London's Outdoor Ice Rinks
Scarves and hats, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, pink cheeks and (if your skating skills are anything like ours) pink bottoms! Whether you're a Torvill / Dean wannabe or a complete novice, London's outdoor ice rinks make a truly fabulous date. It's romantic and it's fun, it'll make you giggle and will fill you with bag loads of festive cheer… what's not to like?
Below we've listed a selection of our favourite rinks, most of which are open from November - January. They're popular, so it's always best to book in advance if you can.
Better get your skates on...
1) Canary Wharf (Nov 12th-Feb 19th, £10 off peak/£12 peak)
Open for its 7th season, the ice rink in Canada Square Park makes an excellent after work date for all you banker types. They offer brand new, sharpened ice skates (look out!) and there'll be plenty of festive music and drink on offer. Book tickets here.
2) Hampton Court Palace (26th Nov-8th Jan, £10.50 off peak/£12.00 peak)
This is a pretty magical setting for a spot of frolicking on the ice. Definitely worth booking ahead.
3) Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (18th Nov-3rd Jan, £10.50 off peak/£13.50 peak)
The Winter Wonderland offers the whole Christmas package. Rides, circus shows, a giant ferris wheel, food stalls, Christmas markets and the highlight of course, London's largest outdoor ice rink.
4) London Eye (19th Nov - 6th Jan, from £7.35 online, £10.50 on the day)
Returning after the sucess of last year, the 'Eyeskate' is a welcome addition to the skating scene. The setting is pretty incredible, with the colours of the London Eye above, the river beside and Westminster just beyond that. Not bad.
5) Somerset House (22nd Nov-22rd Jan, from £7.50)
You really couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting, plus there's food and cocktails from Tom Aikens and even a Tiffany & Co jewelry shop… anyone feel a proposal coming on?! We love the sound of the live DJ club nights - 'Dancing on Ice' takes on a whole new meaning... Book tickets here.
6) The Natural History Museum (4th Nov-8th Jan, £11.50 off peak / £13 peak)
Another pretty exceptional setting, The Natural History Museum Ice Rink also has the advantage of an adjoined indoor cafe/bar for a mulled wine to warm yourselves up mid-skate. Book tickets here.
7) Tower of London (19th Nov-8th Jan, £10.50 off peak, £12.50 peak)
One for the history lovers. Whilst this isn't a huge ice rink, it's not in a bad spot!
