Where to find the best ice skating rinks in London for those looking to try something new
We sure know how to have fun in the cold, don’t we? I can only imagine the pure joy so many feel from experiencing their first snow, first skiing trip, first Northern Lights sighting—or even just that first iced drink after a scorching day.
But you know, it’s also a special thing to have a first time in ice skating. There’s something about being in the rink—learning to balance, picking up speed, and pulling off a spin—that makes you feel like you’re going somewhere, even if it’s just in circles.
I’ve only gone ice skating once in my life, but the best ice skating rinks in London are tempting me to change that. Maybe this time, I’ll bring the people I love, creating new memories as we glide through every rink together—and I think you should, too!
Outdoor ice skating rinks for a festive experience
Somerset House
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Website: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/
Address: Somerset House, Strand
Contact details: +44 20 7845 4600
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM – 10:45 PM
Season: November – January
Pricing:
- Adult – £15 – £26.50
- Child – £10 – £15
First up for a festive ice skating experience is the iconic courtyard rink at Somerset House. Open from November until January, glide hand-in-hand with your family or special someone under a towering 40-foot Christmas tree and twinkling lights.
It’s actually one of London’s winter traditions—the Skate Lates evening sessions are a crowd favorite for its live DJ performances. But those who prefer a quieter, less crowded time and lower music levels go for the Chilled Out Sessions on select weekday mornings.
When your legs start to hurt from all the fun, the Whispering Angel skate lounge lets you relax with a glass of rosé or hot chocolate. After that, stop by The Chalet—an alpine-inspired pop-up restaurant—for its showstopper cheese fondue and charcuterie.
Given Somerset’s central location, it’s easily accessible through the nearest Tube stations like Temple, Covent Garden, and Charing Cross. No need to bring your own skates, as skate hire is included in the ticket price.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
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Website: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
Address: Hyde Park, Serpentine Rd
Contact details: +44 20 8233 5400
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM – 10 PM
Season: November – January
Pricing:
- Adult – from £11.50
- Child – from £8.50
- Family – from £34
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is basically Hyde Park transformed into a magical winter destination from November to January. Part of that transformation is the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink set around a Victorian bandstand.
Many first dates, family outings, and friendly catch-ups have happened here, with live vocals and guitar performances of timeless classics adding a nostalgic touch. As you skate, the dazzling lights and surrounding Christmas markets might just mesmerize you, too.
Children can use the penguin skate aids, available for £5 on a first-come, first-served basis at the skate hire counter. There are also Ice Guides you can hire to escort your group of up to six—it’s £35 for an exclusive guide during the full 45-minute session.
Getting off at Victoria, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge stations puts you just a short walk from the rink. Once you get there, remember that for safety reasons, cameras and mobile phones aren’t allowed while you’re on the ice.
Battersea Power Station
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Website: https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/
Address: Circus Rd W, Nine Elms
Contact details: +44 20 8176 6500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM – 10 PM
Season: November – January
Pricing:
- Adult – from £16
- Child – from £10.50
- Family – from £48
When you see a large lit sign at Battersea Power Station that says, ‘Glide,’ you’ll know it’s that time of year again for festive riverside skating. With three interconnected rinks, there’s room for everyone to find their balance or perfect their spins.
Skate to the center and a Christmas tree awaits your souvenir photo. As a pre- or post-skating activity, you and the kids can head over to the nearby vintage fairground to ride the carousel or play games at the stalls.
Your ticket grants you a 50-minute session and skate hire, with penguin skate aids available for the little ones and beginners. For food and drinks, there are eateries and bars inside the Power Station complex—make sure to try the Arcade Food Hall and Vagabond Wines!
Wherever you’re coming from in London, taking the Northern Line to Battersea Power Station is your most direct route. And if you feel like trading skates for a boat ride on your way home, the Thames Clippers’ Uber Boat pier is just around the corner.
