Certain things for me signify the start of the Christmas season and Somerset House‘s famous ice rink is one of my favourite festive facilities.
This year I went along to the opening day on November 11th, a good six weeks before the big day, but not too soon for celebrations. The huge Christmas tree is up as usual, the first I’ve seen this year and the place feels joyful and merry; you can’t help but be affected by the mood.
It was a bright, blue-skied and crisp Sunday morning, the perfect conditions for skating. By 12 noon the place was buzzing with excitable children with glowing faces. Before taking to the ice we wandered into the Skate Lounge for hot chocolate and pastries, a well selected playlist of the Puppini Sisters and Stevie Wonder ringing loudly from the speakers. As we munched on breakfast, we watched the smiling group skating round the rink. I was tempted by the pop-up Christmas Arcade where you can pick up the perfect present.
For most people it is likely to be a year since they last skated and so the beginning of the session begins cautiously, with children and adults alike clinging to the edges. Some continue to cling throughout though most gain confidence and stride out into the centre proudly gathering momentum and speed. I was pleased to find I had remembered better than normal how to do this quirky seasonal sport – unfortunately my guest also had and was annoyingly better than me. As he showed off twirling round the rink I enjoyed my slower, steadier style of skating.
With the glorious winter sunshine and the magnificent Somerset House facade looking down on you, this ice-rink is still the most magical place to skate at Christmas time.
16 November 2012 – 6 January 2013, book online here.