As winter folds over London, it brings with it a host of new activities that are enjoyed best in the colder seasons. Skate your way into the new year at the one of the city’s best ice rinks – boots at the ready, we’ve got the perfect list for you…

1.    Natural History Museum

If enchantment is what you’re looking for during your axel on ice, then look no further than South Kensington’s Natural History Museum. As you skate amidst the beautiful backdrop of Alfred Waterhouse’s buildings, fairy lights and a majestic Christmas tree taking centre stage, it’s hard not to be encapsulated in all of the festive fun. Just a stone’s throw away from The Kensington, its courtyard will transform into a dazzling ice rink during the winter season, its undoubtably one of the most picturesque spots to glide across ice in London. 

Tickets start at £12.65 for adults, with children allowed admittance from £8.80. Head down to the indoor Café Bar and viewing balcony for a mulled wine, beer or hot drink as you overlook the ice below. 

Image Via Natural History Museum

2.    Somerset House 

When Somerset House isn’t home to an amazing selection of showcased art, its Edmond J Safra Fountain Court becomes the backdrop to one of London’s most popular and picturesque ice rinks.

Whether you want to skate day or night, the Covent Garden located pop-up rink has been available to enjoy by family or friends for 20 years. Its well-known live music set ‘Skate Lates’, will continue on during this year – with a special series of music nights amped into the air during your skate session. DJ’s expected to perform sets include DJ Yoda and Joe Goddard.

For some Aprés-skate treats, visitors can treat themselves to a ‘Skate Extra’ package which includes delectable food options as well as fondue, champagne and mulled wine at the divine Fortnum’s Lodge. The perfect way to end a festive day on ice.

Image Via The Jewellery Editor

3.    Alexandra Palace

If you don’t bode well against frosty outdoor temperatures, then Alexandra Palace’s indoor ice rink is the perfect solution for some fun inside. The North London destination is home to year-round ice-skating, situated within its charmingly iconic Victorian building.

Take a spin around the ice with family and friends and play out your Strictly Come Dancing dreams during the skate sessions running on both weekdays and weekends. For skating beginners, the ice rink offers professional lessons to get you started on the right foot.

This year the Palace will introduce its Christmas ‘Pinocchio On Ice’ which will retell the magical fairy tale through a unique adaption of pantomime performed on ice. For something a bit different head down to its monthly DJ takeover for some nostalgic ice rink sessions. Book your tickets and enjoy some fun winter skating. 

Image Via Visit London

4.    Hyde Park

Not only is it home to London’s biggest yearly winter attraction – Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park also has one of the city’s most magical ice rinks, perfect for a wonderful winter outing. Opening on November the 21^st, the famed ice rink, set in the heart of the park, will become an arena of skating amongst a canopy of lights and the background noise of fairground rides and seasonal laughter.

Skate around the Victorian bandstand from as early as 10am, with the added element of live music offering a truly magical escape. If you’re more of a Bambi on ice than figure skater, there’s a reliable snow penguin on hand.

Image Via Jet Set Times

5.    Covent Garden’s East Piazza

Introducing their very first pop-up in collaboration with luxury jewellers Tiffany & Co., Covent Garden will be welcoming a new festive ice rink with a twist. The New York inspired rink will take over the East Piazza from the end of November to host a scented skate experience for its guests to enjoy.

Just a short walk from The Bloomsbury, skaters will enter through a Central-Park-inspired bridge and into a snow dome – arriving at a beautiful area covered in blankets of snow and featuring oversized jewellery boxes in Tiffany’s iconic blue shade. 

Centred around a giant 4ft-tall perfume bottle, the ice rink will allow visitors to take on a truly immersive experience as it will diffuse the new scent into their air throughout different intervals and allowing guests to skate amongst sweet and floral notes.

Tickets are free and available to pre-book from 29^thNovember.

Image Via Londonist