We love stuart_matthews‘s photo of skaters enjoying the ice rink at Somerset House.

If your new year’s resolutions include getting fit, there’s still time to head to one of London’s ice rinks – it’s more fun than the gym!

“What a great view,” my ice skating buddy said on Friday night at the launch of the Tower of London ice-skating rink.

We had just enjoyed a winter warmer (for Dutch courage) and a mince pie, had popped on our skates (no laces make it very easy), and were watching the professionals demonstrate how it should be done.

Once the display by Natalia Pestova and Alexei Kislitsyn from the Russian Ice Stars was over, we crept onto the ice – me gripping desperately on to the side, as I had totally forgotten how to skate.

The rink marshals were very encouraging though and were helping the first timers out around the rink as well as ensuring everyone was going in the same direction.

After a couple of laps of the rink I picked it up again, and was able to stop looking at my feet, and look up and to see how beautifully illuminated the Tower of London and Tower Bridge look on a clear London night.

As the group of eight year olds lapped me again (always good for the confidence!), I noticed how popular the rink was with families as well as couples and friends.

They also have an ice-skating related film playing while you skate (which you can see from the viewing gallery) – I have to say the penguins on the screen made it look a lot easier than it is, and I have a new-found respect for the celebrities on Dancing on Ice who seem to pick it up really quickly.

The Tower of London Ice Rink is open until 9 January 2011. Book tickets here

Sharron Davies MBE officially opened the Canary Wharf Ice Rink on Friday.

Olympic swimmer Sharron performed a a stunning on-ice display, the first since she did so well on ITV’s Dancing on Ice show. She was joined by The Imperial Ice Stars, some of the world’s leading theatrical ice performers, renowned for their breathtaking on-ice acrobatics.

Sharron says, “This is a dramatic setting beneath the iconic Canary Wharf skyline.

“Coupled with all the new bars, restaurants and shops here, it is one of the most exceptional places to skate. I encourage you all to get your skates on and get into the Canary Wharf festive spirit!”

The Canary Wharf Ice Rink is back for its sixth year beneath the tall towers of London’s newest business and shopping district. The organisers promise brand-new sharpened, high-quality skates for hire for this winter, and remind punters about the Alpine Café Bar offering warming drinks and tasty snacks.

Where else in the world can you skate above 200 shops, including the newly-opened diamond-lovers’ paradise, Tiffany & Co?

The Canary Wharf Ice Rink is open until 20 Feb; Mon-Sat 9.45am-11pm, Sun 9.45am-7.30pm. Last skate session begins 1 hour before closing. Prices start from £7.50. Book tickets here

If you hadn’t guessed, we love this time of year! This morning, there’s a real chill in the air, but the lovely winter sunshine is making us wish we were outside enjoying the city at Christmas.

One of our favourite things to do when the weather turns crisp-cold is to head out and play on one of London’s fantastic ice rinks. We’re not the greatest skaters in the world, but practice makes perfect!

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If you’re inspired to get your skates on sometime soon, don’t forget to book your place on your chosen ice rink online with Visit London.