Slip Slidin’ Away: Where to ice skate in London

Ice Skating in London

What’s more wintry than a spin on skates? Outdoor ice rinks pop up all over London in November, with family friendly extras like skating lessons, cosy cafes and skate aids to help kids get around the rink (and save your back!). Wherever you are in London there’s an ice skating spot near you.

Glide at Battersea Power Station

Where: Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN
Featuring: New this year! Billing itself as London’s only riverside ice rink experience, you’ll catch views of the Thames as you skate around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a 30ft Christmas tree. Apres skate you enjoy live entertainment, hop on a vintage funfair ride, chill out with a mulled wine in a cosy cabin or try the local food vendors.
When: Until 8 January 2023
More info: website

The Queen’s House Ice Rink

Where: Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF
Featuring: Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the majestic grounds of Royal Museums Greenwich. Offers striking views while you skate of old and new London – Canary Wharf to the north and Greenwich Park to the south. Tiny Tots and Relaxed Rink sessions are offered.
When: Until 8 January 2023
More info: website

JW3 Ice Rink

Where: 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET
Featuring: A skating area of 200m2, this outdoor ice rink comes complete with glimmering lights, vibrant music and an electric atmosphere. Penguin stabilisers or banana toboggans can be pre-booked for less confident little ones to have fun on.
When: 4 December – 2 January 2023
More info: website

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Where: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB.
Featuring: Covered outdoor ice rink, skate in all-weather with Canary Wharf lit up around you, warm up in the heated winter bar overlooking the rink. The rink will be a central on-ice events platform – hosting live music & DJ nights on Wednesdays throughout the season with curling championships and Christmas festivities adding to the variety of events throughout the season.
When: Until 23 February 2023
More info: website

Winter Festival at Brent Cross Ice Rink

Where: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, London, NW4 3FP
Featuring: Enjoy rides, attractions and food at the festival then take to the ice on this large outdoor rink. Skate aids (seals/penguins/polar bears) available to hire on a first come, first served basis.
When: 26 November – 2 January 2023
More info: website

Somerset House Skate

Where: Strand, WC2R 1LA
Featuring: Updated this year with a more spacious ice rink! Outdoor skating in Somerset House’s gorgeous courtyard towered over by a 40ft tree. Take a break with a hot chocolate or bubbly in the Skate Lounge overlooking the rink or enjoy the alpine themed restaurant. Relaxed skate sessions, wheelchair-user skate sessions skate school and kids’ skate club all offered. Check out bookable childrens’ chocolate workshops, skate school, and Skate Lates music nights. Excellent spot to set off from for a walking tour of London’s Christmas lights!
When: Until 15 January 2023
More info: website

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

Where: Winter Wonderland site in Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Featuring: The UK’s largest outdoor ice rink! Set under a canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand, you can hit the ice from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily. Live music performances, penguin skate aides, Ice Guides, plus all the rest of what’s on at Winter Wonderland.
When: Until 2 January 2023
More info: website

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Where: East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Featuring: Enjoy outdoor ice skating in front of the magnificent Tudor palace of Henry VIII, lit up for the holidays. Selection of food and drink available for purchase before or after skating.
When: Until 8 January 2023
More info: website

Skylight

Where: Tobacco Dock, Pennington Street Entrance, Wapping, London E1W 2SF
Featuring: London’s only real rooftop ice rink, bookable Skylight huts and heated Igloos, food, mulled wine, indoor games and DJs (kids welcome before 6pm). A Family Sunday package including skating, igloo and warm drinks for four people is available.
When: Until TBD 2023
More info: website

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

Where: Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY
Featuring: Indoor all-weather skating, ice skating classes, Ice Café, ice disco on Saturday nights, and birthday party bookings. Festive Skate sessions are bookable from 28 November – 8 January: enjoy whizzing around the rink to your favourite Christmas tunes, all topped off with a mulled wine, Baileys hot chocolate or mince pie from our festive East Court Café.
When: Open year-round, check website for timings
More info: website

*Post updated 17 November 2022