Fun, London, Winter

Greenwich Ice Rink – Fun on Ice with a Beautiful View

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Greenwich Ice Rink, or Queen’s House Ice Rink, as it is officially called, is one of the best ice rinks in London. It’s only in its second year, nothing compared with London’s oldest ice rink Queens in Bayswater, which has been around for over 90 years. The first ice rinks sprang up during the so-called ‘rink mania’ of 1841–44. Back then they used pig’s fat mixed with salts instead of artificially cooled frozen water. Open Hours Until 24 January the ice rink is open from 10am to 9pm every day except Christmas Day. The price varies from £14.50 to £17 for adults 25 years of age and above, £9 to £12 for under-25s, and £7.25 to £9 for children (ages 3 to 15). Minimum age is 3 years. In addition there is a one-off transaction fee of £2.95 per order (orders are limited to 6 tickets). Pre-booking is essential. The […]

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Fun, London, Winter

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – Perhaps London’s Best Ice Rink

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We have just returned from our visit to Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, which opened today and will be open until 17 January (extended from the initial 3 January end date). Except for Christmas Day, the rink will be open every day from 10am to 9pm. The last skate starts at 8pm. From 18 December, the hours will be extended to 9am to 9:45pm. Tickets Pre-booking is required. Sessions last up to 45mins and guests are being asked to arrive at least 15mins early. Adults and teens pay £16, children £11.50. There are discounts for families. Food and drinks are available on location. Light Show We prefer visiting during daytime. However, many guests choose to do their skating after dark, when the castle is covered in a stunning light show. Family-friendly fun We were very pleasantly surprised to find the large (1,040 sqm) skating area almost empty, compared with our […]

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Fun, London, Winter

Skylight Ice Rink, Shadwell – Close to impossible to find, but good fun once you’re there

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We’ve recently checked out the Skylight Ice Rink in East London, which is located on a roof top of the Tobacco Dock. Take the DLR from Bank (one stop) or London Overground from Whitchapel (one stop) or Canada Water (three stops) to Shadwell station. From the station, walk Cable Street westward until you get to the first major crossing, where you turn left into Cannon Street Road. Walk down Cannon Street Road until you get to The Highway. Turn left into The Highway, then immediately right into Chigwell Hill. When you reach the T-junction with Pennington Street, the Tobacco Dock parking house entrance will be on the opposite side of the street slightly to your left. The walking distance from the station is no more than five minutes. There will not be any meaningful signage, but just enter the parking house and the porter will point you towards the staircase […]

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Fun, London, Winter

Ice-Skating at Somerset House

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Every year Ms B & I go ice-skating at the Somerset House ice rink at least once, preferably in the evening, when they put on a bit of a light show. The rink is open from mid-November to mid-January. It’s been this way for twenty years now. The building itself is 250 years old. Out of all London ice rinks (not counting Hampton Court, which is kind of outside of London), this is by far our favourite one. Winter Wonderland is usually completely overcrowded with mostly intoxicated people. The Natural History Museum looks rather beautiful too, but for some reason their rental ice skates are more uncomfortable than most medieval torture instruments, complete no-go for us. For several years now Somerset House has partnered up with Fortnum & Mason for the decoration and some of the catering. And no one beats them on Christmas decorations or chocolate fondue.     […]

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