Kids in London – Ice Skating at Kew Gardens

We did this last year to celebrate my daughter’s 10th birthday and it was such a success that it was decided early in the year that we would do it again. So the tickets were booked on-line (although we failed to notice that if you are going just as a spectator then you need tickets for this - £1 - compared to the skating tickets for kids (up to 17) at £7.50 to £8 or adults at £10-£11.50).

They tell you to arrive 25 minutes before your scheduled slot. I would suggest that you leave a little longer. If you go by public transport it’s a fair old walk from the train station, although there are a couple of bus routes that pass right by the Victoria Gate. Parking on the main road outside will depend on what time of day you go – but was relatively easy in the evening which have bus lane restrictions in the day.

Also, the Christmas lights at the entrance and the eerily lit trees on the 15 minute walk through the park to the rink is worth savouring. My group of five kids (with three skating adults and two adult spectators) played chase in the dark bushes. With youngsters it’s a good idea to do a toilet visit before you enter the skating area as it is a bit of walk – again, through more lit trees and bushes (and also under the folly arch which is fun for hide and seek but may spook really small people).

So then we went into the skating up area. You exchange your shoes for some skates – so don’t wear holey socks! Getting lots of kids into skates can take a while – and a couple in our group had to try different sizes to avoid ankle rub. Then you have the debate about wrist guards. Parents say Yes. Kids say No. We concentrated on making sure that all scarves were tucked away and that everyone had enough layers of clothing and gloves and hats as it was really cold.

Then we all watched while the great truck-like machine smoothed over the ice from the previous session. One of my young party said she didn’t want to skate “over the water”. I couldn’t understand the problem. Then I discovered that she thought it was only a thin layer of ice and could fall through into the water. Suitably reassured and they were off. All the waiting was over and people streamed onto the rink – with the amazing glass house lit in purple and green in the background and the stars shining above. It was really festive.

And it’s great fun too. Watching the adults cling to the sides for dear life. And the wobbly youngsters quickly get the hang of it and zoom off. There were couples doing graceful dancing. Sadly, you are not allowed long lines of skaters. There were more than a few tumbles (even amongst the over confident good skaters) – but all were accompanied by lots of laughter. The stewards – in their bright red coats – are reasonably attentive and get to anyone who falls pretty quick. They also showed incredible patience and good cheer in helping those who were afraid to give it a go.

There is a huge café area. Parents may like to know that amongst the delights on offer are warmed whisky and water and coffee with Baileys. The kids drank water. An hour of skating is enough and we all piled back into the cars with much laughing and tales of daring and a photo of my group of smiley girls clamped firmly in our hand.

Whilst we went in the evening and enjoyed all the fabulous lit trees, illuminated glass house backdrop and the excitement of skating in the dark you can skate in the day and buy a combined ticket to take a tour of the gardens. We recently went to try out the new tree top walk – which is great. And there is lift for those with buggies or wheelchairs. There is also – during the day – a Santa’s Grotto which might be better if you have really little people to entertain. And the site mentions a sort of plant themed pantomime – do let me know what that’s like if you go.