Somerset House Ice Skating
November 16th, 2012
Skate at Somerset House
Ice Skating at Somerset House
If you are going for glamour on the ice this winter, then Somerset House it has to be.
This iconic setting, located within the heart of London, manages to combine all the beauty & magic of a historic setting with the glamour & festive fun of some time on the ice.
Somerset House is a not to be missed ice skating experience that opens it’s doors to the public from November through until January.
We were lucky enough to take a quick peek recently and we loved it!
Ice Boots at Somerset House
Ice Skating Boots at Somerset House
I must admit I’d never seen ice skating boots like it.
No blue plastic public ice skating boots for Somerset House…they’ve invested in the most comfortable ice skating boots I’d ever come across.
It was like wearing light weight padded walking boots with a skate underneath. The only thing left to do is invent a navigational method to get me round the rink in style & attach it to the boots!
Chilly penguins at Somerset House
Chilly Penguins at Somerset House
Chilly Penguins offer stability to younger children as they take to the ice often for the first time. These penguins can now be found at many Ice Rinks around the country and are available for hire at an additional charge.
Chilly Penguins skating aids are 91.5cm tall and whilst there is no minimum height restriction, children need to be able to walk and reach the handle.
Children under the age of 8 years, can also take advantage of the Penguin Club that runs selective weekends during November & December.
As part of the skating school for young children, this offers young skaters an opportunity to gain confidence on the ice using the chilly penguins.
The Best Bits at Somerset House
It’s got to be the location, the boots & the range of events on offer during festive period…it’s a must.
Not So Good at Somerset House
We did feel the support staff could have been a little more friendly although the staff actually on ice were lovely & great with the kids if they needed a helping hand.
Chilly Penguins at Somerset House
Tips for Somerset House
1. Unfortunately, it’s popularity can also be it’s downfall so be prepared to share the rink with plenty of others so it’s perhaps wise to pre-book & take the hit on the ticketmaster booking fee.
2. Don’t take a bag as it won’t be allowed on the ice. They do offer somewhere to leave you bag, but I think I would have preferred a locker to the current system on offer.
3. We always find Charing Cross Station to be the best the train/tube station to use when visiting Somerset House rather than the busier Covent Garden tube.
4. If you are looking for a bite to eat at Somerset House, worth checking out either Tom’s Deli or Tom’s Kitchen, (Tom being Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens), to finish off your day of glamour. Not for those on a budget.
5. You can buy tickets directly from Somerset House that will avoid the ticketmaster booking fee. However, don’t expect to get directly onto the ice especially during the school holidays & other peak times as session times can be completely full.
6. The Courtauld Gallery is located next to Somerset House in London and offers half price entry to this impressive art gallery every Monday, (excluding Bank Holidays) from 10am to 2pm, (standard ticket price £6 per person).
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