Get your skates on
If the outdoor rinks at Marble Arch and Somerset House over Christmas and the New Year inspired you to take to the ice, keep up the good work in 2003 with a visit to one of London's indoor rinks.
A great (and surprisingly cheap) way of getting fit, skating is a far more healthy winter social activity than going to the pub, or sitting in the cinema. Why not book a few lessons and impress your friends with your technique? The National Ice Skating Association Of Great Britain (NISA) has launched Skate UK, a national learn-to-skate programme for all age groups. For more information as well as details on local clubs and rinks visit www.nisa-uk.org.
EC2 Broadgate Ice Rink
Situated among the office blocks of the City, Broadgate Ice Rink, the UK's only permanent outdoor rink, is open from late October to April. Tiny though it is, it's also the only place in the capital where you can play broomball. The rink runs a broomball league - to find out more about this quirky sport, give them a call. Broadgate Circle, EC2 (020-7505 4068). www.broadgateestates.co.uk.
W2 Leisure box
Once known as Queens, this rink has been the home of many legendary top skaters. Families and beginners are well catered for and the Friday and Saturday disco nights with live DJs are great fun. Prices start from £6 including skate hire. Figure skating classes are available for all age groups. 17 Queensway, W2 (020-7229 0172).
N22 Alexandra Palace Rink
An international-sized rink with plenty going on. There are figure-skating lessons, private coaching and junior and senior ice hockey teams based here. Alexandra Palace Way, N22 (020-8365 4386). www.alexandrapalace.com.
SW16 Streatham Ice Rink
One-to-one lessons, figure skating coaching and ice hockey teams are all here at one of London's best known ice rinks. Like Leisurebox, there is also a disco every Friday and Saturday night with live DJs. 386 Streatham High Road, SW16 (020-8769 7771). www.streathamicearena.co.uk.
