Winter Ice Skating Picks Throughout London

Whether you glide on ice, or your balance is off-kilter, London’s ice rinks are as enchanting as ever. Here is our list of ones to enjoy in central London, or if you are tempted to head out of town, these picks make for a great day out this Festive season.

Nearby?

HYDE PARK’S WINTER WONDERLAND  

Winter Wonderland’s ice rink, the biggest outdoor rink in the UK, and one of the biggest attractions this Christmas, moments away from The Mandeville Hotel. It is illuminated with more than 100,000 lights with Festive marketplaces, food stalls, gift shopping stalls and so much more. Head over the ice skating ring – there’s no minimum age for skaters, but under-12s must be accompanied by someone 16 or over and the smallest skates for hire are children’s size 9 (adult skates go up to size 13).

Opening dates: 18th November 2017 to 1st January 2018 – 10am to 10pm, from (Closed on Christmas Day)

Address: Hyde Park, London, W2

Website:

Distance from The Mandeville: 0.6miles

SOMERSET HOUSE 

Somerset House’s grand 18th-century courtyard is the stunning setting for an ice rink again this winter. London at its best! A trip to this 900-square-metre outdoor rink will be the very definition of festive fun. While you are there, you can also enjoy the Fortnum’s Lodge offers champagne, mulled wine and winter dining.

Things-to-do-in-London-at-Winter-6

Opening dates: 15th November 2017 to 14th January 2018 – 8.45am to 11pm (Closed on Christmas Day. Check website for exact timings)

Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

Website: HTTPS://WWW.SOMERSETHOUSE.ORG.UK 

Distance from The Mandeville: 1.8miles

TOWER OF LONDON

The Tower of London is a fantastic landmark to visit in its own right. It’s not often however that we get the chance to whizz upon its moat. See the Tower from a different perspective and revel in the history of the place as you skate. It’s all about the magic and drama with this one.

Opening dates: 17th November 2017 to 2nd January 2018 (Check website for exact timings)

Address: Tower of London, EC3N 4AB

Distance from The Mandeville: 3.7miles

THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Skate to the beautiful backdrop of Alfred Waterhouse’s buildings, a row of trees dripping in fairy lights and a majestic Christmas tree in the middle of the ice. It’s become a London Christmas classic. This year, Hotel Chocolat will be in attendance, serving luxurious hot chocolates, while an indoor Café Bar and viewing balcony is open to all and overlooks the ice.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink 2016

Opening dates: 26th October 2017 to 7th January 2018 (Check website for exact timings)

Address: The Natural History Museum, Kensington, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD

Website: HTTP://WWW.NHM.AC.UK/VISIT/EXHIBITIONS/ICE-RINK.HTML

Distance from The Mandeville: 2.1miles

Further afield?

HAMPTON COURT PALACE 

A truly romantic skating experience, this one has date night written all over it. Make it an evening date and skate against the backdrop of Hampton Court Palace.

Opening dates: 24th November 2017 to 7th January 2018 (Check website for exact timings)

Address: Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU

Website: HTTP://HAMPTONCOURTPALACEICERINK.CO.UK

Distance from The Mandeville: 1 hour by car or train

Another historic landmark – here you will be skating around the Maritime Greenwich Heritage site. The views are what sells this one, from the Greenwich observatory to the Queen’s house.  Not only that, for each 3 hour session you can enjoy an amazing on ice skating performance by world class freestylers; up to 6 shows including live music, theatre, children shows, DJ’s, street performers, over 500 Christmas trees, and shop at London’s specially curated Winter Market and feast on some of the best food and drink London has to offer.

Opening dates: 1st to 31st December 2017  (Check website for exact timings)

Address: Old Royal Navy College, Park Row, SE10 9LS

Website: HTTP://WWW.GREENWICHWINTERTIME.COM

Distance from The Mandeville: 1 hour by car/ 45 minutes by train

WINTERVILLE

Head south of the River to this year’s Winterville on Clapham Common. For the first time Winterville has included an Ice Rink on its list of endless entertainment. A small treasure trove with heaps to offer, glide from Ice Skating, to the Roller Disco, Plonk Golf, a backyard cinema and of course street feast. 

Opening dates: 23rd November to 1st January 2018  (Check website for exact timings)

Address: Clapham Common, Windmill Drive, London. SW4 9DE

Website: HTTP://WINTERVILLE.CO.UK

Distance from The Mandeville: 40 minutes by car or train