Ice skating is the perfect way to get in the Christmas mood! From Hampton Court to Battersea Power Station, here are the best ice rinks in London.
Nothing shouts ‘It’s CHRISSSSSSTTTTMMASSSSSS’ more than skating around like an ungraceful swan on a surface that wasn’t made for humans to stand on. But there’s no denying, Christmas is back and the ice rinks are frozen and ready for action.
Do you love nothing more than flying around on the ice? Perhaps you’re more of an edge clinger-oner? Or, maybe like me, your favourite part is looking after the coats while drinking a bucket of mulled wine?
From the historic setting of Hampton Court Palace to the quirky new ice rink at Battersea Power Station, it’s time to check out some of the hottest, no wait, coolest ice rinks in London this winter.
The majority of these recommend that you pre-book. You’ll be given a slot for a set time, then you can whizz around and enjoy the ice! Don’t forget to allow some time afterwards for a warming hot chocolate or something a little stronger!
8 Best Ice Rinks In London For Winter 2024 – 2025
Skate at Somerset House
One of the most spectacular settings for a spin on the ice, Somerset House’s ice rink is opening again in its stunning courtyard. It’s also one of the poshest places to enjoy the festive season with sponsors including Whispering Angel and gourmet dining at The Chalet restaurant. You can expect fine wines, cocktails, afternoon tea, cosy winter bites and plenty of glam events.
There’s even a skate school and pop-up boutique.
As you zoom around the rink you’ll be able to take in the stunning details of the neoclassical courtyard as well as the enormous 40ft Christmas tree. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to snap lots of festive pics as you skate!
Price: From £15 for adults or £10 for children
Dates: 13 Nov 2024 – 12 Jan 2025
Find out more and book your tickets in advance here.
Battersea Power Station
If you haven’t checked out the big changes at Battersea Power Station yet, the Christmas season is the perfect time to visit!
Glide Ice Rink is in a stunning spot in front of the illuminated power station on the banks of the River Thames. There are three three interconnecting rinks and a beautiful 30ft Christmas tree covered in twinkly lights.
It’s the ideal experience for a festive treat in London! Once you’ve taken to the ice, you can warm up with a creamy hot chocolate in The Glass House bar next door, and watch the skating action in comfort.
Price: £10.50 (children 12 and under), £16 (adults)
Dates: 8th Nov 2024 – 5th Jan 2025
Find out more and book tickets here.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
After checking out the rides, shows, food and drink at Winter Wonderland, you simply have to pop on some skates and take to the ice!
This rink is in an iconic spot, circling one of Hyde Park’s beautiful Victorian bandstands. During the skating sessions different bands will be on hand to entertain skaters and spectators with live music.
After your skate session, warm up with a gluhwein or a tasty hot chocolate at one of the German market stalls.
Price: £10.50 (children 12 and under), £15.50 (adults) – may vary depending on whether it’s peak or off peak. You may also need to purchase tickets to enter Winter Wonderland depending on what time you visit.
Dates: 12st Nov 2024 – 5th Jan 2025
Find out more and book tickets here.
Hampton Court Ice Rink
Did you know that in Henry VIII’s day, the River Thames used to freeze over? I reckon the king was a dab hand on blades! These days, you can head to his historic home for a London ice skating experience like no other.
What could be better than wrapping up warm, gathering a group of friends for a winter treat, all while enjoying spectacular views of the historic Tudor palace. After your turn on the rink, warm up with a hot chocolate or a gluhwein. This is such a magical place for a winter adventure!
Price: From £15.65 for children and £20.65 for adults
Dates: 22 Nov 2024 – 5 Jan 2025
Find out more and book tickets here.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
With the longest ice skating season of any of London’s seasonal experiences, Canary Wharf’s covered rink means you can enjoy a skate no matter what the weather is doing. Located right in the heart of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, there’s an extra magic here with all of the twinkly lights.
Alongside this iconic London ice skating experience is Oasis Bar & Terrace. Whether you’re too wobbly to contemplate putting on skates and simply want to watch everyone else, or you’re looking for somewhere to warm up after your skating session, this bar has lots of warming, festive drinks to enjoy.
Price: Children and adults from £13.95. Family tickets from £53.
Dates: 26 Oct 2024 – 23rd Feb 2025
Find out more and book tickets here.
JW3 Ice Rink
Did you know there’s a pop-up ice rink in North West London? Head to JW3 (the Jewish Community Centre in Finchley Road) and you’ll find a covered ice rink in the centre’s Dorfman Piazza.
It’s open throughout December and looks set to be a magical experience!
Price: Children from £12 and adults from £18
Dates: 8th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025
Find out more and book tickets here.
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
While this rink is available to visit all year round, there’s a bit of festive magic at the Ally Pally rink at Christmas, making it extra special. You can book onto a special Christmas skate session or time your trip for a Christmas Club de Fromage disco. It’ll mean you can enjoy whizzing around the rink to your favourite Christmas tunes!
There’s an Ice Cafe on site too, so you’ll be able to round off your festive experience with some mulled wine.
Price: Children from £9.50 and Adults from £10.50
Dates: Open all year round but there’s a Christmas skate experience which is available from 11th Dec to 5th Jan 2025.
Find out more and book tickets here.
Queens Skate, Bayswater
Another option for ice skating all year round, Queens Skate and Bowl has been in this location on Queensway for a long time. I remember going as a kid! Actually, after further research, that’s hardly surprising as this is actually London’s oldest indoor ice rink!
Alongside sessions on the ice rink, you can also book ice skating lessons, try curling, go bowling, play in the arcades and enjoy some naughty burgers at MEATliquor. There are usually some Christmas skates nearer the big day, so keep an eye on the website.
Price: Children from £11.75 and Adults from £12.75
Dates: Open all year round. Over 18s only after 8pm.
Find out more and book tickets here.
I hope this guide to London’s best ice rinks helps you choose somewhere for a festive experience. I’m sad that a few of my favourite rinks aren’t open these days including the ice rink at the Tower of London, the Natural History Museum ice rink and the Greenwich ice rink. Hopefully they’ll make a comeback next year!
Let me know where you decide to go!
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Soooo handy, thanks so much for doing all the legwork for us. Sharing this now!
Thanks Kavita – glad it was handy! It’s always a bit of a long job looking them all up so hopefully this speeds the process up! Cx
That’s a great overview! I wish I was in London now but last year I saw one and wished I had this guide. I had no idea where else to find rinks and how much they cost (and could probably could have done more research).
Thanks Annemarie! Really glad you found this helpful. Hopefully you can come back and enjoy the ice rinks another time. Cx
Wow, this would be nice.
Did you enter yet? Good luck!