Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Skating under the shadow of Alfred Waterhouse’s Natural History Museum is one of London's loveliest Christmas traditions. But after 16 years of winter fun, the ice rink is due to be replaced by a new permanent exhibition called the Urban Nature Project.

Seize your last chance to ice-skate at the Natural History Museum garden this winter. The 1,000 square-metre South Kensington rink must be booked in advance, with weekend slots selling out quickly.

Children can sharpen up their skating skills by joining the Penguin Skate Club, which offers lessons to children aged four to eight. And the Cafe Bar serves up hot chocolate, mulled wine and snacks with a bird's eye view of the rink.