Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

The ice rink at Alexandra Palace is a proper throwback to how Londoners used to spend winter weekends. You're gliding across the ice in this vast Victorian building with the city spread out below you - it's the sort of thing that feels more special than it probably should, but somehow does anyway.

It's genuinely good for families. Kids get a kick out of it, and adults who haven't skated since school often surprise themselves. The rink itself is decent-sized, nothing cramped about it. Allow a couple of hours if you're bringing children - they'll want to go round three or four times and you'll need a breather in between.

You pay to get on the ice, and hire costs extra if you need skates. Weekends are rammed, so go on a weekday afternoon if you can swing it. Winter is obviously peak season, but they run it year-round, which is handy if you fancy a skate in July.

If you're staying at Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park up in Edmonton, it's only a short drive south, so this pairs nicely with a park break. Alexandra Palace itself has grounds worth a wander - decent views across London on a clear day, though the park's the main draw rather than the building. The ice rink is the cherry on top.