User talk:Sapphire/Sandbox/Places/London

Skate
London has a number of outdoor ice rinks that open in the winter months. Considered by some to be somewhat overpriced and overcrowded, they nonetheless have multiplied in recent years, easing congestion and increasing competition. Most charge from £10-12 (adults) for an hour on the ice, including skate hire.
 * Somerset House, Strand, Tube: Temple, Charing Cross, Holborn, Covent Garden, Waterloo and Blackfriars - set in the courtyard of Somerset House, this has become a Londoner's favourite, although how it will compete with the newcomers remains to be seen. It's preferable to visit at night, when the Christmas tree is lit up. From 24 November 2005 - 29 January 2006.
 * Kew Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Tube: Kew Gardens - a relative newcomer to the scene, this draws in skaters despite the distance from central London. The ice rink is situated in front of the Temperate House (the large greenhouse containing the exotic plants), a combined entry ticket is available, allowing you to wander round the fascinating gardens as well. 26 November 2005 - 15 January 2006.
 * Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road - this museum has decided to join in the rinks this year, and looks to be an interesting venue for a festive skate. If you've visited the museum before, you will appreciate the beautiful building that the museum occupies. There is also a Christmas fair (which is free), selling various gift ideas. From 16 November 2005 – 22 January 2006. Nearest tube: High Street Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly Lines).
 * Tower of London - another debut this year, set in the tourist-hotspot of the famous Tower. The ice rink itself will be hosted in the dry moat beneath the North wall of the Tower of London. From 19th November 2005 for 7 weeks. Nearest tube: Tower Hill (Circle and District Lines)
 * Canary Wharf - opened for the first time in 2005, the Canary Wharf ice rink offers a cafe and bar, and the only genuine Central Park style skating in London, in the smart Canada Square park surrounding by glittering office tower blocks. Nearest tube: Canary Wharf (Jubilee line and DLR)

In summer (and also in winter, for the more dedicated) there is also a thriving roller skating (on inline and traditional "quad" skates) scene in London, catering to many disciplines including street hockey, freestyle slalom, dance, general recreational skating (including three weekly marshalled group street skates) and speed skating. This mostly centers around Hyde Park (on the Serpentine Road) and Kensington Gardens (by the Albert Memorial).
 * Skate Patrol runs free stopping and turning classes, and can advise you if you have the skills to join one of the street skates. They can also refer you to an ICP qualified instructor  if you want to take things further.  Serpentine Road near the lake, Hyde Park, Sundays 1pm-5pm.  Look for the red t-shirts.
 * Group street skates are the LondonSkate on Wednesdays (8pm, Serpentine Road, April-September), the London Friday Night Skate (8pm, Hyde Park Corner) and the Sunday Stroll (2pm, Serpentine Road)
 * The Easy Peasy Skate for absolute beginners runs in Battersea Park: 10:30am Saturdays
 * The SerpentineRoad.com discussion forum is the best place to ask about any other kind of wheeled skating and to find like-minded people

Eat edits
Took my best shot. Shoulda got VerBeek :) Not sure about "cater for". I replaced with "cater to", but that may be an English idiosyncracy?? (WT-en) OldPine 21:49, 24 August 2006 (EDT)