This time last year we were getting our first taste of seasonal hot sausages, minced pies and mulled wine at the many Christmas markets across the land. This year, Covid-19 has kept the crowds away.
The halls remain undecked, the pretty little wood cabins selling arts and crafts have stayed shut, and laughter is nowhere to be heard. So I mused as I wended my not-so-merry way on a walk in my local area of south west London on a recent Sunday.
But then I heard the sound of hammers and electric screwdrivers, which cheered me up immensely. As I passed the gates of Hampton Court Palace, I spied many a merry workman assembling the annual ice rink in front of Henry VIII’s majestic Tudor residence. I can hardly think of a better backdrop, lit up in winter, for a session spent pirouetting on the ice.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Bigger and better
The opening of this annual event has been delayed, but happily, not cancelled. It is now due to open tomorrow, but be sure to book ahead. It costs from £17.20 for adults, including a booking fee, and £12.70 for children for 45 minutes on the ice. The prices include skate hire. Family tickets and season passes are also available (see hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk for details).
The rink is even bigger this year, the organisers boast, “allowing for extra space for you to skate safely”. And there will also be the Ice Rink Cafe & Bar serving refreshments (tables can be booked in advance online).
While the palace itself was due to reopen after the latest lockdown, which ended on 2 December, the ornate gardens have remained open throughout (tickets are £8 for adults).
It’s well worth taking a turn to marvel at Britain’s oldest surviving hedge maze, the Great Vine, the fountains, coiffured yew trees and trimmed conical shrubs. And of course, William III and Mary II’s baroque back of the palace only adds to the splendour.
From the gardens, the Long Water, a pretty waterway ordered by Charles II and completed in 1662, runs under the railings into Hampton Court Park (also known as Home Park). Here fallow deer descended from Henry VIII’s herd roam the 750 acres of scattered grassland dotted with old oak trees, eyeing the winter walkers warily. Starting from the gate close to Kingston Bridge, the park makes for a good long walk, right up to the back of the palace. You can then exit the park and walk around the palace and the boutique 18th-century Kings Arms Hotel (a great place to stop for a pint) to reach the Thames footpath. From there, you can wend your merry way along the river, back to Kingston Bridge.
-
Regions lead with strongest annual house price growth – HalifaxHouse prices have remained ‘remarkably stable’ over last six months, down by just £48, according to Halifax
-
Will Comstock crash – or soar?Opinion The upside for Comstock, a solar panel-recycling and biomass-refining group, dwarfs the downside, says Dominic Frisby.
-
Review: Buckland Manor – a quiet stay in the CotswoldsTravel Buckland Manor is a true gem in the Cotswolds, hidden away from the crowds, says Matthew Partridge
-
Review: Andronis Minois and Andronis Arcadia – two Greek island idyllsTravel Andronis Minois on Paros and Andronis Arcadia on Santorini are two beautiful, authentic hotels on two different islands in Greece
-
Review: Shangri-La Le Touessrok – connecting with magical MauritiusTravel Sarah Lee soaks up the authenticity of Mauritius with the Shangri-La Le Touessrok and finds an unexpected connection with Mauritius.
-
Review: Shangri-La Paris – an ode to the world’s best foodTravel Natasha Langan enjoys fine French and Chinese cuisine at the Shangri-La Paris
-
Review: Constance Lemuria and Ephelia – two Indian Ocean idyllsRuth Emery visits Constance Lemuria and Constance Ephelia in the Seychelles for sun, sea and some of the best sushi she has ever had
-
Review: Cali, Mykonos – salute the sun in GreeceChris Carter engages in a sunset ritual of his own at Cali on the Greek island of Mykonos
-
Review: Trasierra – a yoga retreat in the Spanish hillsFlora Connell joins a yoga retreat at Trasierra, in the Sierra Morena mountains north of Seville
-
Barbados – escape to the CaribbeanMoneyWeek Travel Leave the chill behind and head to Barbados for year-round sunshine, says Merryn Somerset Webb