Indoor ice rinks for all-weather fun
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
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Website: https://icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk/sessions/
Address: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf
Contact details: +44 20 7418 2423
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM – 9:45 PM
Season: October – February
Pricing:
- Adult – from £21.95
- Child – from £16.95
- Family – from £63.95
Open from October to February, Ice Rink Canary Wharf is one of London’s longest-running seasonal ice rinks. Rain, shine, or snow, its transparent roof adorned with thousands of fairy lights and a glittering disco ball keeps you sheltered.
You’ll have 45 minutes on this 875-square-metre covered rink, so make the most of it. Feel free to rent a penguin or snowman skate aid for your little ones, and be sure to store your personal belongings in the lockers or cloakroom before your session begins.
For drinks, there’s a bar at the side of the rink you can go to after. And see if you can plan your visit alongside the themed events held here—like the Halloween Spectaculars and 80s & 90s nights—that make skating more fun and exciting.
One more thing—the rink is wheelchair accessible and complimentary carer tickets can be requested. As for the travel, the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf or DLR to Heron Quays will get you there.
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
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Website: https://www.alexandrapalace.com/the-ice-rink/book-a-skate/
Address: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way
Contact details: +44 20 8365 4386
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday – 1 PM – 5 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11 AM – 5 PM
- Friday – 1 PM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM – 4:30 PM
Pricing:
- Adult – £10 – £12
- Child – £8.50 – £11
- Spectator – £2.50 – £3
Hundreds of thousands enjoy the Alexandra Palace Ice Rink every year. No matter the season or weather, people aged 3 to 90 gather under one roof to lace up their skates or watch from the sides as spectators.
Whether you’re into festive or casual skating, this historic year-round venue hosts special events and activities for everyone. Some highlights are the Ice Discos every Friday and Saturday night and Learn to Skate programs for beginners to advanced skaters.
Home to the Haringey Huskies, ice hockey fans also often come here to cheer on their bets during matches or join the training sessions that are open to the public. Let’s not forget the East Court Cafe, where you can grab a bite or a drink.
It’ll take a train to Alexandra Palace Station or a W3 bus ride from Wood Green Station to the Palace entrance to get started on the fun.
Sessions last two hours on weekdays and one and a half hours on weekends—make sure to arrive 15 minutes early with your pre-booked online ticket!
Hidden gems and unique ice skating experiences
JW3 Ice Rink
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Website: https://www.jw3.org.uk/ice-rink
Address: 341-351 Finchley Rd
Contact details: +44 20 7433 8988
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM – 6:45 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM – 6:45 PM
Season: December – January
Pricing:
- Adult – £18 – £19.50
- Child – £12 – £14
You won’t have to deal with thick crowds at the JW3 Ice Rink because only 70 people are accommodated per 45-minute session. Running from December to January under the Dorfman Piazza retractable roof, you’re welcome to skate even on Christmas Day.
Finchley Road is your go-to station for JW3, but if you’re riding the Overground, Frognal station is another close option. After a short walk, it’ll be easy to spot the twinkling lights and other festive decor or hear the vibrant music coming from the rink.
The penguin stabilizers and banana toboggans there can be pre-booked to assist the younger or less confident skaters. For a post-skate treat, order a hot or cold beverage together with some snacks and pastries at the nearby cafe.
More than skating, the rink’s Chanukah on Ice celebrates the Jewish tradition, too. This themed evening event gives people an opportunity to connect with friends and engage in a meaningful talk with a rabbi before hitting the ice.
Hampton Court Palace
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Website: https://hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk/
Address: Hampton Ct Way, East Molesey
Contact details: +44 20 3166 6000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM – 8 PM
Season: November – January
Pricing:
- Adult – £18 – £21
- Child – £13 – £15.50
- Family – £46 – £61
- Wheelchair users – £12
One look at Hampton Court Palace and you’d think you’ll be skating in front of a real-life Disney castle. It’s because the colorful lights at night cast an enchanting glow over King Henry VIII’s historic Tudor home—making your backdrop look like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
With the palace’s rich historical atmosphere, it’s also hard not to feel like royalty yourself as you glide around for 45 minutes. Commit to the role by arriving early, ideally 30 to 40 minutes before your session to put on your skates and drop your things off at the cloakroom.
