My husband and I are visiting London for Christmas this year, and I definitely want to visit one of the famous enough ones. I've narrowed it down to Somerset house, the Natural History Museum, and the Tower of London. I'm creating a rough itinerary for Christmas Eve, and am wondering which rink everyone likes best, and if you have any tips on best time of day to go to beat crowds? Thanks!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
If you are planning for the daytime, any should be nice - the Somerset House has the history behind it. I didn't know that the Natural History Museum was doing one. I really like the atmosphere around the Kew Gardens one, in and among all the trees.
If you are planning for evening, be aware that on Christmas Eve all the transportation begins the Christmas shutdown relatively early. It might be prudent to be near where you will have dinner or where your hotel is.
Are you aware that there will be no trains, no buses, no Tube on Christmas Day?
Posted by
Kingston, Surrey
239 posts
Somerset House is excellent, though the ice is usually very smooth there so only any good for good skaters. Best atmosphere can be found at Hampton Court and Kew Gardens.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
We discovered the skating rink at Somerset House last year - so fun! Just the people-watching (shaky kids with teetering ankles, dad embarrassing a gaggle of his daughters' friends with his antics, etc.) was super. It's not a super huge rink, but on a weekend day around noon it wasn't terribly crowded.
Somerset House was hosting a wonderful Christmas Market up and down the main corridors - you probably know about that, since you are intending to visit - but in case you didn't, there it is! Nice upscale goods in a wonderful 18th century atmosphere, with lovely decorations.
Posted by
Menlo Park, CA
67 posts
RE: Somerset House skating, if you want to skate at night there (the best time as it is so beautiful), you have to get a timed ticket. You might have to wait around until it is your time to skate. I checked out all the rinks last year and I thought Somerset House had the most beautiful at night. Happy skating!