The best places to ice skate in London this Christmas
What's more festive than a day out ice skating in the capital with a trip to a Christmassy ice rink? There are plenty of places to get your skates on in London, from outdoor winter pop-ups to year-round ice rinks – so we've officially got you covered.
Whether you're hoping to glide across the ice in front of some of the capital's most beautiful buildings – from Hampton Court Palace to Somerset House – or even the iconic skyline of Canary Wharf, or above it all at Europe's only rooftop ice rink… there are plenty of spots where you can ice skate in London with an incredible view to boot.
Outdoor ice rinks pop up all over London during November, December and January – but there's also larger indoor venues that are open to the public all year round, including the very central Queens Skate Dine and Bowl, just a short walk from Queensway tube station.
Scroll on to see the best spots to ice skate in London in 2023 – and afterwards, don't forget to check out our edits of the most romantic London restaurants, our top London cocktail bars and the best rated coffee shops in London, so you can round off your day trip just right.
Somerset House Outdoor Ice Rink
Surrounded by historical beauty, Skate at Somerset House with Switzerland Tourism has returned for another year of skating fun. With more skating space than ever before, paired with the rinkside DJ, this is the ultimate winter destination. This year, tickets start from just £11 and they've even partnered with Tinder to introduce ‘Skate Dates’ - where singles are encouraged to bring along a date and ‘spice up the ice’. Ooh la la.
Kingdom of Winter
Billed as London's ‘biggest indoor festive experience designed for families’, Kingdom of Winter can be found at ExCeL London in Newham. Open from 8 December to 7 January, along with ice skating there will be circus shows to watch, an ice expedition trail, fairground rides, and two food halls – so you can dine out on an assortment of Christmas treats.
Craig SugdenSkate West End
Found opposite Bond Street station, a glide around Skate West End makes for the perfect post-Christmas shopping activity. Supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, the rink here has a unique elliptical shape – and you can even book your tipples in advance.
Queens skate dine bowl / FacebookQueens Skate Dine and Bowl
A staple of London, Queens Skate Dine and Bowl offer skating all year round, with their Christmas period being an exciting time of year. The only skating rink in London to offer group games in the competitive ice sport, curling, Queens are offering Christmas packages in which you can book Skating and Bowling – so why not finish with a meal at their restaurant, MEATLiquor to top it off? If you have a large group and are looking for a day full of fun, Queens is the rink for you.
Alexandra Palace / facebookAlexandra Palace Ice Rink
Alexandra Palace, or ‘Ally Pally,’ has been a fan-favourite leisure destination since 1875 and has hosted concerts for The Rolling Stones, Blur, Queen and Jay-Z. It has also been the destination for shows such as the MTV EMAs and the BBC. The Alexandra Palace Ice Rink offers ice skating and ice hockey all year round. This Christmas, you can join their Ice Discos from the 14 December to the 3rd January. The Palace promise a night of legendary Christmas hits and also encourage fancy dress (provided it’s safe to skate in!).
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
This gorgeous Tudor home, which once housed Henry VIII, is offering a ‘unique skating experience’ this Christmas. They are offering a selection of festive treats and refreshments and packages for special events. This is the perfect place to visit if you have a large group or work get-together. The bigger the group the better - enjoy 10% off for groups of 10-30 and 15% off for groups of 31-100.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Enjoy a skate under the skyline of London’s business district. This is the perfect location for taking the best Instagram pictures with the glittering lights draped across the rink. This outdoor ice rink promises to make your experience magical with an ‘80s Revival’ night on 8 December.
Skylight Tobacco Dock
Skylight is Europe’s only rooftop ice rink. This Christmas, it has been transformed into a winter wonderland where you can skate for just £15. There is mulled wine and snug blankets to keep warm after your time skating. You could also book an Igloo or Alpine Hut for you and up to 14 guests to enjoy a selection of alpine-themed street food.
Westfield Ice Rink
The Westfield in Shepards Bush is offering fun for all the family at their open-air rink at their Winter Village as well as offering rink hire-outs for big parties. They even keep the first hour of every day reserved as a quiet/calm time dedicated to sensory awareness, so you can skate around Europe's tallest Christmas tree (65ft!) in peace.
Queen's House Ice Rink
On the grounds of the Royal Museums Greenwich and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can skate in their outdoor rink whilst admiring views of both Greenwich park and Canary Wharf. Members of the Royal Museum Greenwich can enjoy discounted tickets. You can also enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate and the skate exchange, located next to the rink.
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, Hyde Park
Possibly the most popular festive attraction in the capital, Winter Wonderland has come back for a 16th year to bring music, activities and great food to thousands of guests over the Christmas period. Along with ice skating, Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park offers a circus spectacular, an ice sculpting workshop, and more. There are plenty of rides to keep thrill-seekers occupied, such as the newly introduced adrenaline-boosting ride, Discovery. Enjoy live music, dancing and food at the Bavarian village and win huge prizes at one of the many fair stalls. There is something for everyone at Winter Wonderland.
Joshua Atkins, courtesy of Battersea Glide Ice RinkBattersea Power Station Ice Rink
Glide Battersea boasts that it is ‘London’s coolest ice rink’ – and we see why! Located at the newly-renovated Battersea Power Station, Glide is comprised of three interlinking ice rinks surrounded by a 30ft Christmas tree. This year, Glide has partnered with Jo Malone to bring entertainment and great gifts at their pop-up store where you can personalise your gifts to remember your time at the iconic building site.
