One of London’s most beloved winter traditions is back! Now in its 10th year, the ice rink at the Natural History Museum is a must-visit attraction if you’re headed to London now through January 4th, 2015.
There are lots of different ice rinks in London that pop up around the city in the winter, but none of them really embody Christmas in London quite like the one at the Natural History Museum. Complete with an old-fashioned carousel, cosy cafe and fully decorated Christmas tree, the whole festive scene looks as if it’s been pulled directly from a vintage Christmas card.
Drinks and Nibbles
If you’re a parent, you can watch your kids take to the ice from the Cafe Bar viewing platform. Heat up with hot chocolate, coffee, tea or mulled wine, along with a wide selection of seasonal treats and goodies. There’s also a lovely cafe inside the Natural History Museum where you can enjoy hot drinks, soft drinks, sandwiches, cakes and pastries.
Make a Day of It
With the rink located right in the heart of South Kensington, there are so many different things you can do after your skate session. Make the short trip to Kensington High Street for a quick meal and perhaps a spot of holiday shopping. Slightly further up the road, take the whole family to explore Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace (home of Will and Kate) and Hyde Park.
Keep kids entertained with a trip to the Science Museum, which is just a short walk from the rink. Art enthusiasts and older kids will enjoy the Victoria & Albert Museum, also located in the same neighbourhood. Both museums offer free entry.
The Natural History Museum
Whatever your plans are for the day, make it a point to visit the inside of the Natural History Museum while you’re there, even if it’s for just a moment. Built in 1883, it stands as one of the most beautiful Victorian-era structures in London and its main lobby is something that must be seen in person to appreciate. Like with most other museums in London, admission is free apart from a few special and temporary exhibits. This year, weekday skate session ticketholders get 20% off admission to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.
Visiting Information
The Ice Rink is open every day from 30 October 2014 until 4 January 2015, excluding Christmas day. You can book 50-minute skate sessions online here or in person. Session rates start at £12.65 for adults and £8.80 for children, and are inclusive of skate rentals. Discounted deals are available to students as well as parents and toddlers.
(Image Credits: Natural History Museum, Tuuraan78)
