Whether you like it or not, it’s getting colder. One positive you can take from this is that there are an abundance of ice rinks around London that you are going to love; whether it’s because you’re an amazing skater, or you just like to take the piss out of people worse than you. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up the top five ice rinks in London (in no particular order).
Leather Bottle Ski Chalet:
London’s first pub ice rink is at The Leather Bottle in Earlsfield. Personally, we have enough trouble standing after a few without being on ice, so there are going to be a few bumps and bruises but, more importantly, hilarity. You do have to ask how many health and safety officials were paid off for this, however…
When: December 1 – January 12
Ticket price: £5+
Where: 538 Garratt Lane, SW17 0NY
Nearest tube: Earlsfield
Westfield ice rink:
Over at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, you can send your bored partner off to play in the ice rink while you get all of Christmas shopping done in peace. This year they have themed nights and days including family days, DJ evenings, ‘Date’ and ‘Christmas Jumper’ night and student sessions.
When: Now – January 5
Ticket price: £8+
Where: Ariel Way, W12 7GF
Nearest tube: Shepherd’s Bush
Web: uk.westfield.com/london/news-and-events/ice-rink
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Winter Wonderland:
There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than heading down to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. They’ve bought back the ice rink for yet another year, and they’ve also got more fun fair rides scattered around the place.
When: Now – January 5
Ticket price: £10.50
Where: Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Nearest tube: Green Park
Web: hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Somerset House:
Somerset House has a 900sqm ice rink in its 18th-century courtyard and it’s definitely one of London’s more iconic festive ice rinks. Skate lessons are available for beginners and once they’re feeling a bit more confident, late-night sessions and club nights with DJ’s are available.
When: Now – January 5
Ticket price: £7.50+
Where: Strand, WC2R 1LA
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
Web: somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink
Hampton Court:
Fancy something a bit more Royal? Then head on down to Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, and have Henry VIII’s manor look over you as you glide. We’re sure there’s a joke about beheading in there somewhere…
When: November 30 – January 12
Ticket price: £11.50+
Where: East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU
Nearest train station: Hampton Court
