The Canal Museum near King's Cross annually opens its subterranean ice wells, showcasing the Victorian era's ice storage practices. Originally a luxury for the wealthy, ice was harvested in winter and stored to last through summer. Later, as demand grew, cities constructed larger ice wells, importing ice from Scandinavia. On Ice Well Sunday, visitors can explore this historic industrial site with a guide. Tickets are available for £12, and there are additional canal boat tours. This unique experience highlights the dramatic changes in how ice was consumed before refrigerators became common.
Tickets for the Ice Well Sunday event in 2025 are priced at £12 for adults, with an educational exploration of the Victorian ice trade available.
The history of ice storage in London's Canal Museum illustrates the transition from the costlier, winter-harvested ice to bulk-imported ice from Scandinavia.
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