Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park's seasonal makeover takes place for the third year running in late November. We may have had reservations about the ice rink last year (it was just too narrow for us to demonstrate our prowess) but the lights of the Giant Wheel added a real touch of magic to the park at Hyde Park Corner. If you don't mind what amounts to lane skating, there's no minimum age for skaters but under-12s must be accompanied and the smallest skates for hire are children's size 9 (adult skates go up to size 13). You can use your own skates as long as they're not speed skates. Wheelchair users are welcome on the ice at all sessions apart from the 9pm to 10pm session each day. New this year is the addition of a 45-minute show from the family-friendly Zippo's Circus, cosily accommodated in a heated big top. Each of the attractions is priced separately or there are a range of packages on offer that go some way to reducing the cost of a visit. Most people's verdict last year amounted to 'It was crowded and pricey but we had fun'. If you're watching the pennies this Christmas, it's worth noting that entry to the site is free and an after-dark stroll is surprisingly atmospheric.