It’s that time of year again where we buy a cheesy Christmas jumper, eat endless amounts of mince pies and try to find London’s most festive ice skating rink with the best hot chocolate and mulled wine! Yes, it’s Christmas! Head to the best ice rinks the capital has to offer and do it like they do in the North Pole!
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum offers a majestic ice rink perfect for families and couples staying in one our London vacation rental properties. This rink is located in lavish Kensington and will be a real favourite for HFH tenants staying in our South Kensington property rentals. The rink is surrounded by a sea of magical fairy lights dangling from the over trees. The beautiful setting also has additional attractions such as a smaller rink for Santa’s little helpers, a fairground carousel and stylish rink side café and bar, perfect for a quick pit stop to warm your hands. The impressive Natural History Museum is also opposite, along with the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (all free to enter) if you want to turn in your skates!
When: October 29 until January 3. Generally from 11am to 9pm daily, but times vary throughout the season.
Where: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
How much: from £12.65; children from £8.80
Tube: South Kensington
Somerset House
The spectacular Somerset House is one of the most famous and appealing ice rinks in London with a magnificent 40-foot Christmas tree, the elegant backdrop is guaranteed to ease you into the festive mood. The whole family is catered for at this winter wonderland, simply sit back and relax at the Skate Lounge café and bar while watching the youngsters take their first steps with the Polar Cub Club, which is a training group for newcomers. If you have any last minute Christmas shopping, The Christmas Arcade in Somerset House is also a great option. The Fortnum and Mason pop-up is filled with stocking fillers, games, tea caddies, hampers and much more! The Somerset House ice rink has it all this Christmas!
When: November 18 to January 10, daily 10am-10.15pm
Where: Somerset House, The Strand, London WC2R 1LA
How much: from £7.50
Tube: Temple; Charing Cross; Covent Garden
Eyeskate – The London Eye
There’s no better location then the River Thames for an ice skating rink! Situated opposite the South Bank, the Eyeskate is directly next to the famous London Eye, the London Dungeons and SeaLife. The Christmassy affair offers warming winter cocktails, and the German-style Southbank Christmas markets are also next door for lunch time cravings. But most impressive of all, the rink itself is a whopping 300 square metres! Definitely one not to miss!
When: November 14 until January 3, daily 10am-9pm
Where: Coca-Cola London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
How much: from £12.50; children £9.50. Discounts are available if purchased in advance online
Tube: Waterloo
Hampton Court Palace
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Christmas in London, why not take a short trip to Hampton Court Palace by train. The palace of Henry VIII is an exquisite backdrop to this open air ice skating rink which offers a magical experience for the whole family. The regal rink boasts spectacular views, an old fashioned carousel and of course in true Tudor style, there are scrumptious pies on offer at the adjacent café. It’s also worth while setting aside time to explore the 16th century grounds while you are there!
When: November 20 to January 3, daily 10am-10pm
Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
How much: adults from £11.50 off-peak to £13; children £9 off-peak to £9.50
Train: Hampton Court
Winter Wonderland
What’s not to love about Ski Zillertal ice rink located in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland? The rink is in the thick of fairgrounds, carousels, a Christmas market, and Christmassy food stalls – there is something for everyone! The rink is a striking attraction itself, illuminated by over 100,000 lights and has a Victoria bandstand as the focal point. You’ll be left feeling full of festive joy!
When: November 20 to January 3, daily 10am-10pm
Where: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
How much: from £10.50 for adults; children from £8.50
Tube: Hyde Park Corner
Winter is one of the best times of year to rent one of our fabulous vacation rental apartments! The streets are lit up with thousands of fairy lights, hot chocolate, mulled wine, turkey and pigs in blankets are all readily available, retail stores have extended hours and of course everyone in London is cheery and full of joy! Although it’s a bit chilly, the only way to truly experience Christmas in London is to get outside! Ice rinks in London are the perfect festive experience to get into the merry mood with the whole family. All of the favourite ice rinks are easy to get to from any of our London vacation apartments, so get your skates on before the festive season is over! If you have any questions about any of our properties please do not hesitate to leave a comment or contact us!
