This winter’s best ice rinks – plus, win tickets!

Get your skates on – it’s time to visit our pick of the best family-friendly rinks in and around the capital

Skate at Somerset House
Strand, London WC2R 1LA

For little ones taking their first steps onto the ice, children under eight years can join in the Polar Cub Club – a training rink with adorable polar bear stabilisers, all set against the magical backdrop of the ever-elegant Somerset House. And if all that skating leaves you feeling especially festive, Fortnum & Mason’s exclusive rink-side pop-up is the perfect place to pick out gifts for loved ones.
When? Until Sunday 15 January 2017
How much? Adults, from £12.50; children, from £7.50
somersethouse.org.uk/skate

Bluewater Shopping Centre  
Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9ST

If you want to make a day of it and combine your skating with a spot of Christmas shopping, Bluewater’s brand new outdoor rink is the perfect place to show off your moves. Alpine-style cabins, where families can enjoy hot drinks and festive refreshments, surround the lakeside ice rink, and toddlers and young children will love the magical Santa’s grotto, where Paddington Bear is there to meet the little ones.
When? Until Monday 2 January 2017
How much? Adults, from £11; children, from £9
bluewater.co.uk

Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

The stunning backdrop of the Natural History Museum is hard to beat, particularly at night when the surrounding trees are aglow with fairylights and the smell of mulled wine and toasted marshmallows is in the air. The museum does draw crowds of tourists, however, particularly at weekend. Why not pop along mid-week when it’s quieter and combine it with one of the fantastic children’s exhibitions?
When? Until Sunday 8 January 2017
How much? Adults, from £12.95; children, from £8.80
nhm.ac.uk

Luminocity Canary Wharf
Canada Square Park, London E14 5AB

This year, the ice rink at Canary Wharf returns bigger and brighter than ever, with more than eight kilometres of LED lights laid beneath the ice and positioned throughout the venue for a spectacular show. The rink, covered with a glass roof, is also complemented by the Luminocity bar, which serves everything from mocktails to mouth-watering street food dishes for foodie families.
When? Until Saturday 25 February 2017
How much? Adults, from £14.50; children, from £10.50
icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

Hampton Court Palace
East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU

This striking Tudor palace is one of the UK’s most imposing royal residences, and a stunning spot to explore in the winter months. Not only is there so much to do at Hampton Court, from ghost tours to the maze, courtyard carol singing to family workshops and activities, but the ice rink is also beautifully scenic. At night, it looks particularly ambient when lit with hundreds of coloured lights. However, the quieter morning sessions are ideal for children and young families.
When? Until Sunday 8 January 2017
How much? Adults, from £11.50; children, from £9
hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

WIN!
A family ticket to the ice rink at Bluewater Shopping Centre

We’re giving you the chance to enjoy a day out in the heart of Kent with a trip to Bluewater’s brand new outdoor ice rink. We’ve got a family ticket, for two adults and two children, to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, simply fill out your details below.

Terms and conditions: Tickets are valid for a one-hour session, including time to get in and out of your skates. A winning entry will be drawn at random from all entries received by 11:59pm on Wednesday 30th November 2016.