Natural History Museum Ice Rink 2012

Alfred Waterhouse's stunning Natural History Museum once again provides the backdrop for this 1,000-metre-square outdoor ice rink, which for the first time this year features a Christmas tree at its centre, and a smaller rink for children. Returning this year is a rinkside fairground carousel, and spectators can take in the scene with a hot chocolate or mulled wine from the balcony café bar overlooking the ice. The trees are decked with thousands of fairy lights to add to the festive atmosphere. See the website for wheelchair-user sessions, and note the rink is occasionally closed for private functions.

For our guide to ice skating in London see www.timeout.com/iceskating