Since living in the UK, I have always heard about the annual Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum that is set up for the Christmas period. It is well known for being very pretty with fantastic surroundings, so you really shouldn’t miss it. I have always wanted to go, but for some reason, never got around to doing! I like the idea of ice skating, but I won’t going to lie, I’m terrible, LOL!
I have taken Bella skating previously to a few different ice rinks but this year was the first time for Sienna. She had her first attempt at Lapland UK a few weeks ago but we didn’t spend too much time on the ice so when we were invited by Regatta to go to the Ice Rink at the National History Museum, we were super excited to go and give it another longer go.
As you all know from previous blog posts, Regatta is a brand that I have worked with before. First, we did a fun photoshoot with model Vogue Williams and then we did a family style post with some of the clothes they sent us to try, which we all really like. They are great for keeping you warm, comfortable and at the same time stylish.
For this occasion, we were asked to pick 4 jackets (one for each of us) so we can wear them during our visit to the Natural History Museum Ice Rink. So we all went to their website and choose our favourites. They have so many beautiful jackets that were difficult to choose.
I personally wanted something long and warm and in a colour other than black (the colour of my previous Regatta jacket). I therefore went for this Fearne II Parka Jacket Dark Khaki. OMG guys, this jacket is very good as it really keeps me warm and cosy. It was a cold day in London but I never felt it. Not even whilst we were on the ice.
Nick chose this Ellingwood Jacket in Black. I really like how Nick looks in it as it’s very smart. He was very comfortable and it kept him warm too. The only thing was that the colour seemed more grey than black. Regardless, I thought his jacket was great but the main thing was that he was very pleased with it.
Bella went for a long jacket like me. She chose this Winter Hill Jacket in Dark cerise. Unfortunately, they didn’t have it in that colour which was a shame as I would love it in a brighter, more girly colour for her but I must say that the one in black wasn’t bad at all. She absolutely loves this jacket as it has now become her new favourite jacket. She wants to wear it all the time! I was very surprised as I didn’t think she would like it in black but I guess I was wrong and relieved of course!
For Sienna, I chose the Coulby Jacket Jem Star. That wasn’t available in her size so we were sent the same coat but in Navy Floral. Initially I wasn’t sure about the colour but after she tried it I fell in love with it as she really looked adorable! 🙂
On the day of our visit to the Natural History Museum Ice Rink, we were all wearing our jackets and felt perfectly dressed for the occasion. It was a cold day, so it was perfect. We travelled by tube which was a pretty straight forward journey as it didn’t take us too long to arrive.
As soon as we arrived, we saw the ice rink. OMG, it looked AMAZING. We were all super excited to get our skates on and have a go. Bella wanted to use proper skates this time (rather than the adjustable type that fit over your shoe) so she was very happy to be able to do that. Sienna used adjustable clip on type which is much easier for small children. She looked so cute!
Unfortunately all the penguins which kids can use on the ice to help keep them upright, had all been hired and there were none left which was a shame 🙁 . This didn’t stop us from having a great time though.
Nick helped Sienna while I helped Bella. We started by going around the edge of the ice we could hold onto the sides if needed. Bella was very nervous but she was much better than the last time she skated.
This ice rink is so beautiful. I really loved it. Having the Museum as a background made the whole experience even more mesmerising.
There was a camera where you were able to go and have a photo with your family, so we did that and got a great photo of all of us. It is not easy for us to have a family photo so we were all very happy to have a new one of us all on the ice!
Our slot was for one hour but we didn’t stay that long. Sienna wasn’t able to do it for long as she was getting tired especially without having a penguin for support, so it was more difficult for her. However, we did very much enjoy the time we did have on the ice. It was so much fun and we all loved it!
After skating we decided to go to the cafe to have some cake and a drink. The cafe was lovely with a great atmosphere! Tey had the most amazing chocolate cake which we all went for apart from Sienna who wanted some caramel shortbread. It was some of the best chocolate cake I have tried in a long time!
The cafe overlooks the ice rink and has an outdoor balcony which you can sit on too. The view here is beautiful. I really enjoyed watching the people skating. It was a nice moment. Nick took the girls for a ride on the carousel which they thought was great fun.
We did a small video of our day at the NHM Ice Rink which you can see below:
We really had a fantastic time. It’s a really nice activity to do with your family over the festive season. The ice rink is open until the 8th of January so if you are in London there’s still time to give it a go – we can definitely recommend it. Also, have a look at the fantastic jackets that Regatta has available. They really kept us warm and cosy the whole time.
