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.
Skate West End
Where: Hanover Square, near Oxford Circus, W1S 1JA
Featuring: New this year! Like a festive frosty lazy river, this uniquely designed elliptical rink is surrounded by historic buildings in the heart of the West End. A bar in the centre of the square is serving up hot drinks and tipples. This rink is supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
When: Until 1 January 2024
More info: website
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Where: Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN
Featuring: Catch views of the Thames as you skate around three interconnecting riverside 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 7 January 2024
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. Festive food and drink served at a rinkside Benugo cafe.
Festive Family Day 25 November featuring ice fairies, ice crystal craft workshop, face painting, and a festive choir performing.
When: 23 November – January 2024
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: 10 December – 7 January 2024
More info: website
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Where: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB.
Featuring: A covered open-air outdoor ice rink with twinkly roof and 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 24 February 2024
More info: website
Winter Festival at Brent Cross Ice Rink
(Closed for 2023 winter season)
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: Closed this year, check back next year!
More info: website
Somerset House Skate
Where: Strand, WC2R 1LA
Featuring: Outdoor skating in Somerset House’s gorgeous courtyard (which seems to have a favourable microclimate) towered over by a 40ft tree. Take a break with a hot chocolate or mulled wine 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. An 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 1 January 2024
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 7 January 2024
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). Skating tokens purchased on site, not available to pre-book.
When: Open for season, end date not listed yet
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 Disco sessions (ages 14+) are bookable from 14 November – 3 January: enjoy whizzing or stumbling around the rink beneath a giant Christmas tree to your favourite festive tunes.
When: Open year-round, check website for timing
More info: website
*Post updated 16 November 2023
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