Time Out Worldwide

There are few things that we’d willingly brace the cold for during winter in London. But ice skating is one of them. From around October each year, pop-up ice rinks fill the city, decked out in fairy lights, hosting DJ takeovers and inviting folk to skate late into the night. So, dig out your warmest hats and scarves – soon, you’ll get to romantically glide (or awkwardly stumble) with your loved ones under the backdrop of landmarks like Somerset House, Battersea Power Station and Hampton Court Palace.

Streatham’s rink was first opened in the area in 1931, where it stood for 80 years before getting a much-needed renovation in 2013. Both pros and novices of all ages can use the rink, with classes in skating and ice hockey also available. It’s part of the Better leisure centre group, so you’ll need to download the app to pre-book a public skating session. If festive fun is what you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find more elsewhere, but this Olympic-sized rink does offer plenty of space – more for getting to grips with the ice than Christmas flair..

Run Dem Crew likes to run, travel, party and repeat, which probably explains why there are hundreds of members and counting. Plus, the founder is Charlie Dark, a renowned DJ, poet and writer who launched RDC in 2007 with a plan to roll music culture, running, youth mentoring and community all into one awesome movement. So far, so good – and the crew has now gone from a Tuesday night run in Shoreditch to being based out of the lululemon store in Spitalfields.

How to join: Just show up – check the FAQs on the RDC website for all the details.