Have you been to the Natural History Museum Ice Rink before? Are you planning to go ice skating? Have you bought a coat from Regatta before? Please leave a comment below as I would love to read what you thin
*Disclosure: We were invited to the Natural History Museum Ice rink thanks to Regatta for the purpose of this blog post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
OddHogg says
I loved ice skating as a kid – we went every saturday. I hate it now and get quite uncomfortable on the ice! #kcacols
Laura - dear bear and beany says
I love your coat and how long it is. I’ve been looking for a new winter coat in the sale’s, but not had any luck. I will take a look at this one. My girls are all about ice skating at the moment and we’ve been a couple of times in the last month. This looks lovely and it definitely a place I would love to take my girls in the future x #KCACOLS
Nadia - Scandimummy says
Love all the coats! Especially Nicks, looks very smart. Sounds like you had an amazing time. #kcacols
Nadia xx
Becky @ Educating Roversi says
I love the idea of ice skating but the reality is very different! I’m always scared I’m going to fall and do some serious damage! Looks like you had a fab day and I love your coat ☺#KCACOLS
Sara says
Ah I did see your YouTube video on the day! I love your jackets, and it’s so great that you have so many beautiful photos to document the day. Love it. The Natural History Museum is absolutely beautiful! We missed out on ice skating this year, but hopefully next year! #KCACOLS
MY PETIT CANARD says
What a lovely experience Franca, and how nice that Regatta wanted to send your family there. Such a treat 🙂 The Natural Histroy museum ice rink has been on my list to try for the last year or two but we havent made it there yet so maybe next year, or the year after when the littlest is a little older and able to experience it properly with us. I love all your jackets, especially little Sienna’s – so pretty 🙂 Great review. Emily #KCACOLS
The Hippy Christian Mum says
What a lovely video. I have commented on YouTube, you can see my channel over there too! I enjoyed this post. This ice rink is iconic, I’ve seen it in so many films so it’s nice to see it ‘in real life’. Lovely pictures, that’s a nice one of you and your husband together. Bless little SIenna ice skating without a penguin wasn’t she fab! Love love love your khaki coat it looks so nice on you. I had no idea regatta did such nice style coats I thought it was all hiking type ones, I will check out their website now. #KCACOLS
Coombe Mill says
I can’t resist a family ice skatting session at Christmas, how wonderful to skate in the middle of London like this. #KCACOLS
jen|Practical by default says
I actually got skating this year with the kids. This looks like so much fun. #KCACOLS
Sarah Barrett says
Thanks for sharing this. Lots of beautiful photos. It looks so Christmassy. My daughters keep asking about going ice skating. I though they were a bit young but you’ve changed my mind! You look so warm on your coats.
Linking up with #KCACOLS
justsayingmum says
Oh isn’t this just London at it’ very best! Beautiful setting, Christmas and ice-skating – just perfect. Your photos are stunning and I love the coats – particularly your long green one – looks gorgeous on you. I must try and book skating next Christmas with my family – though I am rubbish too! #KCACOLS
Sarahbel says
Ahh perfect! It’s a bit of a Christmas tradition that I drag my unwilling husband ice skating and the last few times it’s been to NHM. Fab venue and you all looked perfectly attired. What a treat! #kcacols
Jodie says
Ohh this looks like so much fun! I was going to go this year but ended up not having the time! Gorgeous photos to cherish 🙂 x #KCACOLS
Becky Clark says
I love ice skating. It’s something I used to do every week when I was younger so when Rory is of enough I’ll definitely take him.
Living up North I’ve only been fortunate enough to visit the Natural History museum twice, but both times I loved it!
I never realised they had a nice rink at Christmas but now it’s definitely on my bucket list!
Looks like you had a fab day! #KCACOLS
Emma says
What a fab opportunity Franca! I love ice skating and used to be ok at it but I hadn’t been for ages. when we went in dec I was rubbish! the hubby fell too and hurt his knee and it hasn’t been right too. loving Sienna’s jacket you chose too – good choice! #KCACOLS
Fran back with a bump says
What a fab day out and that chocolate cake is making me hungry. Happy new year and thanks for hosting #kcacols xx
Sarah | Digital Motherhood says
I’ve seen the ice rink outside the Natural History Museum before but have never been. It’s such a lovely location and looks really Christmassy! #KCACOLS
Kimberley | ohjustmylittleblog says
Oh I haven’t been ice skating yet this winter but this has really made me want to go. I’m really terrible at it but its still fun. Your coats all look fab x #KCACOLS
five little doves says
What a fab opportunity!! We LOVE ice skating, the youngest three went for the first time at Lapland UK too, and since then we have been twice they enjoyed it that much! The museum in the background makes it all look amazing, and so Christmassy and magical too. #KCACOLS
Tracey says
I used to go ice skating all the time when I was younger but never tried an outdoor experience, I expect those warm coats were a must! #KCACOLS
Ky says
Oh I love the natural history museum and I’ve always wanted to go when they have the ice skating rink. Looks like a great way to spend an hour, just a shame all the penguins had been booked. The coats look fab as well, perfect for the cold weather.x #KCACOLS
Mummyitsok says
This looks such a lovely day out especially over Christmas! Long coats are my favourite for cold weather as I like how they keep my legs warmer to! Love the little skates for the kids so cute! #KCACOLS
Ali Duke says
Your coats all looked so lovely. We were in London just before last Christmas, we went into the Natural History Museum, but we didn’t ice skate. It all looks so lovely though.
#KCACOLS
Bread says
Sienna’s jacket is lovely. Looks like everyone had a nice time, I really don’t like skating – or anything that involves me having to be balanced! #kcacols
Claire at Tin Box Traveller says
I’m terrible at ice skating too. I love the setting for this rink though. The Natural History Museum is such an impressive building. I love your jacket! They all look perfect for the winter #kcacols