Where to get your skates on

Few activities will get you feeling as Christmassy as perfecting your figure-of-eights to classic Christmas tunes at venues like Somerset House and Hampton Court Palace. Here are the top places to get your boots on around the capital.

Somerset House
This offers the most central location and a romantic, after-dark atmosphere with flares lighting up the classical architecture. You'll also find a good line in mulled wine, baked potatoes and other winter warmers. The Strand, WC2 (0870 166 0423). Until Sun 30 Jan, £9.50-£11, child £6, family ticket £27, 10am-10pm most days, skating to 11.15pm on limited dates. www.somerset-house.org.uk

Kew Gardens
Vying with Somerset House for most atmospheric location, the setting - in front of the Temperate House - is straight out of a Christmas card. Kew opens its ice rink for the first time this year. Hour-long sessions run daily. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey (0870 4000 797). Until Sun 9 Jan, 10am-10pm, £9, child £7, concs £8, family ticket £28. www.kewgardensicerink.com

Old Royal Naval College
Another first-time opener, this ice rink is setting up in the Thames-side grounds of the baroque Old Royal Naval College.
Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 (0870 169 0101). Sat 4 Dec-Sun 16 Jan, 10am-10pm, £9, concs £8, under-16s £7, family ticket £28. www.greenwichice rink.com

Hampton Court Palace
Located on the west front of Henry VIII's grandest palace, this rink has a Frost Fayre Cafe alongside it serving hot chocolate and snacks.
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey (0870 060 1778). Sat 4 Dec-Sun 16 Jan, 10am-10pm, £9, concs £8, under-16s £7, family ticket £28. www.hamptoncourticerink.co.uk

Broadgate Ice Rink
A smaller rink, but you'll find it easier to get a session on the ice, and the location is handy for the City.
3 Broadgate, Liverpool Street Station, EC2 (020-7505 4068). Mon-Thur noon-2.30pm & 3.30pm-6pm, Fri noon-2.30pm, 3.30pm-6pm & 7pm-9pm, Sat & Sun 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm & 5pm-7pm, £7 plus skate hire, children and students with ID £4 plus skate hire. No need to book. www.libraries.islington.gov.uk/inform

Alexandra Palace
An indoor rink with ample rinkside seating and cafes on site. It also offers club and tuition opportunities.
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 (020-8365 4386). Mon-Fri 11am-1.30pm, 2pm-5.30pm, Fri & Sat disco 8.30pm-11pm, Sun 8.30am-11pm, Mon-Fri £4.50, child £4, Sat & Sun £6, child £5. www.alexandrapalace.com

Bluewater
One of the ponds has been frozen over to create a bracing outdoor skating rink. The ice rink is sponsored by Andrex, so every skater will go home with a cute toy puppy while stocks last.
Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, Kent (0870 777 0252). Until Sun 9 Jan, Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 11am-5pm, £7, under-12s £6, family ticket £20, pre-booked group ticket (10 plus) £5 each. www.bluewater.co.uk.

Marble Arch
It doesn't get much more atmospheric (if a tad fume-ridden) than this central location, as the traffic island around Nash's splendid Carrara marble monument is iced over for the holiday season.
Marble Arch, W1 (0870 534 4444). Thur 2 Dec-Sun 16 Jan, 10am-9.30pm, £10.50, child £6, family ticket £27. www.marblearchonice.co.uk.