy cheeked but you'll soon warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate - or something stronger - at one of the rink-side cafés. Delightful, magical and very Christmass-y.
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A London Christmas 2007: Related Articles Traditional London Christmas Map Traditional London Christmas Guide (Printable Version) Sugar & Spice | Hotel Hideaways | Food & Flower Markets | Traditional Toys | Ice Skating | Festive Fairs | Shows & Pantos | Christmas Lights | Tinsel & Trimmings | Christmas Day & Boxing Day | Carols & Services | New Year | Fish & Fowl | Greens, Cheese & Delis   Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY 12th November 2007 - 20th January 2008 The permanent ice rink at Alexandra Palace is a great place to go skating. And because it's indoors you can skate whatever the weather. There's a wide range of activities on offer suitable for all ages and covering every aspect of ice sports. You can take part in a ballet class or a dance club; regulars are welcome to join the Alexandra Palace Amateur Ice Skating Club and enter competitions on all levels. In December, from 10th to 16th, local school children take part in the ice rink's annual pantomime production which this year tells the story of 'Cinderella on Ice'. It's a great community project with lots of help from the mums and dads. Tickets are available from 1st November for shows on 14th and 16th December by ringing 020 8365 4386 (or email icerink@alexandrapalace.com for further information). Venue: Alexandra Palace Address: Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, N22 7AY Phone: 020 8365 4386 Date: 12th November 2007 - 20th January 2008 Time: Mon to Fri 11:00 - 13:30 & 14:00 - 17:30, Sat & Sun 10:30 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 16:30. Evening sessions: Fri to Sun 20:30 - 23:00. 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
Broadgate Circle, EC2M 2QT 3rd November 2007 - 20th March 2008 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. For those who like team sports, however, Broomball is the main attraction of Broadgate Ice (6pm to 9pm on Mondays and Tuesdays). 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). If this sounds like your kind of thing go to www.broadgateice.co.uk/broomball and download the entry form to enter a team. The league begins in mid November and all first matches are completed by the second week of January. The top two in each league goes on to further stages culminating with the Grand Finals on Thursday 20th March 2008. Broadgate Ice is also available for private hire every Wednesday and Thursday evening (for £450 + VAT per hour, including skating and Broomball equipment). Venue: Broadgate Circle Phone: 020 7505 4120 Date: 3rd November 2007 - 20th March 2008 Time: Mon to Thu 12:00 - 14:30 & 15:30 - 17:30. Fri 12:00 - 14:30, 15:30 - 18:00 & 19:00 - 21:00. Sat & Sun 11:00 - 13:00, 14:00 - 16:00 & 17:00 - 19:00 (check with venue) Pricing: £6 (Adults), £4 (Concs & Children Under 16). Skate hire: £2 (Adults), £1 (Children) Nearest Station: Liverpool Street Tube / Rail Broadgate Ice - Information  Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Canada Square Park, E14 5AX 17th November 2007 - 17th February 2008 Nestled amid the mirrored towers of Canary Wharf, a spectacular outdoor ice rink adds a cheerful dose of Christmas spirit to office life. Lit by hundreds of dainty lights, Canada Square Park is transformed into a fairy-tale Christmas kingdom. Boasting a 30m x 15m rink you and your chums can don winter garb and make like you're Torvill and Dean on the open ice. Don't worry if you're not quite Olympic Gold, topples and tumbles are expected. 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 come five pm. But really it's meant for everyone so if it's romance you're after it doesn't get more starry eyed than a night on the ice. Finish the night off with a festive tipple or two from the rink-side cafe. Santa will also be there in his Winter Cabin for the kids to tug at his beard and persuade him they've been good all year. A great way to get festive. Venue: Canada Square Park Address: Canada Square, E14 5AX Phone: 0870 534 4444 Date: 17th November 2007 - 17th February 2008 Time: Mon to Sat 10:00 - 22:30, Sunday 10:00 - 20:00. Pricing: £12 (Adults - peak), £10 (Adults - off-peak) Nearest Station: Canary Wharf Tube Canary Wharf Ice Rink - Information  Greenwich Ice Rink
Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9LW 8th December 2007 - 13th January 2008 This 18th-century Old Royal Naval College hosts an outdoor ice rink for the fourth year. Famous for its grandeur, the college represents English architecture at its most imposing and formal. With sweeping views across the Thames, it's a remarkable place for a spot of Yuletide skating, though winter warmers are recommended as a gusty wind is known to blow off the river. No matter, you can always warm up at the snug little rink-side cafe. Greenwich old town has long been regarded as a favourite weekend jaunt and continues to draw both Londoners and tourists. Boasting a cluster of top attractions, most noticeably the National Maritime Musuem and its new Planetarium, Greenwich always promises a fun day out and now there's another good excuse to go there. There are 10 one-hour sessions a day and it's best to get your tickets early - sessions at Greenwich sell out fast and this season is shorter than last. Venue: Old Royal Naval College