Outdoor ice rinks have become a feature of London Winters over the last decade; popping up in all manner of extravagant settings; the tour de force goes from the grand Natural History Museum, the classical Somerset House, the medieval Tower of London, the majestic Hampton Court, to the foot of the skycrapers of Canary Wharf and the City (Broadgate).  Always wanted to play at Wembley? It’s the first year they’re hosting an ice rink.  And last but certainly not least you’ll find ice rinks in the beautiful parks of: Hyde Park, Kew Gardens, and Hampstead Heath.

Every one of these areas is worth checking out at any time of year, but with the added ice skating ambiance, they are fantastic!

Our pick: The Natural History Museum, South Kensington, SW7 5BD

The magnificent, enormous, romanesque home to the world’s largest natural history collection also welcomes you to its two rinks.

(one =  1 050 m2, the other = 100 m2 for little ones

There’s a warm café/bar overlooking the rink, serving that vital mulled wine, and a bit further along by the museum you’ll find a fairground carousel and Christmas market

While you’re there it would be shameful not check out the museum itself.  It’s free and open from 10.00 – 17.50, 7 days a week.  Other than some 70 million specimens, ranging from the microscopic to the mammoth, there’s the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.  Its all City Pass recommended

Ice rink open:  10am to 10pm weekdays, 8.45am to 11 pm weekends.

Prices: Adults £13.  Children £8.50

Family and student discounts are available.  Sessions lasts 1 hour.