Somerset House - a few questions if anyone's been

[NuzzleandScratch]

Dh & I are thinking of taking dd1, who is nearly 3, to the ice rink at Somerset House next week. We'll also have dd2 with us, who is 4 months. I understand there are penguins for children to hold onto on the training rink. Are these easy to get hold of, or will we be waiting a long time? Also, since dd2 obviously won't be skating (!), will it be worth getting a ticket for me too, so I can swap with dh to be with dd1, or will this be tricky? (what I mean is, can we easily access the spectator area from the ice to do a swap?). Obviously if not, we'll just get tickets for dh & dd1.

Also, is there a good time to go, in terms of it being less busy?

Many thanks!

[vic1981]

Hi, I am very keen on ice skating and have been to Somerset house many times, most recently on Saturday! There were loads of penguins available- enough for all who wanted them. ( worth noting that they can only be used in the small beginners area next to the big rink, not allowed on the main rink). The penguin skate aids are easy to hold on to for children, think at three they should be easily tall enough to reach the handles. I would recommend both you and Dp getting tickets to skate if you both would like a go, you easily access the rink from the spectator area. I watched my DS in the nice (warm!) indoor cafe that overlooks the rink for half an hour whilst DH had a skate, then we swapped and I went on the ice. Just make sure you arrive a bit before the skate session is due to start to get a seat, as when the previous skate session comes off the ice the cafe gets really full. Finally, the first session of the day is generally the quietest, 9.30am start, though this could change with the school holidays... Have fun!

[NuzzleandScratch]

That's brilliant, thank you so much for replying in such detail! The website made it sound like you'd be fighting over the penguins, so glad to hear there are lots! Can I just ask, does the spectator area overlook the beginners' rink too? We'll try to get there early as you advise, but I'd prefer to get an off peak train, so prob won't make the first session of the day.

Really looking forward to it now!

[vic1981]

Happy to help! It is a lovely setting for skating. Unfortunately, the cafe overlooks the main rink mostly, you can see the separate beginners section but it is much further away... You can stand and watch outside next to the beginners area, however, can see that being quite cold ;-)

[NuzzleandScratch]

Thanks, might wrap up extra warm to stand there then, want to be well placed to take pics!

Thanks again!