8 Best Places to Ice Skate in London at Christmas

Things To Do In London - 05-Dec-2019

Whether you're a pro or an amateur, there's no doubt that a trip to an ice skating rink during the Christmas period is a sure-fire way to get you feeling festive. With more and more of London's atmospheric venues hosting pop-up ice-skating rinks, we've taken a closer look to try and find our favourites. Read on for some inspiration on the best places to ice skate in London this Christmas.

1. Natural History Museum

Nearest Grange Hotel: Grange Strathmore

One the best known ice skating rinks in London, the one at the Natural History Museum is in a prime position; five minutes from Knightsbridge (the home of Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores). As well as plenty of space to twirl and stride around a 30 foot, sparkling Christmas tree, there's also a cosy Café Bar. The café serves sweet treats and hot drinks, as well as a bird's eye view of the ice rink.

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2. Somerset House

Nearest Grange Hotel: Grange Lancaster

Sponsored by Fortnum & Mason, the ice-skating rink at Somerset House is probably one of the most instagrammable, wintery destinations in London. Surrounded by the grandeur of Neoclassical architecture, the rink hosts something for everyone. There are skating lessons, late-night DJ Skate Lates, and this year, a fantastic all-nighter event on December 7^th. The neighbouring Skate Lounge hosts the Baileys Treat Bar too, so you can warm up with a delicious Baileys hot chocolate.

3. Hampton Court

Located in the gardens of Hampton Court is one of London's most loved ice rinks. Visitors of all ages can skate in the historic premises, surrounded by the Tudor architecture that was once King Henry VIII's home. After testing your skills on the ice, cosy up at Miss Polly's café with a mulled wine or Amaretto coffee, and maybe even stop for a winter-warming lunch of a fresh hot pie, or tasty soup.

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4. Tower of London

Nearest Grange Hotel: Grange Lancaster

This striking ice-skating rink is located in the Tower of London's dry moat. Skate and spin alongside 1,000 years of history at this picturesque, must-see spot. The venue's café boasts a menu of festive treats like mulled wine and Baileys hot chocolate, as well as hot pasties and pies.

5. Covent Garden

Nearest Grange Hotel: Grange Buckingham

A fun festive-first, this year Covent Garden has collaborated with Tiffany & Co, to bring visitors an opportunity to twirl and stride on a pretty, sparkling ice rink. Located in Covent Garden's East Piazza, the New York-inspired rink provides a wonderful break from Christmas shopping in this well-loved London hotspot. As well as a Central Park-style bridge, the rink is adorned in oversized, classic Tiffany blue boxes, and has a fragrance bottle snow bauble in the centre. Even better, this ice rink is free to the public!

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6. Queen's House, Greenwich

Nearest Grange Hotel: Grange Lancaster

As Christmas approaches, this 17^th century royal residence will offer a charming, sparkling ice rink. Located in the east of the capital, this rink is ideal for those looking to explore Greenwich's markets for quirky Christmas gifts. The onsite café offers a selection of hot drinks and festive snacks to keep you going, including mulled wine, mince pies, and gingerbread.

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7. Skylight Rooftop

Nearest Grange Hotel: Grange Lancaster

This stylish rooftop bar is home to Europe's only rooftop ice-skating rink, as well as twinkling, cosy igloos and mountain huts. Combine your love of après ski bars and London's skyline at this festive venue, where you can skate or play ice hockey, and then choose from a generous menu of warming winter cocktails.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skylight (@skylight_london) on Nov 21, 2019 at 12:11pm PST

8. Camden Market

Nearest Grange Hotel: Grange Fitzrovia

Lovers of Camden Market will adore this year's addition; an ice-skating rink located within their very own North Pole. Take a break from your search for quirky Christmas gifts and have a go on the rink, before fuelling up on tasty Camden-style street food.

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Whether you'll be doing some Christmas shopping in London, or you fancy a wintery getaway to the city, be sure to take a look at the latest Grange Hotels offers. With more than ten hotels in the capital, our boutique hotels provide the ideal base for your London Christmas adventure.