Famous ice rink in renowned beauty spot to reopen for Christmas 2024

Skate at Somerset House is set against the backdrop of the beautifully lit and atmospheric 18th century courtyard
-Credit: (Image: Massimo Borchi / Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images)


It's official, we're in the final quarter of the year and winter is a-coming, whether we like it or not. But as the cold and dark nights set in, there's some delight to be had in the preparations for Christmas and all of the wintry, fun activities to get us in the mood. For families, groups of friends or couples, one pastime might just win the prize for festive jollies: ice skating.

Among the London hotspots for ice skating - Hyde Park, Oxford Circus, Hampton Court - one renaissance complex stands out as perhaps the most beautiful. Since 2000, Somerset House on The Strand has hosted 'Skate' - an annual ice rink with an enormous Christmas tree - each winter, attracting over 250,000 visitors a year. Over the past few decades, it has been praised worldwide as one of London's best Christmas attractions.

For visitors, Skate at Somerset House signals the start of the festive period with its unrivalled backdrop for skating, contemporary DJs, food stalls and drinks tents, as much fun for spectators as well as skaters, all in the atmosphere of the beautifully lit 18th century courtyard. It has been named by Conde Nast's Traveller magazine as one of the best places to skate in London.

READ MORE: Hampton Court Ice Rink and huge Christmas market dates announced for 2024

Skate at Somerset House signals the start of the festive period with unrivalled skating, contemporary DJs, food stalls and drinks tents, as much fun for spectators as well as skaters
Skate at Somerset House is set against the backdrop of the beautifully lit 18th century courtyard -Credit:Gideon Mendel / Corbis via Getty Images

Conde Nast states: "The ice rink consumes the iconic building’s neo-classical courtyard, alongside a gigantic Christmas tree adorned with glitzy decorations. While chilled-out laps and family-friendly visits are highly encouraged, Somerset House is turning up the volume with a series of special events sure to get the blood pumping."

The event is run in partnership with Whispering Angel Rosé, and those who do not wish to skate can visit the Skate Lounge to indulge in a crisp glass of Provence Rosé. Elsewhere, enthusiastic skaters can take part in skating lessons with Skate School and Skate's 'Chilled Out' sessions with trailblazing DJs on the rink-side decks.

Visitors can also expect pop-up restaurants and bars, with gourmet dining at The Chalet and a fine drinks selection at the Skate Lounge, as well as a pop-up store from Shelter Boutique, featuring a handpicked selection of pre-loved clothing, homewares and gifts.

Somerset House is a Georgian complex dating to 1776, built on the site of a Tudor palace, with extra wings added in Victorian times to make it one of London's grandest public buildings, housing a long list of public bodies including the Tax Office, the Navy Office, Post Office and the Stamp Office. It now hosts an art gallery and remains one of the capital's great architectural wonders.

Tickets for Skate at Somerset House open at 10am on October 2, with sessions on the ice rink available from November 13 until January 12 next year. Full adult tickets begin at £16 on November 13, and £12 for children. This rises to £23 for adults and £15 for children in December.

For more information or to book tickets, visit Skate at Somerset House.

Stay up to date with London's most exciting events, newest restaurants and latest deals with our What's On newsletter, Going Out Out. You can sign up HERE.