Ace Skates in London

Somerset House’s iconic ice rink has become a Christmas tradition for Londoners and visitors heading to the capital for some festive cheer. There’s good reason – gliding (or, at least, attempting to) around the rink, gazing upon the Georgian architecture and 40ft Christmas tree feels like you’ve skated onto a movie set, ready to be watched by families settling in for their post-turkey food coma.

There’s more to this rink than just skating, though. This year, pop-up gourmet dining spot The Chalet and rosé brand Whispering Angel’s skate lounge will return to keep you fuelled up. Skate Lates are also back, with DJ takeovers from Rinse FM, Daytimers’ Rohan Rakhit, Dankie Sounds, and Jay Jay Revlon. Shelter Boutique are bringing a pop-up shop of pre-loved clothing, homewares and gifts for you to shop til you drop at, while there’ll also be special chilled-out sessions for those who want to skate but need things to be a little quieter, and coaching for skaters of all ages at the skate school and kids’ skate club.

Glide returns to the rejuvenated Battersea Power Station from Nov 8, bringing magnificent views and all the fun of the fair (literally, there’s a fairground right beside it) to the landmark. The 30ft Christmas tree that sits twinkling right in the middle of the rink only adds to the stunning scenes here, making this the perfect date night or Xmas party location.

London boasts some impressive backdrops to its ice rinks, but few are as steeped in history as Hampton Court Palace. As you slip and slide around the ice, you can gaze up at Henry VIII’s sixteenth-century pad and wonder what he’d make of all this, or just keep your eye out for any of the palace’s rumoured ghosts. Even better, this rink is next to the Thames, so you can pretend you’re gliding down the river as you skate. As well as imagination-fuelling, the spot is also family-friendly, with skate aids available for kids if you book in advance. Head to the café after to warm up with hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies.