Classic London Instagrams: Skating at Somerset House

Scroll through any Londoner's Instagram feed – and many tourists' – and you'll probably spot a few familiar pics. From the view of Big Ben shot through the archway on the South Bank to the rounded dome of St Paul's Cathedral, Instagram has created a city iconography all of its own. In this new series, blogger Flora Tonking will be showcasing those classic London Instagram shots, and also sharing some of her favourite unique takes on them.

This post, we're looking at a festive photographic favourite – the winter skating rink at Somerset House.

The Classic Shot

 

A photo posted by Rendra Sebastian Delano (@rendrasd) on Nov 26, 2015 at 9:13am PST

Each winter, the magnificent courtyard of Somerset House is transformed into a spectacular skating rink. Surrounded by stunning architecture, throughout the day and evening Londoners and visitors twirl (and take the odd tumble) on the ice. If you don't fancy making a fool of yourself slithering around the rink, you can watch the action with a hot chocolate (or something a little stronger), and snag a few Instagram-worthy shots of this iconic festive scene.

Here are ten alternative takes of the Somerset House skating rink: 

1. Beneath the branches

 

A photo posted by Katya Jackson (@katya_jackson) on Nov 29, 2015 at 8:41am PST

2. Oh, starry night

 

A photo posted by Anna (@ulyaanna) on Nov 24, 2015 at 3:03pm PST

3. Torvill and Dean

 

A photo posted by - Mhay - (@16thofmhay) on Nov 23, 2015 at 10:43am PST

4. In need of a little winter warmer

 

A photo posted by Kelly Eastwood (@thelondonchatter) on Nov 18, 2015 at 3:14am PST

5. Don't stop movin'

 

A photo posted by Bodz London 🌍 (@bodzofficial) on Nov 23, 2015 at 12:14pm PST

6. Some people are all about the tree...

 

A photo posted by Emma May Morley (@emayhere) on Nov 28, 2015 at 1:19pm PST

7. ...or the baubles

 

A photo posted by lifeofyablon (@lifeofyablon) on Nov 22, 2015 at 5:45am PST

8. Rainy reflections

 

A photo posted by E F E • London England UK (@justefe) on Nov 17, 2015 at 10:01pm PST

9. Just watching

 

A photo posted by °•° Stephanie •°• (@stephtheperson) on Nov 25, 2015 at 1:24am PST

10. Starting over

 

A photo posted by Jacquelyne 🐢 (@jackyklsun) on Nov 29, 2015 at 6:03am PST

Check out classic London shots on Instagram: Millennium Bridge.

Or, follow Time Out London on Instagram: @timeoutlondon.