X
VIEW ALL RESULTS
VIEW ALL RESULTS
    X
    X
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
    VIEW ALL RESULTS

      Forbes Travel Guide Stories

      Destinations, Outdoors, Sports

      Skate London At These Top Outdoor Ice Rinks
      By Correspondent Joseph Reaney

      December 31, 2013

      FTG-Hero-LondonSkating-SomersetHouse-CreditGideonMendel

      From New York City‘s Rockefeller Center to Berlin‘s Potsdamer Platz, most world capitals boast a famous outdoor ice-skating venue. Yet few cities can rival London for the sheer number of open-air ice rinks (more than 20) or for their range of memorable locations, from the shadow of the London Eye to the heart of Hyde Park to the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. When you are this spoiled for choice, it often helps to narrow your options. So in that spirit, here are Forbes Travel Guide’s three favorite London ice rinks.

      Natural History Museum Ice Rink

      One of London’s most architecturally impressive buildings is also home to one of its most impressive annual architectural feats. Every year, from October through January, a nearly 11,000-square-foot ice rink is assembled in the gardens of this beautiful South Kensington museum, and then more than 75,000 fairy lights are hung above it. In addition to the main ice rink, there’s a junior rink for young skaters, a traditional fairground carousel and the rink-side Café Bar. It’s here that you can purchase tea, coffee, hot chocolate and even beer and wine, and find regular live music and entertainment. The bar also boasts a balcony overlooking the rink, for non-skaters who like to watch their friends falling on their behinds.

      Open approximately 9 a.m. through  9 p.m. (times vary). Off-peak tickets: $19 adults, $13 children. Book tickets.

      FTG-DropIn-LondonSkating-CreditTowerOfLondonIce at The Tower

      Skating venues don’t get more iconic than this. Situated in the dry moat of the world’s most famous prison, this ice rink offers views of the fortress battlements on one side and the south bank of the Thames — which includes London’s newest icon, The Shard — on another. Aside from the ice itself, the venue also includes a bar and café, where you can enjoy winter drinks and festive snacks. Dine like a local with a warming mug of mulled wine and a fruity mince pie. For the most magical of ice-skating experiences, book your visit after dark, as the rink and The Tower are beautifully illuminated.

      Open 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. Off-peak tickets: $19 adults, $15 children. Book tickets.

      Skate at Somerset House

      Considered by many Londoners to be the cream of the ice-skating crop, Skate at Somerset House has three significant factors in its favor. The first is location: This open-air ice rink sits in the courtyard of a spectacular 18th-century neoclassical palace, Somerset House, situated on the riverside. The second is the variety of events and activities around the ice rink, which range from live DJs who soundtrack your skate to superb late-night shopping opportunities. And the third is the ability to enhance your ice-skating experience with “skate extras:” These vary in decadence (and price) from champagne and chocolates to a two-night stay at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star The Savoy. Add all three of these factors together, and it’s easy to argue that this is the ultimate in outdoor ice skating.

      Open 8:45 a.m. through 10:30 p.m. Regular tickets: $23.50 adults, $16.50 children. Book tickets.

      All three ice-skating venues are open every day (except Christmas Day) until January 5, 2014.

      Photos Courtesy of Gideon Mendel and Tower of London

      Share
      Tweet
      Pin
      Share
      Ice Skating London
      by josephreaney 

      About josephreaney

      View all posts by josephreaney

      Related Posts

      • Beach30 Top Travel Instagrams Of 2020
      • Dining roomCelebrate The Holidays With These Hotel Suite Experiences
      • Food21 Delicious Reasons To Travel Right Now
      • 10 Hotels With Unusual Architecture

      Copyright © 2021 · Prima Donna theme by Georgia Lou Studios

      Dreaming of your next trip?

      Let us inspire you with weekly special offers and stories about what's new and exciting in luxury travel.
      THANK YOU! CONFIRMATION EMAIL SENT.
      You can withdraw your consent at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy and Terms or Contact Us for more information.