With winter fast approaching, and the London Christmas party season just around the corner, here are some of our favourite ice-skating venues to visit in the city.
Three great venues for ice-skating in London this winter
1 – The Skylight at Tobacco Dock
Head to the most exciting rooftop destination in the capital. Skylight, the first rooftop ice-skating rink in London, is at the historic Tobacco Dock, a 5-minute walk from Shadwell station (DLR and Overground) and a 15-minute walk Tower hill tube station (District and Circle line). When you need a break from all that skating, treat yourself to a delicious fondue with mulled wine or a seasonal cocktail. Skylight begins on 2nd November and will be open between 5pm and 11pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and from midday to 11pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
2 – The Natural History Museum
This huge ice rink is overlooked by one of Britain’s finest 19th-century buildings and museums, and looks its best when everything is lit up after dark. After a busy skating session, grab a bite to eat at the Café Bar, or order a glass of wine or a beer. If you visit on a Friday evening, you could also spend some time at the nearby Victoria & Albert Museum, which is open until 10pm every Friday.
The Natural History Museum ice rink is open daily from 26th October to 7th January. Standard hours are 11am to 9pm, although these may vary depending on the day of the week. The building is right next to South Kensington tube station (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines), and is also one of the most sought-after venues for a Christmas party in London.
3 – Somerset House
Just minutes from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross station (Northern Line and rail), Somerset House will once again be transformed into a magical winter wonderland. However, this year it will go one step further by introducing Skate Lates, a special weekend night-music programme with top tracks from the ’90’s and ’00’s. After your skating session, enjoy some tasty mince pies and mulled wine at Fortnum’s Lodge, try some tapas at Fernandez & Wells, or have lunch at The Courtauld Café or Tom’s Deli if you’re visiting earlier in the day. Alternatively, you can enjoy more great food at the New Wing or Pennethorne’s, or go festive shopping at the enchanting Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade.
The Somerset House ice rink is open daily from 15th November to 14th January, and standard opening hours are 10am to 10.15pm (opening times may be as early as 8.45am or as late as 11.30pm on selected dates).
Interested in planning your own winter-wonderland party this year?
Whether you’ve set your sights on a big London Christmas party in one of the city’s most luxurious events venues, or a smaller event elsewhere, get in touch with Venueseeker today and tell us what you need.