Address: King William Walk, SE10 9LW Phone: 0870 169 0101 Date: 8th December 2007 - 13th January 2008 Time: Daily 10:00 - 22:00 Pricing: £9.50 (Adults), £7 (Children), £28 (Family - 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children) Nearest Station: Cutty Sark DLR Greenwich Ice Rink - Information  Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU 1st December 2007 - 13th January 2008 The striking Tudor facade 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 palace, the rink affords sweeping views of its breathtaking architecture. Weary skaters can recharge at the Ice Rink Cafe serving up a scrummy selection of hot refreshments - think mulled wine and mince pie. At this time of year the palace itself is adorned with festive decorations and it's worth paying a little extra to take a look inside - a joint palace and skate ticket gets you 25% off the full price. It's enchanting stuff that will definitely leave you with that warm festive glow. Venue: Hampton Court Palace Address: Kingston-Upon-Thames, KT8 9AU Phone: 0870 060 1778 Date: 1st December 2007 - 13th January 2008 Time: Daily 10:00 - 22:00 Pricing: £10 (Adults), £18.50 (Adult - skating and palace entry ), £7.50 (U16s), £13.50 (Child - skating and palace entry), £30 (Family - 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children), £57 (Family - skating and palace entry) Nearest Station: Hampton Court Rail Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink - Information  Hyde Park Ice Rink
Hyde Park, W2 2UH 1st December 2007 - 6th January 2008 Throughout December a section of Hyde Park - between Hyde Park Corner and the Serpentine - is transformed into a winter wonderland. Get in the Christmas spirit at the traditional German market, with wooden chalets full of gifts, listen to the carol concerts and have a go on one of the fairground rides. Alternatively, you could try a less traditional bungydome - a mix of trampolining and bungy under the cover of a domed sphere. But the main attraction here is the outdoor ice rink - billed as London's largest - which is open from 10am to 10pm. It's a great way to embrace the cold - and flailing your arms around as you try to stay upright will soon warm you up. A giant Ferris wheel offers a chance to survey this winter wonderland from 50m up, taking in the stunning views over Hyde Park and beyond. Venue: Hyde Park Address: Knightsbridge, W2 2UH Phone: 0871 231 0824 Date: 1st December 2007 - 6th January 2008 Time: Daily 10:00 - 22:00. Peak Times: Evening sessions from 18:30, weekends, 24th, 26th, 31st Dec & New Year's Day. Off-Peak Times: Weekdays up to the 17:15 session. Pricing: Peak: £12.50 (Adults), £7.50 (Children), £11 (Concs). Off-Peak: £10 (Adults), £7.50 (Children), £9 (Concs), plus booking fee. Nearest Station: Knightsbridge Tube Hyde Park Ice Rink - Information  Kew Gardens Ice Rink
Kew Gardens, TW9 3AB 25th November 2007 - 6th January 2008 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 court set in front of Temperate House sparkles. Redolent of Victorian times, the acres of woodland and mosaic of winter flowers offer up a wonderfully rustic scene. Even if you're a jittery skater, looking for all the world like Bambi on ice, you'll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. It's also perfect for smitten couples as well as families - the blur of confident youngsters can usually be seen racing past, backwards. Beside the rink, a cosy cafe (£1 admission) serves up a feast of festive bites and warm drinks. Skating at Kew is good, clean fun and a fantastic opportunity to escape the city and take in one of London's more rural charms. It's worth paying a little extra for a joint ticket which allows you to explore the gardens and greenhouses too. Booking is advised. Tickets can be bought online at: https://www.pwrtickets.com/kgir2007/tickets.aspx Venue: Kew Gardens Address: Richmond, TW9 3AB Phone: 0870 803 1725 Date: 25th November 2007 - 6th January 2008 Time: Daily 10:00 - 22:00. Christmas Eve: Ice rink only open (not Kew Gardens). Closed Christmas Day. Pricing: £10 (Adults - off-peak), £11.50 (Adults - peak), £16 (Adults - skating and garden), £7.50 (Children), £7.50 (Child - skating and garden), £30 (Family - 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children), £40 (Family - skating and garden) Nearest Station: Kew Gardens Tube / Rail Kew Gardens Ice Rink - Information  Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Natural History Museum, SW7 5BD 8th November 2007 - 20th January 2008 The Natural History Museum once again ices over its gardens and invites London's skaters to slip-slide around their giant ice rink. As with everything this establishment does, the rink is outstanding and they really have put together a Christmas cracker of a festive attraction. Hosted in the beautiful gardens, the 1,000 square-metre rink sits at the foot of the soaring, Romanesque museum building, making this a truly stunning scene. The expanse of gleaming ice is gently overhung by tree branches draped in delicate Christmas lights, while the backdrop of the building itself looms up over the rink showering a warm yellow glow onto the skaters from its large Gothic windows. The additional junior rink is particularly good for tots to teeter about at their leisure without getting mown down by older, bigger - and most likely badder - skaters. Non-skaters can take a seat at the rink-side cosy cafe bar and enjoy the spectator sport; it's a great place to soak up the buzzing Christmas mood. Before you leave, make sure you give yourself time to browse the bright stalls at the museum's Christmas Fair (21 November - 2 January). With countless 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 1576 Date: 8th November 2007 - 20th January 2008 Time: Daily 10:00 - 22:00. 24th & 31st Dec 10:00 - 21:45. Closed 25th Dec. 26th Dec 12:15 - 20:45. Pricing: £10.50 (Adults - before 16:00 on weekdays), £12 (Adults - 17:15 onwards and all weekend), £7.50 (Children), £30 (Family - 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) Nearest Station: South Kensington Tube Natural History Museum Ice Rink - Information  Ice Disco at The O2
