The time has come to strap on a pair of bladed shoes and dance on frozen water. That's right, ice rink season is firmly upon us. Whether you're latching onto a loved one as you claw your way around the barriers or hurling yourself into a pirouette at the dismay of a group of friends (who thought you were a banker and a banker only), we've found the best places to go ice skating in London this winter that cater to all, including Hampton Court Palace, Somerset House and Winter Wonderland.
Where To Go Ice Skating In London This Winter
QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl
When: Open year-round
Where: 17 Queensway, London, W2 4QP
Price: From £12.75 for adults and from £11.25 for kids (plus £3 skate hire)
If you're on the hunt for indoor ice skating in London, look no further than QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl, located in Queensway. Not only is the rink open to the public from January through to December, but it's also home to a whole manner of fun events, whether you fancy honing your ice skating skills with a class or learning how to curl.
Once you're done skidding around the ice, don't miss out on the
bowling alleys, arcade zone and pool tables. Worked up an appetite?
Devour indulgent burgers and wings from MEATliquor.
Queens is one of the best places for ice skating in London all year round.
Glide At Battersea Power Station
When: 8th November - 5th January
Where: Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, London, SW11 8EF
Price: From £16 for adults, £14 for students and £10.50 for children
From the brains behind the Natural History Museum Ice Rink and Winter Wonderland comes something spectacular at Battersea Power Station. Aptly named Glide, this sprawling location at the Grade II-listed site will showcase an outdoor ice rink from 8th November where you can prance around to your heart's content, all with a 30ft Christmas tree and plenty of twinkling lights as your backdrop.
But that's not all you'll find at this festive beauty: The Glass House overlooks the ice rink and is the perfect place for a post-skate drink and a bite to eat, plus there are fairground games, a carousel and helter-skelter for all of you who fancy a little nostalgic fun.
Just looking at this London ice skating rink fills us with festive joy.
Skate At Somerset House
When: 13th November - 12th January
Where: Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
Price: £15 - £26.50 for adults, £10 - £15 for kids
Skate at Somerset House has become synonymous with winter in London, as every year it fills its grand courtyard with a gorgeous, glowing rink that's the hottest ticket in town. Everyone wants to glide across it, from couples on a romantic winter date night to families and tourists looking for that perfect Instagram pic.
Aside from the picture-perfect 40ft Christmas tree and a pretty, atmospheric illumination of the entire grand building, there are also regular DJ sets from big names and upcoming artists - making it an extra fun spin around the ice. Plus, there's a rink-side Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel, where you can enjoy a little apres-skate tipple, and Jimmy's will yet again be popping up Chalet Suisse where you can grab Swiss fondue and raclette.
Make this winter a memorable one with a trip to Skate at Somerset House, one of the best ice skating rinks in London.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
When: 21st November - 5th January
Where: Louisa Duckworth Walk, London, W1K 7AN
Price: Entry to Winter Wonderland is from £5, plus skating is £15.50 per adult and £10.50 per child
Whether you love or hate the festive bustle found at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, there's no mulling over of opinions when it comes to its outdoor ice skating in London; it's simply too pretty. It's actually the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK and provides the ultimate festive experience, thanks to 100,000 twinkling lights and a soundtrack of Christmas hits.
There are also plenty of workshops and activities to get stuck into here, like ice sculpting, rides and a trip to the magical ice kingdom, plus you'll be spoilt for food and drink options. Not only will there be stalls selling bratwurst and the like, but you can also whack on your earmuffs and head into Bar Ice, cosy up with warm, gooey cheese at Le Chalet Fondue or kickback with German-inspired food and entertainment in the Bavarian Village.
Winter Wonderland might just have the best ice skating in London.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
When: 22nd November - 5th January
Where: Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
Price: £19 for adults, £14 for children
Set against the majestic backdrop of Henry VIII's stomping grounds, the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is freezing its royal lands once again to make a frosty return for Christmas 2024. Strap on your skates, round up your crew and brace yourself for an enchanting escapade gliding in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn while you revel in a gigantic 26-foot-tall Christmas tree as the centrepiece of the grounds.
After your regal antics, swing by The Admirable Crichton where you'll find plenty of tasty light bites, like sandwiches, mince pies and charcuterie, paired with mulled wine, hot chocolate, prosecco and more. Fancy a full-blown feast? All skaters can enjoy a three-course meal and festive welcome cocktail for £55 at the Mitre Hotel in Hampton Court.
The ice rink will offer quiet sessions and
discounted tickets for wheelchair users to ensure everyone can
enjoy the experience.
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
When: All year-round, 7 days a week
Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
Price: £16 for adults, £11 - £13 for children
There's no doubt that Alexandra Palace is a bit of an icon, especially come wintertime. Open for skaters of all levels, from first-timers cutting their teeth to seasoned pros, its rink is ideal for those who fancy a lovely day or evening out this winter - especially around Christmas when their beautiful tree becomes a centrepiece of the rink.
Whizz about while listening to Christmas tunes, then warm your cockles through in the Grade II-listed venue, where you'll find Festival Village filled to the brim with top-notch London street food vendors. This space also regularly hosts live bands and DJs.
Get ready to ice skate in this totally gorgeous building.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
When: 26th October 2024 - 23rd February 2025
Where: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB
Prince: £13.95 for adults and children
We all know Canary Wharf is famous for its skyscrapers and being the epitome of a concrete jungle (and maze), but did you know it transforms into a winter paradise come winter with its ice rink? Head to Canada Square Park where you'll find a glossy rink offering thirteen 45-minute sessions each day for you and your mates to get stuck into.
Twirl among soaring buildings, then refresh at the Oasis Bar & Terrace afterwards if you're in the mood for a hot beverage (or glass of wine).
Sky scrappers and ice breakers: head to Canary Wharf's rink this year.
Skate Brent Cross
When: 1st November 2024 - 5th January 2025
Where: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 3FP
Prince: £15 for adults, £13 for children
This winter, Skate Brent Cross is popping up and taking over the John Lewis car park in North London's favourite shopping centre from the 1st of November until the 5th of January 2025.
It brings sparkling lights and themed, bookable experiences to the area, such as Christmas storytime with Santa from the 9th to the 13th of December, where children will be able to have a photo with the man himself, and enjoy chocolate treats. If you're feeling a little creative? Secure a spot at Cricut™ from the 16th to the 21st of December where you can customise your own holiday jumper.
Get your skates on at Brent Cross this year.
Done with rinks? Check out our
recommendations for fun things to do this winter in London here and sign
up to our newsletter for hot new
events.
