LONDON
LONDON'S CALLING:
Get your skates on
BY GEMMA DUNN
WHEN YOU THINK OF CHRISTMASTIME IN LONDON, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF? FOR US, IT'S OXFORD STREET'S LIGHTS,
TRAFALGAR'S CHRISTMAS TREE, HYDE PARK'S WINTER WONDERLAND AND OF COURSE, THE RETURN OF THE EVER-POPULAR
POP-UP ICE RINKS. FROM ICONIC LANDMARK-SIDE RINKS TO MUSEUMS AND SKATE EXTRAS, HERE AT insideKENT WE HAVE
PICKED THE BEST OUTDOOR ICE RINKS FOR FESTIVE FUN IN LONDON THIS CHRISTMAS. BUT, REMEMBER THEY'RE ONLY HERE
UNTIL JANUARY, SO YOU BEST GET YOUR SKATES ON. AND IF YOU WANT TO DO YOUR OWN RENDITION OF TORVILL AND
DEAN'S 1984 OLYMPIC BOLERO, WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE?
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
26 October 2013 - 16 February 2014
After an extremely successful 2012, the Ice Rink Canary Wharf is back by
popular demand, and this time it's bigger and better than ever. Nestled
under the soaring buildings of Canada Square, and bathed in twinkling
festive lights, this interactive rink and skate path is perfect for a whole host
of skaters, from kids and adults to office parties and dates.
www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
Ice at the Tower
16 November 2013 - 5 January 2014
Located in the 1000-year-old moat, this stunning ice rink is set within the
magnificent fortress battlements of the iconic Tower of London. The ideal
night-time skate destination, this unique, illuminated rink even offers an Ice
Bar & Café; the perfect place to warm up after your skate and indulge in
a selection of winter drinks and festive snacks.
www.toweroflondonicerink.com
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
31 October 2013 - 5 January 2014
From dinosaurs to skating, Alfred Waterhouse's renowned Natural History
Museum in Kensington seems to have it all. And this year is no different,
as once again the museum will provide the backdrop for a 1000 metre,
square outdoor ice rink. Soak up the festive atmosphere amid the trees
decked with thousands of fairy lights and enjoy the rink-side fairground
carousel and jovial drinks. What's more, there is a junior rink for younger
skaters.
www.nhm.ac.uk
Winter Wonderland
23 November 2013 - 5 January 2014
It's November and that can only mean one thing: Winter Wonderland is not
far off. Yes, this year the festive family favourite returns to London's Hyde
Park with more top shows, another huge wheel, an even bigger Christmas
market, and of course, the ever-popular, glittering ice rink. Set amidst the
Victorian bandstand, visitors can take to the rink in the winter sun or under
the spectacular night sky.
www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Skate at Somerset House
14 November 2013 - 5 January 2014
Brighten up your winter this year with a visit to arguably the most spectacular
ice rink in London: Skate at Somerset House. Dubbed 'The coolest rink of
all' by The Sunday Times and 'London's favourite outdoor ice rink' by ES
Maga zine, this once-a-year festive treat is by no means short of admirers.
Whether you're visiting with family, friends or on a work outing, it is a trip
worth booking. You can also enhance your visit by adding skate extras,
such as a stop-off at the Chocolate and Champagne Bar, a three-course
meal at their in-house restaurant, Tom's Kitchen or a stop-over at the
nearby Savoy Hotel.
In addition, look out for the rink's club sessions. After dark, visitors
can skate to a live soundtrack as the ice is transformed to house some of
the top DJs around. Glad Tidings Tuesdays are also well worth a look-in,
as guests can enjoy live music, traditional yuletide treats and late night
shopping at The Christmas Arcade. A rink-side bar is also in place throughout
the season for those celebratory festive tipples. Lessons are available at
the rink's Skate School and little ones can experience their first ice experience
with the dedicated Penguin Club.
www.somersethouse.org.uk
Ice at the Palace
30 November 2013 - 12 January 2014
As Ice at the Palace gears up for another skating season, there are few
scenes more festive and picture-perfect than that of the ice rink at Hampton
Court Palace. Once home to Henry VIII, visitors will feel like royalty amongst
the fairytale backdrop and under the splendour of the evening stars. Much
like Ice at the Tower, there is also an Ice Bar & Café for a much needed
energy hit.
www.hamptoncourticerink.com
Book your quick, stress-free trip to London on Southeastern
www.southeasternrailway.co.uk
www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
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