Chill out at Somerset House

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Somerset House's magnificent courtyard is to be transformed into an open-air ice rink for the second time this Christmas - and there are plans to make it a permanent feature of midwinter London.

The rink was launched last Christmas - with support from the Evening Standard - and rapidly became so besieged by Londoners eager to slip on their blades that organisers have decreed this year's rink will be even bigger, at around 700 square metres, accommodating 2,000 skaters each day.

It will be open for longer this year too: the rink, backed again by the Standard and sponsored by the Wallpaper Group, will be up and running for six weeks from 5 December, and open from 10am to 10pm.

Unlike last year, however, the ice is far less likely to degrade into an unskateable slush. New ice-dressing machines and other technical wizardry should ensure it can withstand any sudden rise in temperature.

Ice guides will be on hand to stop the less elegant from falling over quite so spectacularly - or alternatively you can watch others crash-landing from specially-constructed viewing areas or the rinkside cafe.

And if you're not quite up to Torvill and Dean standard at least the skates - donated by Bauer - will be professional quality.

As darkness falls, the courtyard's glorious classical facades will be illuminated by special lighting and flaming torches will flank the rink.

Looming above will be a 40ft high Christmas tree. Looming above will be a 40ft high Christmas tree. The Swedish spruce Christmas tree, sponsored by the paper brands Munken and Arctic, was grown near Gothenberg, the birthplace of Sir William Chambers, architect of Somerset House.

Duncan Wilson, director of the Somerset House Trust, said: "We are determined to make the ice rink a permanent part of the city's Christmas and New Year celebrations, and we hope the Christmas tree might become a regular thing."

"I skate myself, if gingerly - I think I need some more lessons."

Another improvement to the rink this year is the introduction of advance booking, which should reduce the huge queues seen last year.

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You can also call the Somerset House Ice-Line on 020 7845 4670 to find out about special packages for children and to enquire about lessons.