With Christmas just around the corner, thousands of people are going ice-skating to lead themselves into the festive season. Not only is ice-skating an effective form of aerobic exercise and improves balance and coordination, but it is also a pleasurable excuse for a day-out full of winter ambience. Tanja Dalle said that she ‘really enjoyed how it completely got [her] in the Christmas spirit’. 

If you want an entertaining few hours full of Christmas and winter aura, go ice-skating at Somerset House, just three minutes’ walk from Temple tube station. You can bring your London Christmas to life by skating around the grand neoclassical courtyard on the 900-square-metre outdoor rink, with a 40ft Christmas tree in the middle for lots of photo potential! With a strong chance to see your friends or family clumsily ice-skating for the first time, the experience is bound to bring a lot of laughter. Somerset House is bringing an authentic Swiss theme to the ice rink this year courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. 

Food and drink are also available at Somerset House at the West Wing restaurant ‘Chalet Suisse’ and further treats can be enjoyed at the Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel. Chalet Suisse offers authentic Swiss chalet-themed food, and lets visitors indulge in the menu including classic Swiss Älpermagronen and delicious fondue accompanied by a range of side dishes. 

There is so much fun to be had, especially this year as Somerset House has brought weekend ‘Skate Lates’ back, bringing DJ sets from London’s nightclubs to the ice rink. Somerset House ice-skating is also suitable for families. It is important not to be intimidated by all the pro figure skaters that end up lapping you so many times you lose count, but instead remember to keep your knees bent and that the wall is your best friend. Do also check the age restriction for the ice penguins to hold onto in case you are feeling particularly unconfident, to avoid an awkward interaction where you are told that you must be 8 years old or under to have a penguin. 

The rink is open from the 15th of November 2023 to the 14th of January 2024.