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 Christmas in London 2009: 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 heaps of ice rinks popping up all over the capital year after year - including, in 2009, the new ICExperience at Wembley Stadium. With skating facilities at the Tower of London and the Natural History Museum, not to mention Alexandra Palace and Hampton Court, some of the best historical attractions in London and its surrounding area are dabbling in a spot of festive fun. It's one of the great things about winter in the city so what are you waiting for... get your skates on.
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Christmas in London 2009: Related Articles Shows & Pantos | Christmas Lights | Christmas Trees | Markets & Fairs | Hotel Hideaways   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 an ideal place for a festive skate because you don't have to rely on the weather. The grand indoor rink is open all year round and offers a range of other activities, such as ice hockey and figure skating classes (so you can emulate your idols from The Mighty Ducks or, erm, Blades of Glory). There's a soft play area too - ideal for parents and toddlers and open daily for two to five-years-olds, while spectators can make themselves comfortable in the 740-seat stadium or have a drink in the rinkside Phoenix bar. In the past, there has been a annual Christmas pantomime production on ice - although this has yet to be confirmed for this year. Address: Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY Phone: 020 8365 4386 Website: www.alexandrapalace.com 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 (Sat Disco, Sun Chill Out) | School Holiday Skate All Day Sessions - Mon to Fri 11am-5.30pm Pricing: £6.50 (Adults weekdays daytime), £8 (Adults weekends & evenings), £5.50 (Children & Seniors daytime), £7 (Children & Concs weekends); £1 reduction Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 4.30pm-5.30pm); £8/£7 (Weekend Disco & Chill Out) Nearest Station: Wood Green Tube Alexandra Palace Ice Rink - Information  Broadgate Ice Rink
Broadgate Circle, EC2M 2QT 14th November 2009 - 7th March 2010 City workers can inject a bit of fun into their lunch break with a skate around this small circular ice 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. 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 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). Warning: session times can be changed according to the weather so do check that it's cold enough before you get your skates on. NOTE: the ice rink is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Venue: Broadgate Circle Phone: 020 7505 4037 Website: www.broadgateinfo.net Date: 14th November 2009 - 7th March 2010 Time: 14th Nov to 18th Dec - Mon to Fri 12noon-2.30pm, 3.30pm-5.30pm, 6.30pm-8.30pm (Wed & Thur 6pm onwards Private Hire), Sat & Sun 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm | 19th Dec-3th Jan Daily 10am-12noon, 1pm-3pm, 4pm-6pm and 7pm-9pm | Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day | 4th Jan to 31st Jan - Mon to Fri 12noon-2.30pm, 3.30pm-5.30pm, Mon to Wed 6pm onwards Broomball, Thu 6pm onwards Private Hire, Fri 6.30pm-8.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm | 1st Feb to 7th Mar - Mon to Fri 12noon-2.30pm, 3.30pm-5.30pm, 6.30pm-8.30pm (Wed & Thurs 6pm onwards Private Hire), Sat & Sun 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm Pricing: £8 (Adults), £5 (Concs & Under 16s), £2 (Skate hire) | Season tickets £100/£40 | Monthly £40/£25 Nearest Station: Liverpool Street Tube / Rail Ice Skating at Broadgate - Information  Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Canada Square Park, E14 5AX 14th November 2009 - 21st February 2010 Nestled beneath the world-famous mirrored towers of Canary Wharf, this compact 450-square-metre outdoor ice rink adds a much-needed cheerful dose of Christmas spirit to office life - especially with so many bankers' bonuses frozen this year. 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. But really it's meant for everyone - including those who prefer gawping to gliding (the Rinkside Bar is twice as big as last year and there's also an expanded viewing gallery). 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). This year, a special "skate and party" hospitality package allows groups of friends or work colleagues to enjoy one hour on the rink and two hours in the alpine-themed Moose Bar with inclusive drinks, canapes and mince pies. Venue: Canada Square Park Address: Canada Square, E14 5AX Phone: 0844 847 1556 Website: www.canarywharficerink.com Date: 14th November 2009 - 21st February 2010 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), £299 (Adult season pass), £250 (Children season pass), £70 (Hospitality package) Nearest Station: Canary Wharf Tube Canary Wharf Ice Rink - Information  Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, W2 2UH 21st November 2009 - 3rd January 2010 Throughout December a 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 (free, first-come-first-served) and, of course, an ice rink. It's the third consecutive year that the Winter Wonderland has come to Hyde Park and it's already a favourite in many Londoners' calendar. Doing your best Torvill and Dean impersonation is a great way to embrace the cold and the not-so-snappily-titled Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games Ice Rink claims to be the biggest outdoor rink in London (although last year it seemed rather narrow) so you'll benefit from a bit of extra space for all those slick ice manoeuvres (such as the classic floor-pick-up). Doing a turn on the 50-metre-high wheel takes in great views over London's most popular Christmas attraction, fittingly set in one of the capital's most prominent parks. Zippo's Circus is a new attraction for this year - and the 35-minute show is bound to pull crowds into its heated big top when temperatures plummet. The traditional German market, with its wooden chalets and various Bavarian 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. 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. Venue: Hyde Park Address: Rangers Lodge, W2 2UH Phone: 0844 847 1771 Website: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Date: 21st November 2009 - 3rd January 2010 Time: Daily 10am-10pm | Closed Christmas Day Pricing: FREE admission. Tokens for rides & attractions | Ice Rink: £10-£13 (Adults), £7.50-£8 (Children), £9-£11.50 (Concs), £28-£34 (Families) | Wheel: £7.50 (Adults & Children - advance bookings), £20 (Families) | Zippo's Circus: £7.50-£8 (Adults), £4.50 (Children), £6.50-£7 (Concs), £19.50-£23 (Families) | Booking fees apply Nearest Station: Hyde Park Corner Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - Information  Ice at the Palace
Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU 28th November 2009 - 10th January 2010 The striking Tudor façade 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 Frost Fayre 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. Venue: Hampton Court Palace Address: East Molesey, KT8 9AU Phone: 0844 412 4641 Website: www.hamptoncourticerink.com Date: 28th November 2009 - 10th January 2010 Time: 10am-10pm. Closed Christmas Day Pricing: £11.50 (Adults peak), £10 (Adults off peak) | £8 (Children peak), £7.50 (Children off peak) | £9 (Concs peak), £8 (Concs off peak) | £32 (Family peak), £30 (Family off peak) Nearest Station: Hampton Court Rail Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink - Information  Ice at the Tower
Tower Of London, EC3N 4AB 21st November 2009 - 10th January 2010 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 fifth 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... Venue: Tower Of London Address: Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB Phone: 0844 412 4636 Website: www.toweroflondonicerink.com Date: 21st November 2009 - 10th January 2010 Time: Daily 10am-10pm | Closed Christmas Day, 25 Dec Pricing: £12 (Adults peak), £10 (Adults off peak), £8 (Children peak), £7.50 (Children off peak), £11/£9.50 (Concs), £32 (Family peak), £30 (Family off peak) Nearest Station: Tower Hill Tube Tower Of London Ice Rink - Information  ICExperience at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium, HA9 0WS 11th December 2009 - 3rd January 2010 New this year is ICExperience, by far the biggest outdoor rink in town and, at a whopping 350m long and circling the pitch at Wembley, easily Britain's longest ever ice rink. You'll be able to get from one end of the pitch to the other quicker than Emmanuel Adebayor after scoring against his old side! This should be a fabulous way to see the hallowed turf of the new Wembley Stadium from the players' perspective and with 700 skaters allowed on the rink per hour you should get your chance to impress the imaginary supporters in the stands with your blades of glory (no Iron Lotuses, mind). With the absence of international football matches during the festive period, the rectangular rink is an ingenious idea by the people at the FA - and it's certainly an original backdrop to your festive skate. Visitors will be able to combine the skating with an array of other activities, such as visiting the England changing rooms and the players' tunnel or having a behind-the-scenes stadium tour. Goal: there's a nursery rink available for young skaters. Yellow card: keeping in line with the football theme, sessions are only 45 minutes long and not the habitual hour. Venue: Wembley Stadium Address: Wembley, HA9 0WS Phone: 0844 847 2522 Website: www.wembleyice.com Date: 11th December 2009 - 3rd January 2010 Time: Daily 10am-10pm, last session starts 9.15pm | Duration 45 mins Pricing: 11th Dec - 18 Dec: £11.50 (Adult), £9 (Children), £36 (Family) | 19 Dec - 3 Jan: £15 (Adult), £10 (Children), £40 (Family) Nearest Station: Wembley Park Station Tube or Wembley Stadium Station ICExperience at Wembley Stadium - Information  Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Natural History Museum, SW7 5BD 5th November 2009 - 17th January 2010 The Natural History Museum's annual icing-over of its gardens kicks off again in November - and this winter the main ice rink will be larger than ever. The 1,050-square-metre rink is 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 when 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, while five wheelchair sessions are available - see the www.nhm.ac.uk website for details. The ice rink and cafe bar are available for private hire too for a minimum of 150 guests. Last year there was a Christmas Fair throughout December which proved a great spot to get into the Christmas spirit and do some unusual shopping. Venue: Natural History Museum Address: Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD Phone: 0844 847 1576 Website: www.nhm.ac.uk Date: 5th November 2009 - 17th January 2010 Time: Mon to Fri 10am-10pm, Sun & Sat 8.45am-10pm Pricing: £11.50 (Adults off peak), £13 (Adults peak), £8 (Children off peak), £8.50 (Children peak), £31 (Family off peak), £34.50 (Family peak) Nearest Station: South Kensington Tube Natural History Museum Ice Rink - Information  Skate At Somerset House
Somerset House, WC2R 1LA 17th November 2009 - 24th January 2010 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. If you have young ones in tow, families can enjoy Breakfast with Tiffany (geddit?) 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 - and lessons for beginners. Even if you don't feel like braving the ice it's a great spectator sport and the Skate Cafe & Bar makes a mean hot chocolate. For sweet-toothed shopaholics with a penchant for diamonds, the adjacent Tiffany Tuck shop sells a selection of jewellery, cupcakes and other treats. Now in its 10th year, Skate at Somerset House is "one of the great sights of a London winter... a wonderful place to be" (The Times). Venue: Somerset House Address: Strand, WC2R 1LA Phone: 0844 847 1520 Website: www.somersethouse.org.uk Date: 17th November 2009 - 24th January 2010 Time: Daily | Daytime sessions 10am-4.15pm, Evening sessions 5.30pm-10.15pm, Late Skate 10.30pm | Closed Christmas Day Pricing: £10.50 (Adults daytime), £12.50 (Adults evening), £15 (Adults late), £7.50 (Children 12 & Under daytime), £8 (Children 12 & Under evening), £30/£32 (family) Nearest Station: Temple Tube Skate At Somerset House - Information |
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