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Every November, the magnificent courtyard of Somerset House is transformed into a winter wonderland. Hosting London's original outdoor ice rink, jovial folk flock onto the ice at this magnificent 18th century attraction. Set at the foot of a giant Christmas tree festooned in lights, the vast expanse of sparkling ice stretches out across the courtyard, making the setting truly magical.
During the day it's a fabulous family destination. Kids just love scooting across the ice, tumbles and all, while skaters and spectators alike are able to warm up with refreshments and beverages at the ice rink bar and café. When darkness falls, the rink is transformed with flaming torches and wonderful lighting illuminating the classical facades of the courtyard. For romantics, Somerset House outdoor rink will definitely impress.
This year the rink has introduced the concept of ice guides. These are qualified skaters on hand to provide assistance for individuals or groups of up to 15 people. You can hire an ice guide at £30 per one-hour session, subject to availability of course. Please be aware, if you would like an ice guide they must be booked (by telephone only) when you book your tickets for skating and at least 48 hours prior to your session.
Fun and wonderfully evocative - it's the perfect opportunity to don matching hats and gloves and embark on wholesome, Christmas fun. Booking is essential. Despite facing stiff competition from a host of alternative ice rinks, it's still best place to get your skates on - prime-time slots sell out fast. |
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Local
Event Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Event |
| Discotec |
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The End,
18
West Central Street,
Camden,
London,
WC1A
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13 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| Midweek gay/mixed club with world class music. There's a funky disco in the Lounge, while the main room keeps the House vibes pumping with resident ...More...
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| London Event |
| G - A - Y Music Factory |
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Astoria,
157
Charing Cross Road,
Westminster,
London,
WC2H
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16 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| Attitude-free Hardbag and Handbag at Europe's largest gay and lesbian club. Cheap drinks and a glamorous international crowd make this a great start to the ...More...
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Local
Event Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Event |
| Scrap - Sculptures by Sam Spenser |
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The Wapping Project, Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, Wapping Wall,
London,
E1W
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0 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| We first saw the works of Goldsmiths art college student Sam Spenser at the Wapping Project in November last year when he put orange umbrellas in the trees outside the former power station to beautiful effect. Now he makes a welcome return with a series...More...
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Local
Hotels Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Hotels |
| Swissotel The Howard |
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Temple Place,
Westminster,
London,
WC2R
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3 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| Just off the Embankment and overlooking the River Thames, this highly rated hotel is close to Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and, across the river, the ...More...
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| London Hotels |
| The Waldorf Hilton |
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Aldwych,
Westminster,
London,
WC2B4DD
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4 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| Positioned between the City’s Square Mile and the thriving West End, this grand, Edwardian Hilton hotel welcomes guests with a patisserie and champagne bar in ...More...
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Local
Entertainment Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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3 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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3 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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4 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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Local
Sights and Attractions Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Sights and Attractions |
| Somerset House |
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Somerset House,
Strand,
Westminster,
London,
WC2R
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0 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| Gallery and former Tudor palace.
Somerset House was once the site of a spectacular Tudor palace. Now it's a magnificent 18th century art gallery housing celebrated ...More...
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| London Sights and Attractions |
| Somerset House: Embankment Galleries |
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Strand,
Westminster,
London,
WC2R
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0 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| Opened on 24th April 2008, the Embankment Galleries at Somerset House offer 750 square metres of exhibition space where the Hermitage Rooms used to be. ...More...
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Local
Shopping Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Shopping |
| The Albion Emporium |
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38
Tavistock Street,
Westminster,
London,
WC2E
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4 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| As British as a bacon buttie, buying your groceries at The Albion Emporium is like getting first dibs on Mrs Beeton's pantry. A bastion of ...More...
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| London Shopping |
| Hope and Greenwood |
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1
Russell Street,
Westminster,
London,
WC2B
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5 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| Excellent ice cream in the summer and a delicious-looking Christmas window in the winter are the kind of thing that make this candy shop a ...More...
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Local
Dining Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Dining |
| The Admiralty |
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Somerset House,
The Strand,
Westminster,
London,
WC2R
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0 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| In the evenings, approach this restaurant through the fountained courtyard of Somerset House to get yourself in the mood for a magical meal. The Admiralty ...More...
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| London Dining |
| The River Terrace Cafe at Somerset House |
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Strand,
Westminster,
London,
WC2R
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0 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| This covered cafe commands wonderful views of the Thames from outside 18th-century Somerset House. Large sunshades shield customers from the sun's reflective glare, while cooling ...More...
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Local
Education Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Education |
| King's College Medical School |
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Strand,
Westminster,
London,
WC2R
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0 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| Imperial College London is the foremost medical training faculty in the country but for non-medical graduates wishing for a change of career, King’s is the ...More...
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| London Education |
| Courtauld Institute of Art |
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Somerset House,
Westminster,
London,
WC2R
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5 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and ...More...
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Local
Leisure Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Leisure |
| The Sanctuary |
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12
Floral Street,
Westminster,
London,
WC2E
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8 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| This day spa exclusively for women is a total pampering experience from the minute you step through the door. Located in bustling Covent Garden you'll ...More...
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| London Leisure |
| Lincoln's Inn Fields |
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Holborn,
Camden,
London,
WC2A
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11 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| The largest public square in London, Lincoln's Inn Fields has a rich and varied history. In 1683 it was the site of the public beheading ...More...
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Local
Pubs Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Pubs |
| The Cove |
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1
The Piazza,
Westminster,
London,
WC2E
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6 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| Overlooking Covent Garden Piazza, the Cove is a world away from the crowds outside. Tucked up in a worn, leather armchair under the pub’s low, ...More...
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| London Pubs |
| Lamb & Flag |
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33
Rose Street,
Westminster,
London,
WC2E
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9 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| One of the oldest pubs in London.
Once known as the Bucket of Blood, thanks to the bare-knuckle fights held here, the Lamb & Flag has ...More...
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Local
Nightlife Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Nightlife |
| Heaven |
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Under the Arches,
Craven Street,
Westminster,
London,
WC2N
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8 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| Heaven was once the home of Megatripolis and holds a fond place in the memory of anybody lucky enough to experience the rave explosion of ...More...
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| London Nightlife |
| The End |
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18
West Central Street,
Camden,
London,
WC1A
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13 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| The End kick started a new wave of clubbing in the capital with their killer sound system, hi-tech innovation and user-friendly ethos. The baby of ...More...
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Local
Business Near Somerset House Ice Rink |
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| London Business |
| Somerset House |
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Somerset House,
Strand,
Westminster,
London,
WC2R
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0 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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| ...More...
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| London Business |
| Courtauld Institute Gallery |
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Courtauld Institute of Art,
Somerset House,
Strand,
Westminster,
London,
WC2R
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0 minutes distance from Somerset House Ice Rink
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