What’s the best way to make use of a courtyard with a neo-classical facade of one of the most beautiful buildings in London during winter? Set it up as an ice skating rink and it will for sure attract so many people for its sheer beauty and outstanding grandeur.
Skate at Somerset House opened last week and even though it was drizzling a bit when we arrived, the skaters didn’t seem to mind. How can you miss an opportunity to skate in such a beautiful setting? I think the drizzle of rain just added a bit more festive atmosphere to it.
An extravagant and over-sized Christmas tree stands in the middle with the purpose of taking your breathe away as you enter the courtyard. A picture-perfect frame if you ask me.
Skate at Somerset House is generally open from 10am to 10pm but I do recommend for you to visit their website for more information as timings may vary specially during the festive days. They also have club nights which gives you a great line up of popular DJ’s to play the perfect skate soundtrack while there.
Skate at Somerset House also offers weekend ice skating course which is open to everyone over 8 years old. Instructors from the National Ice Skating Association will teach both the newbies and those who are wanting to hone their ice skating skills. For more information, you may visit their website.
And finally once you’re done gliding through the beautiful ice rink of Somerset House, you can relax and enjoy the apres-style Fortnum Lodge or shop at the pop-up Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade. If you really want to make the most out of this winter experience, combine skating, wine and fondue for GBP70 for 2 people.
Plan your visit at Skate at Somerset House:
Entrance to the Somerset House is free of charge while the ticket price to skate is GBP7.50 per person.
Open from 10am to 10pm with some days having earlier or later opening/closing times. Visit their website for more information.
Skate at Somerset House will be up and running until 15th of January 2017.
Nearest train/underground station: Waterloo, Temple, Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Embankment.
Check out my Snapchat video of my Christmas Walking Tour Part 2:
For more Christmas in London festivities, do visit the below posts:
Christmas Ice Rinks in London
Natural History Museum
Skate at Somerset House
Street Christmas Lights in London
Oxford Street
Bond Street
Carnaby Street
Covent Garden
Seven Dials
Regent Street
Christmas Markets in London
Christmas in Leicester Square
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
Kingston Christmas Market
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Christmas Walking Tours
Christmas Walking Tour Part 1
Christmas Walking Tour Part 2
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Why did you give it up!!! I thought you’ll teach me. 🙁
You’ve really captured the magic of the house and ice rink in your photos. I still haven’t been so great to read your post and watch your video too. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Thank you Elizabeth. It’s beautiful! I loved it so much. 🙂
There are some really picturesque places to skate in London- I haven’t made it to Somerset House but it’s always looked fantastic. #citytripping
Yes a lot, I think my favorite is at the Natural History Museum though. 🙂
The skating rink in London looks lovely and festive! I have always wanted to learn how to skate gracefully. Maybe this will be my year!
I think that ship has sailed for me a long time ago. :p
I am so enjoying reading your Christmas in London blogs! I am a school teacher and finish in two weeks so all these amazing blogs are inspiring me – and making me plan out many many days in busy London! Another Great post!
Thank you very much Katie, I saw your Christmas in London post. Looks great. :p
Christmas in London looks absolutely spectacular. I would love to go ice skating there. I can feel the holiday spirit from just looking at the pictures.
Thank you so much Roger. It is really spectacular here at this time of the year. 🙂
Skating in such a setting is so romantic! My husband (then boyfriend) and I used to do it a lot when we were still living in Québec.
I think we have a similar ice rink in Hanover for a few weeks during winter, I think we’ll to try it since we don’t plan on going back home (or to London) for a while! 🙂
I am so jealous of you that you know how to skate. My husband will not teach me, he’ll make fun of me though. :p
I would love to do this, I love ice skating. I think I would want to do the DJ night, so much more fun. I have never been to somerset house either, looks like a stunning location 🙂
I’m jealous! I don’t know how to skate. :-/
The perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! I want that Christmas tree in my sitting room! #citytripping
I would love that tree too in my living room but that means I’ll need to remove our roof. Lol.
Okay you win! You’ve succeeded in making me jealous!
You’re making me want to visit London right now. I dunno how to skate though, I’ll just be a spectator.
I always am a spectator. :p
Aw man this is making me so sad I’m missing out on Christmas in London! There’s so many beautiful places in London over christmas, my home, but I won’t be there this year. Loving your photos, never been skating here gonna keep it in mind for next year 🙂
You always have it waiting for you when you come back home. 🙂
This looks like a really great rink! We’ve got a bunch spread throughout Chicago as well, but I love the Christmas tree in the middle of this rink! It’s so festive.
Yes. The Christmas tree set the mood in this rink. 🙂
I remember it from a few years back:) but I didn’t skate:(
Awwww you should come back. :p
I’ve wanted to go to this ice rink for ages, but we always end up going somewhere else – maybe this year!
Where do you normally go to Vicky? 🙂