“I might not have thought this through completely. Still, I clump gingerly to the barrier and tiptoe on to the ice, my legs wobbling precariously. I hold on to the rail for dear life as I start to move slowly round. Forget Dancing on Ice, this is more like Strictly Come Shuffling.”
From The Christmas Bucket List
Okay, confession. I SUCK at skating. I have absolutely no co-ordination and it’s enough of a problem to stay upright in daily life, let alone when I’m trying to balance on frozen water with bits of metal stuck to the bottom of my feet. Which is why I’m more of an observer than a participant when it comes to London’s ice rinks, even if I keep promising myself that one year I’ll go get some skate lessons. That year definitely won’t be this year though, since I’m in sunny South Africa, and there isn’t a single rink near where I am, so this is one bucket list item that will have to wait a little longer for me to tick it off. But it doesn’t stop me thinking happily of the outdoor London rinks I’ve visited – one of the absolute best parts of Christmas in the city for my money. It isn’t just the skating itself since, as I’ve said, that’s not my forté. It’s the whole festive atmosphere that you get around the rink too, as well as the chance to celebrate in some of Blighty’s most iconic locations. Here are my favourites:
- Somerset House: This is where Jamie and Isobel go in The Christmas Bucket List, and when I was writing the novella there was really only one option for where I would set the scene. Somerset House is absolutely breathtaking, the atmosphere is deliciously festive, and they even used to have a giant walk-in Tiffany’s box where you could buy Tiffany’s cupcakes (did I mention I have a bit of a Tiffany’s obsession?). Can I live a giant Tiffany’s box one day? Seriously. Can I?
- Natural History Museum: Another gorgeous, iconic London building that’s amazing lit up at night. I remember popping down there one night after work in the hope of finding some last minute gifts at the market stalls (not sure if they still have these though). I arrived stressed and bustly, and left feeling completely festive and lovely.
- Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park: This is the closest you’ll get in London to the classic New York experience of skating at Central Park. Winter Wonderland is a really fun festival – and of course, it makes an appearance in The Christmas Bucket List too!
- Hampton Court Palace: I haven’t been to this ice rink, but it would be top of my list, since Hampton Court is a gorgeous location. I’ve picnicked there in summer, even run around it for a 10K, so skating here seems like a logical next step. One day!
- Eyeskate: The London Eye and Jubilee Gardens have a special place in The Christmas Bucket List (you’ll have to read it to see why!) so this is another rink that has to make the list. Magical lights and a view of the Thames? Yes, please.
Image credit: Milestone Hotel
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