It's that time of year again when a number of venues around the capital clear a space, get the ice machine out and lay down a rink. The Natural History Museum has been giving skaters the chance to strut their stuff on the rink for a few years now, and will be doing so again this year from 4th November.
The 900-square-metre rink is located right outside the museum, so many families combine a skate with a visit to the popular tourist attraction.
The rink is open weekdays from 10am until 10pm, and on weekends from 8.45am until 10pm. Tickets need to be booked in advance and can be reserved by clicking
here. Skating sessions last 50 minutes and you're asked to arrive half an hour before your session is due to start.
Skates for feet sizes nine to fifteen are provided should you require them, and are included in the ticket price. There's a cloakroom where you can leave your coats and bags for £2 a piece.
Rain or shine, the rink stays open, so be sure to go along if you've booked tickets. No refunds will be given.
Whether you arrive with an empty stomach or finish your session on the rink feeling parched, the rink's cosy cafe bar will be able to put you right.
If you're a parent who'd rather not risk breaking a leg and would prefer to watch your child from a safe distance instead, you'll be pleased to know that the cafe bar has a balcony with a bird's-eye view of the rink.
The Natural History Museum's ice skating rink is a hit with adults and children alike and makes for a great winter treat.
Although I'm scrabbling around for an opportunity to use the "get your skates on" phrase, the fact is that you don't need to hurry, as the rink stays open right the way through Christmas, until 8th January.
Actually, if you're reading this in January and you're thinking of going along, you'd better get your skates on (did it!) as there are only a few days left.