The O2, The London Piazza, SE10 0PE 10th November 2007 - 9th March 2008 With the British weather being what it is, it's always good to have some undercover entertainment options, especially in the soggy autumn and winter months. Thankfully, you can skate at The O2 even if it is raining cats and dogs outside - though we can't promise you'll remain entirely bone dry if you loose your balance on the ice. Throwing off its 'white elephant' image as 'The Millennium Dome' and reborn as The O2, this vast venue is proving to be a great addition for entertainment on this scale. At 900 square metres, this ice rink is large enough for 250 skaters at a time and includes a purpose-built bar and viewing area. The title 'Ice Disco' suggests a certain tackiness but since when did you look at 'Dancing on Ice' and think 'hmm, how classy'. Exactly. All those sequins and fixed smiles just go to show that ice skating embraces its tacky nature. It's all part of the fun. As well as 69 general skating sessions a week there are also some special themed nights (see below but please note that dates for the themed nights are subject to change). THEMED NIGHTS: 28th November and 5th December - BOY BAND NIGHT 14th December - SKA NIGHT 17th December - GIRL BAND NIGHT 9th December and 16th January - 80s NIGHT Venue: The O2, The London Piazza Address: Peninsula Square, SE10 0PE Phone: 0871 984 0002 Date: 10th November 2007 - 9th March 2008 Time: TBC Pricing: £11 (Adults), £7.50 (Children), £9 (Concs), £30 (Family of 4) Nearest Station: North Greenwich Tube Ice Disco at The O2 - Information  Royal Windsor Ice Rink
Alexandra Park, SL4 1NJ 8th December 2007 - 6th January 2008 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 Cafe is an inviting spot to enjoy a warm drink and absorb the seasonal sights. With the famous tower of Windsor Castle 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 take time to stroll around the town's endearing cobbled streets, adorned in twinkling Christmas lights, it's a magically festive day out. Venue: Alexandra Park Address: Windsor Castle, SL4 1NJ Phone: 0870 169 6892 Date: 8th December 2007 - 6th January 2008 Time: 10:00 - 22:00 Pricing: £9.50 (Adults), £7 (Children), £28 (Family - 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children) Nearest Station: Windsor Rail Royal Windsor Ice Rink - Information  Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House, WC2R 1LA 21st November 2007 - 27th January 2008 The courtyard of Somerset House makes for a spectacular ice rink and a delightful get-you-in-the-spirit warm-up to Christmas. It's the very antithesis of those irritating muzak carol tunes that get pumped out of the shops far too many weeks before Santa Claus is due. Just be sure to watch out for the 7-year-old whizz kids skating backwards past you with their eyes closed. There's even a very nice bar, for added festive cheer, which makes a good place to hang out and watch the fun if you don't feel like braving the ice. Since the rink was launched a few years ago it has become a firm favourite, the perfect outing for white wintery fun and suitable for all ages. Venue: Somerset House Address: The Strand, WC2R 1LA Phone: 020 7845 4600 Date: 21st November 2007 - 27th January 2008 Time: Daily 10:00 - 22:00. Daytime sessions: 10:00 - 17:30. Evening sessions: 18:45 - 21:45. Late session: 22:00. Pricing: £10 (Adults - daytime), £12.50 (Adults - evening), £15 (Adults - late), £7 (Under 12s) Nearest Station: Embankment Tube Skate at Somerset House - Information  Tower of London Ice Rink
HRP Tower Of London, EC3N 4AB 24th November 2007 - 13th January 2008 Nestled in the rounded hollow of the dry moat, the Tower of London's rink area is set to be a wonderfully festive scene. Running for its third year, the outdoor ice rink at London's most famous castle offers a grand and historical option for skaters. Visitors can carve their route across the ice while taking in one of the most legendary buildings in London. The ideal winter activity for kiddies, couples and mates, 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. Venue: HRP Tower Of London Address: Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB Phone: 0870 602 1100 Date: 24th November 2007 - 13th January 2008 Time: 10:00 - 22:00. Peak Times: Evening sessions from 17:15, weekends & New Year's Eve. Off-Peak: Weekdays up to & inc the 16:00 session. Pricing: £12.50 (Adults - peak), £10 (Adults - off-peak), £21 (Adults - skating and tower entry, peak), £19.50, (Adults - skating and tower entry, off-peak), £7.50 (Under 16s), £12.50 (Child - skating and tower entry), £30 (Family - 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults) Nearest Station: Tower Hill Tube Tower of London Ice Rink - Information
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