Best places for Ice Skating in London 2013

StyleNest roundup the best places for ice skating in London this festive season, to ensure your winter pastime indulgences go without a hitch.

Whether you want to whizz, spin or practice your double axels this Christmas, we have rounded up the best and most stylish places for you to do so. From the picturesque Somerset House to the family friendly ice rink in Hyde Park, there are plenty of skating venues for you to choose from and try out.

So grab your coats, scarves, gloves and wooly hats for some outdoor festive fun.

Skate at Somerset House Presented By Coach
A shining beacon of British architecture and superior ice-skating experiences, there is nowhere you would rather be than at Somerset House this winter. Offering an array of activities, from Club Nights to Chocolate and Champagne indulgences, Somerset House offers more than just skating. Warm up with some luxury hot chocolate and mulled wine devised by resident Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, and a 40ft twinkling Christmas tree offering the perfect backdrop to the stylish ice rink. With the Capital’s best DJ’s offering the season’s sounds, a festive afternoon tea that will satisfy all tummies, and a luxury shopping experience for those who need their weekly fix, need we say more?
When: November 14^th 2013 – January 5^th 2014
Tickets: Prices start at £7.50
Visit www.somersethouse.org.uk
The Bluebird Skating Rink
Head to the Bluebird this winter for a whizz around the glamorous skating rink set up in the café’s courtyard. Offering a delectable wintry menu, post skate indulge in Belvedere Cocktails and Champagne and a winter-warming chocolate fondue for two. And if there are any birthdays coming up, why not rent out the rink and make a day of it.
When: November 11^th 2013 – January 5^th 2014
Tickets: £10 per person
Visit www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
National History Museum Ice Rink
Offering a traditional skating experience, the National History Museum is the go-to venue if you are looking to skate with a group of friends or the extended family. A family friendly place to be, treat the kiddies to a wintry pastime experience they’ll never forget. And if the little ones aren’t too confident on the ice yet, you can book a lesson with the ice marshal, which will see them gliding confidently in no time.
When: October 31^st 2013 – January 5^th 2014
Tickets: Prices start from £8
Visit www.nhm.ac.uk
Skate at the Hampton Court Palace
For a magical fairy tale ice-skating experience choose Hampton Court Palace this winter. Beautifully candescent come dusk, skate underneath the stars on a night time visit and enjoy the glowing illuminations. Should you get a little cold on the ice, warm up at the Ice Bar & Café, which will be serving a delicious selection of winter drinks and festive snacks.
When: November 30^th 2013 – January 12^th 2014
Tickets: Prices from £9
Visit www.hamptoncourticerink.com
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Situated in the heart of one of London’s favourite shopping destinations, Canary Wharf’s skating experience is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Make the most of the decorative ice rink with the handy skate path, directing you under trees lit with fairy lights. There will also be an enticing menu to look forward to too at the onsite bar where non-skaters will have the perfect view of all the festive fun with a Christmasy tipple at hand.
When: October 26^th 2013 – Feburary 16^th 2014
Tickets: Prices start at £9
Visit www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Go big this year with a skating experience at the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink. Whirl around the large open space with live music in the background. With plenty to do at Winter Wonderland, you can enjoy a bratwurst hotdog and some warming mulled wine as well as a show at Zippo’s Circus in between skates.
When: November 22^nd 2013 – January 5^th 2014
Tickets: Prices start from £8.50
Visit www.hpww.pwrtickets.com
Ice at the Tower of London
If you are looking for a more historical choice you may want to consider the iconic Tower of London. A great way to mix history, wonderful landscapes and skating all in one, this is a destination for the whole family.
When: November 16^th 2013 – January 5^th 2013
Tickets: Prices start from £9
Visit www.toweroflondonicerink.com
Westfield London’s Ice Rink
Take a break from Christmas shopping and glide around London’s most fashionable ice rink this winter. With something for everyone, expect themed sessions like “Disco” and “Christmas Jumper” to ensure you are laughing yourselves silly come Christmas and right through into the New Year.
When: November 21^st 2013 – January 5^th 2013
Tickets: Prices start from £3.50
Visit www.uk.westfield.com
Eyeskate
Skating just got memorable at the London Eye. Known as the New Year hotspot, start the Christmas celebrations early with a whizz around the gloriously illuminated London Eye ice rink and enjoy the breath-taking views of the capital at the same time.
When: November 27^th 2013 – January 5^th 2014
Tickets: Prices start from £6.75
Visit www.londoneye.com
The Leather Bottle Ice Rink
Making use of their lovely outdoor space, The Leather Bottle will be the first pub with an ice rink this winter. Complete with snow machine, festive lighting and merry music, family and friends will be feeling extra Christmasy this year. And after you've had a few swirls around the rink, head inside to warm up with some homemade mulled wine, delicious rabbit stew finished with a crumbly treacle tart.
When: December 1st 2013 - January 12th 2014
Tickets: Adults £5, Children £3
Visit www.leatherbottlepub.co.uk