Grab your skates for some icy fun in the city this winter with our top London ice rinks…
When winter hits, there is nothing that encapsulates the feelings of festivity quite like ice-skating, and luckily the city is overflowing with a number of beautiful ice rinks to enjoy. With plenty of beautiful ice rinks as well as places to enjoy some festive food and drinks, ice skating in London has never been so fun. To kickstart the festive season, we have put together the top five London ice rinks for you to skate at this Christmas…
Tobacco Docks
Where: 50 Porters Walk, London E1W 2SF
When: From 10th November 2023
Tickets: Buy tickets here
Price: £15
Europe’s only real-ice rooftop ice rink is landing back in London as Christmas returns to Skylight Tobacco Dock for a winter experience like no other. Better and bigger than last year with an igloo village and an après ski lodge, alongside skating in the sky and more, the iconic rooftop venue is a must visit this festive season.
A fabulous festive makeover will see Skylight’s sunlit terraces transformed into a twinkling urban igloo village, with over thirty gloriously decorated trees, the pergolas dripping in baubles and the croquet lawns covered in real ice so the skating can commence. Off the ice, curl up under a blanket on low-lit benched seating surrounded by fir trees and beautiful fairy lights. Here you can sip mulled wine and feast on a mouthwatering raclette menu ideal for the cold winter season.
Somerset House
Where: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
When: 15 Nov 2023 – 14 Jan 2024
Tickets: Buy tickets here
Price: £10-£25 per adult, £8-£13 per child
A beloved staple of London’s winter season, Somerset House’s spectacular courtyard will be transformed this year into a glorious festive destination with a uniquely Swiss winter vibe courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. Ice skating in London Somerset House is a real must-visit.
Hailed as one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences, Skate at Somerset House signals the start of the festive period with unrivalled skating, contemporary music and tasty food and drink. From skating lessons with Skate School and their Chilled Out sessions, onwards to trailblazing DJs on the rink-side decks, there’s something for everyone. Glide under the lights of their 40ft Christmas tree before settling rink-side to enjoy a glass of Whispering Angel Provence Rosé or a bite to eat in their West Wing restaurant Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia. You can also shop in pop-up store Shelter Boutique where you can find a handpicked selection of pre-loved vintage, designer and high-street clothing and gifts
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Where: Hyde Park
When: November 17 2023 to January 1 2024
Price: Adults from £11.50 Children: from £8.50 Families: from £34.00 Concessions: from £10.50
Tickets: Buy tickets here
Set under the twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand of Hyde Park,the Winter Wonderland ice rink is one of London’s best places to get your skates on. Sponsored by Lidl for the third year running, you can head to the Magical Lodge once you have finished skating where you can enjoy deluxe pigs in blankets with festive sauce, blankets, drinks and the ideal spot to watch fellow skaters glide across the ice.
Canary Wharf
Where: Canada Square, London E14 5AB
When: Saturday 21st October 2023 until Saturday 24th February 2024
Price: Adults from £17.95, Children from £13.50, Family from £53.95
Tickets: Buy tickets here
The usually somewhat serious business district of Canary Wharf takes on a thrilling stance with it’s festive ice skating sessions, making ice skating in London a magical experience. The soaring towers offer a beautiful backdrop alongside a beautiful Christmas tree taking pride of place under a suspended giant mirrored ball. You can make the most of themed skates including a Halloween Spectacular and 80’s, 90’s and Soul Classics nights, meaning there is something for every skater to enjoy a twirl on the ice to this winter. Plus, a transparent roof means you can skate no matter the weather!
When you are done, head to the Grandstand Bar which is being transformed into an après-skate alpine oasis, serving up winter warmers and refreshments for skaters and spectators alike.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Where: Battersea Power Station, London SW11 8BJ
When: Friday 10 November – Sunday 7 January 2024
Price: Adults from £17.95, Children from £13.50, Family from £53.95
Tickets: Buy tickets here
When looking for London ice rinks, Battersea Power Station is a fantatic contender. Returning for 2023 is Jo Malone presents Glide at Battersea Power Station, London’s only riverside ice rink. The ideal spot for a date night or to make the most of the winter, enjoy unrivalled views of the Thames as you spin around not one, but three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree.
Off the ice, the excitement continues with an array of vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment, and captivating photo booths to capture precious moments. Plus, following an incredible first year, The Glass House bar will be returning so guests can fuel up before a skate or relax with a well-earned post-skate treat. A programme of entertainment will be on offer throughout the week with pub quizzes, themed music night, DJs and live bands.
Hampton Court Palace
Where: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
When: Friday 17th November 2023 – Sunday 7th January 2024
Tickets: Buy tickets here
Price: Adult £19-£21, Child £14-£15.50, Family £53-£58
Immerse yourself in the quintessential winter experience at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink! Bundle up in warm layers, gather your friends and family, and immerse yourself in the magnificent views of this beautiful Tudor palace while gracefully gliding around our stunning outdoor rink.
Whether you’re skating under the stars with your loved one or creating unforgettable memories on a delightful day out with the kids, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink offers the perfect setting for an enchanting winter adventure. Once you are done, indulge in a range of festive refreshments from the onsite cafe and bar and soak up the wintery atmosphere.
Kensington Palace Ice Rink
Where: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX
When: 30 November 2023 – 7 January 2024
Tickets: Buy tickets here
Price: Adult from £19, child (under 14) from £16
In the royal setting of the grounds of Kensington Palace, a magical and sustainability-led winter event is popping up from 30 November to 7 January 2024. Ice at Kensington Palace will feature the UK’s largest-ever single ice rink with plenty of space for perfecting skating moves and a huge Christmas tree twinkling at its centre. The rink will have capacity for 750 skaters and this magical winter experience will also feature a funfair and a food hall with outlets including Cecconi’s Pizza Bar and Fortnum & Mason.
Where’s your favourite of our top London ice rinks? Let us know in the comments below…
