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 (sounds like the perfect winter date night) or hurling yourself into a pirouette at the dismay of a group of friends (who thought you were a banker and a banker only), there's an ice skating pop-up for everyone.
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.
Find out more about how Kiera created our guide in our Editorial Policy.
Ice Skating In London: Our Winter Guide To Festive Rinks
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Ice Skating In Central London
1. Skate Leicester Square
There's a brand-new kid on the block. Skate Leicester Square will be in the heart of the West End from the 4th November to 4th January 2026 and will be raising money for the Angel Child Fund and The Brain Tumour Charity.
After your skate, head to the seasonal bar for some hot chocolate, mulled wine, or even a glass of bubbles if you're looking for something a little extra Special. There will also be plenty of festive stalls to wander around too, perfect for some last-minute Christmas shopping.
- When: 31st October 2026 - 3rd January 2027
- Location: Hanover Square, W1S 1JA
- Price: TBC
This brand-new ice rink in Leicester Square is a must-visit this Christmas.
2. Skate At Somerset House
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. Sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Holidays, the ice rink is set to offer exclusive skating sessions and a lounge-inspired clubhouse with views of the iconic ice rink. 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.
- When: 11th November 2026 - 10th January 2027
- Location: Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
- Price: £15 - £26.50 for adults, £10 - £15 for kids
Make this winter a memorable one with a trip to Skate at Somerset House, one of the best ice skating rinks in London.
3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
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 kick back with German-inspired food and entertainment in the Bavarian Village.
- When: 19th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
- Location: Louisa Duckworth Walk, London, W1K 7AN
- Price: Entry to Winter Wonderland is from £1, plus skating is £15.50 per adult and £10.50 per child
Winter Wonderland might just have the best ice skating in London.
Ice Skating In West London
4. QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl
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.
- When: Open year-round
- Location: 17 Queensway, London, W2 4QP
- Price: from £10 per person
Queens is one of the best places for ice skating in London all year round.
5. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
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 2026.
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.
- When: 20th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027
- Location: Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
- Price: £19.50 for adults, £14.50 for children
The ice rink will offer quiet sessions and discounted tickets for wheelchair users to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.
Ice Skating In North London
6. Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
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.
- When: All year-round, seven days a week
- Location: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
- Price: from £11.75 per person, off-peak
Get ready to ice skate in this totally gorgeous building.
7. Skate Brent Cross
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 23rd of October 2026 until the 3rd of January 2027.
It brings sparkling lights and themed, bookable experiences to the area, such as Christmas story time with Santa, where children will be able to have a photo with the man himself and enjoy chocolate treats. Whether you're a first-time skater or a pro on the ice, you'll absolutely love this ice rink experience.
- When: 23rd October 2026- 3rd January 2027
- Location: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 3FP
- Price: £15 for adults, £13 for children
Get your skates on at Brent Cross this year.
Ice Skating In South London
8. Sky-High Skating at Bussey Rooftop Bar
Rooftops aren't just for summer, and here to prove it to you is Bussey Rooftop Bar in Peckham. Whether you're booking for a family of four, a group of pals or for a romantic date night, this winter experience is sure to jingle anyone's bells. There will be 360° panoramic views, Christmas trees and a bar stocked with boozy hot chocolate and mulled wine.
DJ sets will take place every Friday and Saturday, so you can figure skate (or fall over) to the tune of Mariah Carey, and after you slip out of your blades, fill up on piping hot slices of pizza from their stone-baked menu.
Note: this rink uses synthetic ice.
- When: TBC
- Location: 133 Unit B3.1 Bussey Building, Copeland Road, SE15 3SN
- Price: TBC
Skating, but with a view.
9. Glide At Battersea Power Station
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 6th 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 a helter-skelter for all of you who fancy a little nostalgic fun.
- When: 6th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027
- Location: Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, London, SW11 8EF
- Price: From £18.70 for adults, £13.75 per person for family tickets and £11.50 for children
Just looking at this London ice skating rink fills us with festive joy.
10. The Queen's House Ice Rink
The Queen’s House Ice Rink, produced by Tamarisk Events, invites visitors to glide across the ice in the heart of Greenwich’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Skaters can enjoy breathtaking views, flexible VIP fast-track tickets, a mid-session ‘skate-off pit lane,’ and a viewing area next to Zero Degrees restaurant serving warming seasonal favourites.
The rink caters to everyone with dedicated toddler, student, and quiet sessions, while school trips link skating fun to Greenwich’s rich history. Combine your skate with a visit to the Royal Museums Greenwich for a festive day out that blends culture with winter magic.
- When: 18th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027
- Location: Queen’s House, Greenwich, SE10 9NF
- Price: from £17.10 per adult, £14.85 per child off-peak
Queen's House (pictured).
FAQs
What should you wear ice skating in London?
Comfort and warmth are the priorities. Wear light, flexible layers (think a long-sleeved top under a light jacket rather than a heavy coat, which can restrict movement and become a hazard if it falls open on the ice). Cover your legs with jeans or leggings, and always wear gloves or mittens - you'll likely need to touch the ice at some point. Avoid open-toed shoes or sandals under your skates. For outdoor rinks, bring a hat and scarf for when you're off the ice, but consider removing them while skating to avoid them getting underfoot.
Can complete beginners go ice skating in London?
Absolutely. All of London's major rinks welcome complete beginners, and most offer penguin skate aids (small frame supports you push along the ice) for hire, which are ideal for first-timers and young children.
Is there indoor ice skating in London all year round?
Yes. While most of London's famous rinks are seasonal pop-ups running from November to January, QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl in Queensway is London's only all-year-round ice rink and has been open since 1930.
Done with rinks? Check out our
recommendations for fun things to do this winter in
London.
