The best ice skating in London this winter: 8 of the most festive spots
Ice skating in London has become a staple of many an itinerary in the lead-up to Christmas. Some of the most iconic corners of the capital receive a wintery transformation around November, from Somerset House’s Neoclassical courtyard to the greenery before Queen’s House in Greenwich. Even for those of us lacking confidence on London’s ice rinks, DJ sessions and cosy hideouts beside the ice rinks make ice skating in London one of our favourite things to do at Christmas. So lace up the skates and get gliding – these are the prettiest spots to book.
Hampton Court Palace
Skate in the shadow of a Tudor palace this winter as Hampton Court Palace's ice rink returns. Admire the regal beauty of the palace from every angle while gliding in the footsteps of some of England’s most famous Kings and Queens before refuelling at the newly-designed café and bar. Inspired by King William III’s historic Orangery at Hampton Court Palace, the sparkling new area combines wood, lights and lush greenery to create a dazzling winter retreat. Watching on while pals take to the ice? Sip on a mulled wine or hot toddy from the award-winning Department of Coffee & Social Affairs and see the elegant tumbles play out.
Address: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
Website: hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Dates: 21 November 2025 - 4 January 2026
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
Master the art of ice skating on the UK’s largest open-air ice rink this winter, as Winter Wonderland consumes the heart of Hyde Park once again. Glittering fairy lights and appearances from live musicians on the bandstand add to the festive atmosphere, while future pros get their first taste of the ice thanks to penguin aids designed for little ones. Book a session and enjoy all the fun of the fair before securing those blades, as some of the largest travelling funfair rides pop up. Feast on street food favourites, sip boozy hot chocolates, roam with indulgent toffee apples, or peruse the German market stalls littered across the park for some last-minute stocking fillers.
Address: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Website: hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Dates: 14 November 2025 - 1 January 2026
Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace's ice rink is unique in that it's open year-round. Hundreds of thousands of skaters, from graceful professionals to not-so-graceful first-timers, take to the ice each year. Learn how to master the art of ice skating and turn it into a hobby with a course or private tuition, or just pop along for a thrilling themed evening. Once you’re done, tuck into mince pies or nurse a Baileys hot chocolate in the Festive East Court Café.
Address: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Website: alexandrapalace.com
Dates: Festive skates, 11 December 2025 - 5 January 2026
Skate at Somerset House
Gliding atop the shimmery ice in the shadow of Somerset House has become a tradition for Londoners in recent years. Between November and January, the courtyard transforms into a glorious festive destination, where music echoes off the neoclassical wings and onlookers sip steaming drinks while taking in the action from a distance. Virgin Atlantic Holidays brings its signature touches to the festivities for 2025 with exclusive skate sessions and a lounge-inspired Clubhouse with rink-side views. Skate Lates feature DJ sets from the likes of Foundation FM and queer dance collective Sue Veneers, while the Chalet by Jimmy Garcia returns for indulgent helpings of signature raclette.
Address: Skate at Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Website: somersethouse.org.uk
Dates: 12 November 2025 - 11 January 2026
Canary Wharf
While an ice rink in the heart of London’s financial district may, at first, sound like an odd sell, Canary Wharf’s ice rink has made a name for itself over the years as one of the capital’s most enchanting. Skate in the shadow of London’s towering skyscrapers on a late winter's afternoon and watch the sunset cast orange shades against the buildings before they descend into a twinkle of lights beyond those right above – as the rink’s transparent roof, illuminated with thousands of enchanting fairy lights, makes a return. Head down for a chilled session or turn up the ante at a special event as DJs and live musicians get in on the action. With hundreds of bars and restaurants within a stone’s throw of the rink, there’s no excuse not to make a night of it.
Address: Canary Wharf, London E14
Website: icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
Dates: Until 22 February 2026
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Glide at Battersea Power Station
Looking for an excuse to check out the Battersea Power Station mega-development? Their latest winter addition, Glide, may be just that. Three interconnecting rinks come together around a gargantuan Christmas tree in the centre, bringing them all together. Post-skate, rest wobbly legs at The Glass House over a steaming hot chocolate or punchy cocktail and watch the next group take to the ice. There’s fun for all the family away from the ice thanks to a host of exciting new additions to the area in recent years. Gordon Ramsay’s casual pizza concept sits alongside Cinnamon Kitchen, one of the tastiest Indian restaurants in London, offering wholesome multi-course dining, while bars and shopping opportunities are plentiful.
Address: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Nine Elms, London SW11 8EZ
Website: glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
Dates: 7 November 2025 - 4 January 2026
Leicester Square
Leicester Square welcomes its first-ever ice rink for 2025, offering Londoners a skate among the hustle and bustle of the West End. Underbelly’s unique Christmas experience sees the square illuminated by sparkling lights in the evening, as music plays and skaters of all abilities and ages are invited to get involved. As London’s only ice rink offering skating sessions that start every 15 minutes, it’s a great one for flexible itineraries.
Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU
Website: skateleicestersquare.co.uk
Dates: Until 4 January 2026
Queen’s House
There’s a solid argument for Queen’s House presenting the prettiest ice rink in London throughout the winter season. Glide around the heart of the stunning Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking things as speedy or slow as you like thanks to a ‘skate-off pit lane’ for mid-session breaks, and recover in Zero Degrees restaurant over warming favourites.
Address: The Queen's House Ice Rink, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF
Website: rmg.co.uk
Dates: 21 November 2025 - 4 January 2026