Skate at Somerset House
Taking up the 18th century courtyard of Somerset House, this ice rink is the classic choice for a Christmassy ice skate with tickets that always sell like hot yule logs. Beginners can sign up to Skate School and parents can drop the kids off at the Penguin Club. Got serious skills? Nab a ticket for one of the late-night skates with DJs — essentially a disco on ice. There will also be a Christmas arcade for some post-skating retail therapy.
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Set in the foreground of the grand uplit museum, this 1,000-square-metre ice rink is built around a huge Christmas tree. There's a smaller rink for kids, and a fairground carousel, and those who don't fancy a glide can watch from the balcony cafe-bar with hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
You'll need to book in advance for a slot on London's biggest ice rink, which is open every day except Christmas Day. Glide around the old Victorian bandstand, which forms the centrepiece of the ice, under a mesh of thousands of fairy lights. Other not-to-miss activities at Winter Wonderland include the giant observation wheel and Zippos circus.
Ice at the Tower
This rink is literally steeped in history, nestled as it is within the dry moat beneath the outer curtain of London's ancient fortress. It looks its best when illuminated, so try to get an after-dark booking, when skaters may be joined by the ghosts of many a beheaded royal. The adjacent Ice Bar & Cafe serves warming drinks and festive treats, and the rink is also available for exclusive hire.
Eyeskate
A new addition to the London skating scene last year, Eyeskate is slap-bang on the river behind the capital's favourite landmark, the London Eye — why not combine a spin round the ice with a spin in the air? If you've built up an appetite from all that skating, head to the nearby German Christmas market for warm festive bites like bratwurst and gluwein. And if you buy a family ticket between Nov 27-Dec 9, children skate for free.
A good post-work option if you work in the City, Canary Wharf's skating arena promises to be bigger and better for 2013. It's the only London rink to have a 'skate path' — a romantic-sounding trail of trees lit by fairy lights. Worried you'll fall flat on your face? Book a 30-minute session with a qualified instructor. Boisdale will be manning the bar and refuelling you with haggis sausage rolls and mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Ice at the Palace
Gliding into its eleventh year, this fairytale option is one of the most coveted experiences of the winter calendar. Skate in royal fashion in the shadow of one of Henry VIII's favourite palaces, and things get starrier by night when the palace is illuminated.
Ice Rink at Ally Pally
Open to ice skaters of all ages, the rink at Alexandra Palace is complete with an Ice Café, where you can chill out before or after a session. You can learn ice hockey or figure skating, or get your groove on at the rink’s Disco on Ice, while the kids can enjoy a jungle-themed, inflatable soft play area. December 9-16 will see the rink transform into an undersea kingdom for its Christmas panto, The Little Mermaid.
The capital’s popular shopping destination will be hosting themed sessions at its indoor ice rink, such as DJ parties, date nights, ‘Christmas Jumper’ sessions and even student-only skates. There will also be family entertainment for guests of all ages.