Adding to the festive mood are the onsite Après Skate Cafe’s mulled wine and mince pies. To keep warm, extend your visit with a trip inside the palace and discover 60 acres of gardens, the UK’s oldest hedge maze, or the centuries-old chocolate kitchen.
By the way, your tickets will be sent in a separate email on the day of purchase—take a screenshot of the QR code for entry. If you’re driving, there’s a car park right next to the palace—so access is easier for everyone, especially wheelchair users.
Streatham Ice Arena
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Website: https://active.lambeth.gov.uk/locations/streatham/
Address: 390 Streatham High Rd
Contact details: +44 20 8677 5758
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 AM – 7 PM
Pricing:
- Adult – £10.75
- Child – £10.15
With its Olympic-sized rink and expert instructors, Streatham Ice Arena is a favorite for skaters learning the ropes or sharpening their skills. There’s public skating for all ages and skill levels, plus separate sessions for figure skating and Ice Dance if you’re feeling a bit extra.
The times for specific activities may vary, so make it a habit to check the official timetable regularly. But on skating contest or ice hockey match days, the 1,000 spectator seats are sure to be filled by crowds and high energy.
You can get to the arena via several bus routes like 50, 109, and 118, by bike, or by car that you can park at one of the 135 spaces available. Part of the Streatham Leisure Centre, the rink is actually on the first floor directly above the swimming pool.
Year-round ice skating rinks
Lee Valley Ice Centre
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Website: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/ice-centre
Address: Lee Valley Ice Centre, Lea Bridge Rd
Contact details: +44 300 003 0624
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 AM – 11 PM
Pricing:
- Adult – £12 – £15
- Child – £10
- Concession – £9 – £12
Friday and Saturday nights at Lee Valley Ice Centre are for family disco, meaning it’s a party on the ice with upbeat music and strobe lights. By all means, dance while you skate—just note that skate hire isn’t part of the ticket, so either bring your own or pay extra to rent a pair.
The center’s Olympic-standard rinks draw in advanced skaters for the Patch Ice Sessions, while beginners can join public skating or Learn to Skate classes. And if you’re around on a Wednesday at 11:00 AM, try the Coffee Skate that pairs skating with a free hot drink!
On your way there, remember that you should be on a bus 55 or 56, or leave the train, tube, or tram at Lea Bridge and Clapton stations for a short walk. Bringing your own wheels is fine, too, as there are hundreds of spaces for bikes and cars near the rink.
Queens Skate Dine Bowl
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Website: https://queens.london/skating/
Address: 17 Queensway
Contact details: +44 20 7229 0172
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM – 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM – 12 AM
Pricing: from £8 per person
Queens Skate Dine Bowl first opened its ice rink in 1930, welcoming generations of Londoners, World and Olympic champions, and even royalty since then. From that, it’s no surprise why it’s regarded as the oldest surviving rink in the city.
Now it’s your turn, and pre-booking is the best way to secure a spot. Queens’ Open Skate sessions run all week—all you have to do is pick your most convenient time or consider if you’d rather opt for the all-ages private lessons instead.
Skate hire comes at a separate £3 fee, along with the penguin skate aids at £6 per hour, which are only for kids up to 1.4 meters tall. When it’s time for a break, you can keep the fun going with a round of bowling or a few games of AR darts not too far from the rink.
The in-house MEATliquor restaurant also lets you indulge in burgers and hotdogs, but kids have to head out after 8:00 PM. Conveniently, Queensway or Bayswater Underground stations are just a short walk away.