This month
top events to put in your diary
Get your skates on!
It’s great to hear that the ice rink at Somerset House (1), in London, will return after taking a break during 2020. Skate at Somerset House is one of the capital’s most popular tourist attractions in the winter months – the magnificent ice rink transforms the neoclassical courtyard into a winter wonderland, complete with a glorious 40ft Christmas tree.
Throughout the season, there are a number of activities available, including skating lessons with Skate School and nightlife sets provided by popular DJs. Adult tickets cost from £11 and must be booked in advance. For information and tickets, go to www.somersethouse.org.uk/ whats-on/skate-somerset-house.
Other seasonal outdoor ice rinks include Hampton Court, which operates from November to January (hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk) and London’s Natural History Museum, from 22 October to 16 January (www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/ice-rink.html).
October ■ 22 October - 7 November
A new after-dark experience will add to the beauty of the fine gardens at Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, with the first-ever Ignite event.
Visitors follow a trail with handheld lanterns for the first part of the route, and wander among flickering flames and majestic trees. You could even spot fire-breathing dragons, a river of flames, and fireballs (2)! Advance tickets cost from £15 per adult.
Web ignitetrails.co.uk/polesdenlacey
November ■ 5-7 November
Every year on Bonfire Night, Legoland Windsor puts on an extravaganza with a fireworks spectacular – and you can be sure that Lego bricks will be involved at some point! The celebrations are even more special this year, because they mark the end of the resort’s 25th Birthday Season. Tickets are available from £44.
Web legoland.co.uk/explore/specialevents/fireworks-spectacular
■ 6-7 November
Leeds Castle, in Kent, is another fantastic backdrop for fireworks, and this year, the show has an outer space theme, with projections and laser displays on the castle walls. Adult tickets start at £23.
Web www.leeds-castle.com
■ 13-20 November
Bath Mozartfest has an enviable reputation for artistic excellence in chamber and orchestral music, and presents the finest classical music by world-renowned artists.
You can enjoy live performances in the Assembly Rooms or watch from the comfort of your motorhome via livestream. Advance tickets from £15; livestream concerts, £10-£15.
Web bathmozartfest.org.uk
■ 19 November – 19 December
Blenheim Palace’s Great Court (3) will be transformed into a spectacular seasonal market, with traditional wooden chalets showcasing a range of festive treats from more than 50 designer-makers and artisan food and drink producers. Christmas shopping made simple – you’ll find everything here, from handcrafted tweed accessories, paintings and pet portraits, to scented candles and beautiful kaleidoscopes.
Web blenheimpalace.com/Christmas