The skate-athon: around the rinks in an afternoon

Open-air ice rinks have become an established part of the London festive season, an enchanting counterpoint to the rush to snag a bargain in the sales.

There are now so many that Londoners are spoiled for choice.

From Kew and Hampton Court in the west to Hampstead Heath in the north, from Broadgate and the Tower of London in the City to Somerset House at Aldwych, each has a unique backdrop.

Even the most dedicated of skaters would be hard-pressed to visit more than one or two in a day, so we thought we would do it for you, testing five in a few hours.

Bella Blissett, Evening Standard writer and a former junior figure skating medal winner, took up the challenge and managed a few twirls on each. But a warning: anyone planning to follow in her footsteps would (apologies) have to get their skates on...

Guide to your holiday on ice

NOON: Kew Gardens
Setting: backdrop of the Temperate House.
Skaters: small children in brightly coloured hats and mittens with their mothers.
Atmosphere: spacious rink, calm changing area.
Quality of ice: very good.
Cafè: indoor with mulled wine and usual refreshments.
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm every day until 7 January.
Price: adults £10, child under 17 £7.50. Family ticket £30.
Comment: Jo Ortmans from Chiswick, with her son Fred, nine, and his friend Tom, nine: "It's a lovely Christmas thing to do and it's a great way of exercising the boys."
Availability: evening sessions fully booked. Some daytime slots. Book in advance. www.kewgardensicerink.com

1.30pm: Natural History Museum
Setting: backdrop of the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Skaters: teenagers, daytrippers and tourists taking a break from the exhibits.
Atmosphere: small rink, crowded changing area, craft and gift market nearby.
Quality of ice: became slushy quickly so restored between each session.
Cafè: indoor and outdoor with mulled wine store next to the ice.
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm every day until 21 January.
Price: adults £12 evening and weekends, £10.50 daytime sessions; child under 12 £7.50, Family ticket £30.
Comment: project manager Deborah Mills, from Herts, with her boyfriend Kevin Altria: "It's great fun once you get going. The key is to build up the momentum and keep your balance."
Availability: spaces on early morning and late evening sessions and New Year's Eve. Advance booking advisable. www.nhmskating.com

3pm: Hampstead Heath
Setting: romantic backdrop of the heath.
Skaters: local families with small children.
Atmosphere: festive, with carols and mist on the heath.
Quality of ice: good.
Cafè: outdoor with creperie stall and usual refreshments.
Opening hours: 1pm to 10pm every day until 14 January.
Price: adults £9.50, children under 15 £7. Families £28.
Comment: Jane Brett-Jones, from Kentish Town, with her daughter Phoebe Potter, 10, and friend Jessica Gillard, 11: "The kids love it. They use the heath all year round and they love this extra touch at Christmas."
Availability: spaces on all sessions. www. hampsteadheathicerink.com

4pm: Tower of London
Setting: in the moat next to the Norman magnificence of the Tower and the Thames.
Skaters: City workers and tourists.
Atmosphere: spacious and festive with carols over the PA.
Quality of ice: good.
Cafè: indoor.
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm every day until 14 January.
Price: adults £10, child under 16 £7.50. Family ticket £30.
Comment: Gaynor Maxwell, 50, from Houston, Texas: "It's so pretty with the Tower in the background. You feel so Christmassy."
Availability: daytime and final 9pm sessions available. Book in advance. www.toweroflondonicerink.com

5.15pm: Somerset House
Setting: neo-classical splendour of the Somerset House courtyard.
Skaters: office workers, daytrippers and teenagers.
Atmosphere: flaming torches create a magical stage.
Quality of ice: good.
Cafè: indoor.
Opening hours: 10am to 10.15pm every day until 28 January.
Price: adults £12.50 evenings and weekends. £10.00 daytime sessions. Child under 12 £7. Family ticket £29.
Comment: Gill Antrobus, 70, from Caterham, Surrey: "I come every year with my husband just to watch. It's all so lovely with the flares, the trees and the ice."
Availability: sold out for New Year's Eve but tickets available for other times. Book in advance. www.somersethouseicerink.org.uk