The Halcyonite

Article by Felix O, ’25

Photo By Maddie Skatulla-Emberson

As Winter winds are beginning to wrap London in a chilly embrace, many of you will be looking forward to embarking on a festive journey to the much-anticipated Winter Wonderland. Nestled in the heart of the city, this seasonal spectacle promised a magical experience for all ages. My family, a few friends, and I attended it recently and would love to give our two cents on our favourite rides, foods, activities, and perhaps a few things to keep in mind for your trip. In this review, we’ll delve into the thrill of it, each contributing to the enchanting atmosphere of this winter wonderland.

Here is a guide to the rides we went on, with basic descriptions and ratings:

Ice Skating

The huge, glistening ice rink at Winter Wonderland provided a picturesque setting for an afternoon of graceful gliding. Surrounded by twinkling lights and the sweet melodies of seasonal tunes, and surrounding a huge gazebo with a Christmas tree.

Rating: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️(5/5)

Ice skating enthusiasts and novices alike will find joy in the smooth surface and festive ambiance. The rink was well-maintained, and the atmosphere exuded holiday cheer; there weren’t too many people on the ice, and the rink was large enough for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy.

The Giant Wheel

Towering above the Winter Wonderland landscape, The Giant Wheel offered breathtaking panoramic views of the winter spectacle below. Each cabin was adorned with festive lights, and the carriages felt very secure and were warmed as well.

Rating: ❄️❄️❄️❄️ (4/5)

The Giant Wheel provided a magical journey into the winter wonderland’s heart. While the view was spectacular, the ride’s duration could have been longer to allow passengers more time to savour the scenery, as we got around 2 loops, but given the wait time, it made sense.

Airborne

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Airborne was the go-to attraction. This high-flying adventure whisked riders through the crisp winter air, offering a unique perspective of Winter Wonderland’s festive decor.

Rating: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ (5/5)

Airborne delivered on its promise of exhilaration. The twists and turns amidst the winter sky added an extra layer of excitement to the overall experience. A must-try for thrill-seekers!

Aeronaut Starflier

Aeronaut Starflier elevated the winter wonderland experience to new heights. With its gentle ascents and descents, this ride provided a serene yet captivating journey, complemented by breathtaking views of the dazzling lights below.

Rating: ❄️❄️❄️ (3/5)

The Aeronaut Starflier, although beautiful, was a terribly short ride, and had a queue of nearly 30 minutes for less than 2 minutes of ride time. I imagine it does depend on what time/day you attend, but if you were to do this ride, I would heavily recommend you go later in the evening, and pay attention to ride times when you book.

Regardless of if you go to Winter Wonderland or not, we at the Halcyonite hope 

You have a great time, and a Wonderful Winter Break!