Between the 15th and the 19th centuries the River Thames was wider and slower than it is now and British winters were much colder, with the result that the river often froze over during the colder months. In the 1680s the English writer and diarist John Evelyn (1620-1706) was an eye witness to a winter frost so severe that the Thames froze over for two months. His diary records people “sliding with skeetes” on the frozen river.
The Thames doesn't freeze over any more, but every year thousands of Londoners take to the ice when outdoor ice-rinks are installed at some of London's most well-known tourist attractions. The following list gives details of some of the exciting opportunities available during the festive season and into the New Year.
Hampton Court Palace
The ice rink at Hampton Court is open from 27th November 2010 to 9th January 2011. The walls of the Palace make a magnificent background, and the beautiful decorations surrounding the rink show how the festive season was celebrated between 1550 and 1950.
Inside the house there will be various activities and traditional costumed events such as Turdor cookery in the Palace kitchens where visitors can see what was on the table in Henry VIII's day.
- Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU, England. Further information and tickets are available from Ice at the Palace.
Tower Ice Rink
The rink at the Tower of London will be open from 27th November 2010 to 9th January 2011. This medieval fortress, established more than a thousand years ago by William the Conqueror, forms an impressive background to the ice rink which is set up in the dry moat.
- Location: HM Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB, England. Further information and tickets are available from Ice at the Tower.
Somerset House
Somerset House is one of London's most popular destinations for outdoor skating and the rink will be open from 23rd November 2010 to 23rd January 201l.
Several late night sessions are run to cope with the huge number of skaters and the 2010/11 season is bound to be even more popular because Somerset House is again putting on its very popular and well-attended DJ nights. DJs for the forthcoming season are still to be confirmed, but last year's programme included Batmacumba, Ministry of Sound, Horse Meat Disco as well as Raj and Pablo's Bollywood Night.
Somerset House Skate School offers one off lessons or short courses led by qualified teachers. Classes are available for children and adults of all abilities, and there are also special wheelchair sessions.
- Location: Strand London WC2R 1LA, London. Tickets and information can be obtained from Somerset House.
Natural History Museum
Skating starts early at the Natural History Museum with the ice rink open from 5th November 2010 to 9th January 2011. The Museum also sets up a special rink for junior skaters with ice marshals to help them round. The annual Christmas market will also be open in the grounds of the Museum.
- Location: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. Tickets are available from View London.
Ice skates can be hired at all venues, and skating lessons are available at most, so there's no excuse – just wrap up warm and enjoy yourselves!
Frances Spiegel - Frances Spiegel, B.A. Hons. (Open)., Dip.Eur.Hum., read Art History/European Modern History at the Open University.
