Somerset House has been partly illuminated in pink, during October for Breast Awareness month.  But as  October draws to an end it is time to get ready for their annual Skate celebration.

I popped in this week to get into the right frame of mind for my Spanish class (glass of red and Iberico ham at Fernandez and Wells does the job perfectly) and preparation work was in full swing; the fountains have been covered, signs are up and the waiting/changing area has been built.

Skate is on from 14 November 2013 until 5 January 2014.  There will be many other ice rinks popping up over London in the next couple of weeks, but this one is still my favourite.  The setting in the courtyard is beautiful, especially in the evening when the majestic eighteenth century buildings are illuminated and the Christmas tree lights are on.

If you want the full Christmas experience, try out Glad Tidings Tuesdays: festive music and late night Christmas shopping in the pop-up mall.  If you don’t want to skate, you can just spectate and shop.

If you want to skate, do book in advance as many sessions sell out.  Lessons are available for those who feel they need a little help.

Somerset House, The Strand, London (pedestrian access available from Victoria Embankment, Waterloo Bridge or the Strand).

Linked to Pink Saturday.