I know London only as far as the most famous tourist attractions go. I’ve visited many times with Little Miss Outdoors and we have taken in many hotspots, such as Big Ben, Madame Tussauds, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. But apparently there are

a host of other exciting things to see and do, and several are ideal for the winter season. With the English schools half-term school break and the Christmas holidays just around the corner, my guest blogger reveals three top attractions for things to do with the family in London this winter.

Skate at Somerset House

Now, while the summer has its heat and long days of light, there are some things that can only be enjoyed in winter. One of these is ice skating. There can be few better places to enjoy ice skating than at the grand eighteenth-century courtyard at Somerset House, on The Strand.

This 900-metre-square ice rink boasts one of the most impressive skating backdrops in the UK’s capital. With lessons for beginners and special Penguin Club sessions for children, Somerset House Ice Rink feels as if it has been specifically designed for families.

Isabella Plantation

Many families forget that parks and nature reserves are still the perfect destination for families in winter.  Although the air might be chilly, al you need to do is wear the right warm clothing and you’ll enjoy seeing some of the UK’s best parks and nature reserves in a whole new light. Think frosty scenes and fabulous greenery.

At visit to Isabella Plantation, in the heart of London’s Richmond Park, will confirm this. This is a beautiful ornamental woodland garden, with the chance to see clearings, streams, exotic trees, shrubs, ferns and other natural delights. In winter, the gardens have a fabulous scent and colour. There are early camellias and rhododendron, as well as mahonia, winter-flowering heathers and stinking hellebore.

Isabella Plantation is more than60 years old and has long been enjoyed by people of all ages and types.

Kempton Park

Reindeer racing! Yes, you read that correctly. At one of London’s famous race courses, www.KemptonPark.co.uk, families will discover the quirky delights of winter reindeer racing. Of course, there are also opportunities to see horse racing, too, at Kempton Park, which is acclaimed as one of the world’s most prestigious horseracing venues. This Boxing Day, as part of the William Hill Winter Festival, the infamous King George VI Chase will be held at Kempton Park and you’ll be one of the lucky ones if you and your family are there. There are also some fabulous markets held weekly at Kempton Park, if you fancy a bit of Christmas shopping.