Skater Girl goes to London

Skating was the vessel into which I could pour my heart and soul.

Peggy Fleming

One of the things that I LOVE most about Christmas in London is its ice-skating season! Experienced skaters and enthusiastic amateurs, like yours truly, take to the ice at a growing number of venues across the city which showcase some of London’s most iconic landmarks! The thing I love most about Ice skating is the social element, there’s something magical about getting together with a few friends, grabbing some Dutch courage by way of a couple of gluhweins and feeling the chill on your cheeks as you whiz across the ice. It’s an excuse to don your woolly knits and strap on a pair of blades and do your best – all in the name of Christmas!

There are loads of places to go in London now to get your fix, so here are some of my favourites:

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Perhaps one of the most iconic ice rinks in London in the winter, the Natural History Museum is, arguably, an unbeatable backdrop for this romantic activity. My advice, go at night, this ice rink is surrounded with trees draped in fairy-lights and is a great place to head with your friends or a loved one for a great selfie moment. Skate around the Christmas tree in the centre of the rink, or belly laugh at your friend who seems to have become a tree hugger, before you explore the Christmas stalls and chalets with mulled cider and chocolate treats on offer. You can’t help but feel the festive mood!

Skate at Somerset House

A favourite for local Londoners, Somerset House on the Strand is another of London’s most iconic buildings and at winter especially as it turns into something truly magical. Skate around the inner courtyard with friends and family and jig along to the sounds of a DJ on special club nights, too. Open well into the evening, Skate at Somerset House is a great way to end a day of sightseeing and enjoy an unusual night out. Wrap up warm because it could be a late one! Surrounding the rink are a variety of stalls in partnership with the luxury brand Fortnum & Mason, so you’ll be sure to taste some delicacies along the way!

Hampton Court Palace

It’s a little further out, from central London, jump on a train from Waterloo to Hampton Court Station which is five minute’s walk from the palace. The ice rink at Hampton Court Palace is one of my favs for its location alone. Skating right outside this stunning royal palace, once home to King Henry VIII, you can’t beat it for a view! If you’ve never been to Hampton Court, why not combine a tour of the palace with your ice skating for a really festive sightseeing experience. It’s one of the less crowded ice rinks so it might be a better option if you’re visiting with friends and family, especially if they’re new to the whole slipping around on your 5mm of metal!

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

Over the past few years Winter Wonderland has grown to become London’s winter playground, its a haven for those after some festive cheer! Set in the middle of Hyde Park it’s a great place to go to get in the Christmas mood as it’s dotted with arts and craft stalls and wooden Bavarian-themed huts selling mulled wine and German sausages. You can’t miss Winter Wonderland’s outdoor ice rink either where you can skate under the bright fairground lights and through this Magical Ice Kingdom. It also has the added advantage of being the cheapest in town!

Tower Skate

With the dramatic backdrop of The Tower of London on one side, and the buzzing atmosphere of the Thames on the other, could skating at the Tower of London be any more exciting? Well… yes, you’re actually skating inside the moat with lights beaming against the ancient tower walls. For après skating, relax in their Cafe Bar with mulled wine and snacks. The Tower of London has boldly nominated itself the most dramatic place to skate this Christmas, and you know, they may just be right! If you want to go inside The Tower of London itself, entry is included with The London Pass, which for any budding visitors to the capital is a real must!

Skyline Skating

Perhaps the least well known and certainly the most exclusive, Skyline is situated high above the mad crowds on Oxford Street on top of the John Lewis department store. It’s is a mini ice rink and gin bar, (what’s not to love about that). With views of the West End skyline, live music, gin cocktails and freshly baked pies, Skyline Skating is a skate experience like no other. After your skating session, enjoy the views while listening to music with drinks and snacks in hand. The rink only fits 21 people per session so booking is recommended.

So, for a truly festive and, what is now very much a traditional Christmas activity, don your skates and give it a go! What’s the worst that could happen, well, I suppose you could break a leg or something but, on the bright side, you’ll have people running around after you for the rest of Christmas!

What’s on today?

Head, Eyes & Teeth – Catwa Head, Rigged Eyes and teeth - Catya v3.2

Hair – Navy+Copper - Joy - L

Skin – [theSkinnery] Amber (Catwa Applier) sorbet

Body, Hands & Feet – Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara V4.0

Physics – Temptation – 5.5 BONUS C+ D+ SuperTease - Physics

AO – VISTA ANIMATIONS *HUD 5.33*ZOE FULL BENTO-V1 NOFACE

Shape – [Elle et Lui Style] Tiffany Shape, Catwa Bento Head Catya - Maitreya Body

Nose Piercing – ^^Swallow^^ Princess Piercing Nose 01

Tattoo – [CAROL G] Nomadic Owl - Black

Earings & Necklace – EF: EmpyreanForge, Gala Necklace

Rings – (Yummy) - Snow Angel Ring Set - Maityrea @ this round of C88