The bank holiday weekend left us last week, and we’ve been suffering with the blues ever since. But, things are looking a little rosier with the arrival of The Queen’s House ice rink, possibly the only ice rink“]London ice rink[/trackLink] found on a UNESCO World Heritage site in Greenwich, which is reopening to skaters next week on November 23.
Up until a couple of years ago, The Queen’s House had committed the unforgivable crime of not having an ice rink, relying instead on its admittedly very photo-friendly Tulip Stairs to attract guests. Happily, that oversight was corrected in 2019, and after a year off in 2020, the new spot returned in 2021 as an altogether bigger and better beast.
With an expanded rink, skaters now enjoyed even more space to glide, twirl, and stumble around. Upon the Queen’s House rink’s return in winter 2023, you’ll have the chance to get unobstructed views of the ‘House of Delight’ which James I had built for his wife, Queen Anne of Denmark.
Just as winsome are the views of picturesque Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory, and once you’ve hopped off the rink, Greenwich Market beckons for an afternoon of present-hunting. Or, you could even go and check out the Cutty Sark, which also makes up the UNESCO site for a true maritime winter wander. Meanwhile, warming winter food and drink – including the all-important hot chocolate – will be on offer from a series of rinkside stalls.
The Queen’s House ice rink will run sessions from 11am (10am from December 22 onwards), with the final rink run commencing at 8pm, giving you plenty of time to soak up the festive atmosphere. Tickets are £17-19 for adults (depending on peak/off-peak times) and £10-12 for little ‘uns, and they strongly encourage advance booking to reserve your spot on the ice – you can find tickets here. Before you know it, you’ll be gliding around in front of this beautiful house, buoyed by that rising tide of Christmas cheer. Happy skating, everyone!
Find it at Queen’s House, Greenwich, SE10 9NF from November 23 until January 7, 2024.
Also published on Medium.