14 Best Ice Skating Rinks In London

When winter comes to London, the city gains a special sparkle as outdoor ice rinks pop up across the capital. From historic landmarks to rooftops, Londoners embrace the cold weather and head out to glide across these ice rinks. Whether you’re a skating novice or a seasoned pro, there are many excellent spots to get your fix of seasonal ice skating.

These rinks, each with its own unique charm, offer a magical blend of seasonal joy, panoramic views, and an opportunity for all, from novices to seasoned skaters, to twirl and glide in stunning surroundings. Here are some of the best ice skating rinks in London. 

1Glide at Battersea Power Station 

Battersea Powerstation ice skating in london

Battersea Powerstation christmas

Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, Glide at Battersea Power is the newest spot for ice skating in London and also London’s only riverside ice rink. Station will be the ultimate festive skating experience in the city this winter.

Enjoy unrivalled views of the Thames as you spin around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree. Whether it’s an epic festive selfie, picture-perfect date night, a place for keen skaters to test their blades, skating lessons for beginners, or weekend family trips supported by penguin skate aids for children, the rink provides festive fun for everyone.

On the ice, skaters of every level will have the space and time to show off their skills on the most uniquely shaped ice rink in London. Off the ice, there is plenty to enjoy including a selection of vintage-style fairground rides and live entertainment. A selection of fabulous food and drink venues will also be available at the Grade II* listed Power Station, which opened its doors to the public for the first time in history in October 2022.

 

  Discover More : glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk

 

 

2Somerset House 

ice skating at Somerset House london

Somerset House

Every year around the festive season the 18th-century courtyard at the Somerset House is transformed into a wintry haven with a festive ice rink. As one of the best places to ice skate in London, this year 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. A glorious 40 ft Christmas tree will be activated by Swiss International Air Lines providing a picture perfect moment. 

Regardless of your skating ability, this enormous 900 square meters outdoor rink is guaranteed to get you feeling festive. From skating lessons with Skate School and Chilled Out sessions, onwards to trailblazing DJs on the rink-side decks, there’s something for everyone. Gourmet dining also returns with the West Wing restaurant Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia, in partnership with Switzerland Tourism. For the ultimate rink-side seat, enjoy a glass of Provence Rosé at the Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel. 

 

  Discover More : somersethouse.org.uk

 

 

 

3Skylight, Tobacco Dock

 

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 Skylight Tobacco Dock is the only place to offer rooftop ice skating in London. Skylight is London’s unique rooftop, set against a background of the London skyline. Transforming with the seasons, Skylight Tobacco Dock has been converted into a glistening winter paradise, complete with Europe’s first and only rooftop ice rink with real ice, and, cosy, heated igloos and huts with views that know no bounds.

Whether you are a pro or a beginner enjoy London’s skyline while you take a spin on the ice rink. This unique ice rink is surrounded by tables, igloos, and huts clear igloos. After your skate session, tuck into cosy blankets & sip on some mulled wine for an unforgettable winter experience. If the city’s winter gets too much for you, head to Level 9 which is transformed into a toasty alpine heaven with full indoor heating to keep you warm. There’s also delicious seasonal cocktails and mulled wine on offer to get you in the festive spirit. Read more about Europe’s first rooftop ice rink here.

 

  Discover More : skylightbars.com

 

 

 

4Canary Wharf Ice Rink 

best ice rinks in london canary wharf

Canary Wharf Ice Rink 

London’s financial district, Canary Wharf is transformed into a magical wonderland during the festive months. A 1200-meter-long ice rink pops up in Canada Square in the shadow of the city’s skyscrapers and the whole square gets covered in festive lights. Ice skating at Canary Wharf also comes with a dedicated children’s ice rink so if you are looking to get your little ones into ice skating Canary Wharf offers the perfect opportunity.

Stay close to the action at the rink-side bar or head to one of the many restaurants Canary Wharf has to offer. And there’s no chance of rain cancelling play with their new magnificent roof, lit up by the shimmering lights of giant mirror balls, so come rain or shine, the British weather won’t stop this year’s fun winter day out. 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.

 

  Discover More : icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

 

 

5Winter Wonderland At Hyde Park 

best ice skating in london winter wonderland

Winter Wonderland LondonHyde Park 

Located in the heart of London in Hyde Park, immerse yourself in all things festive at London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. As one of the capital’s 8 Royal Parks, Hyde Park is a popular destination for Londoners and tourists throughout the year, but as winter approaches, this hot spot is transformed into a winter paradise.

London’s Winter Wonderland is home to UK’s largest outdoor ice rink and one of the best places for ice skating in London. Trade in your shoes for skates and enjoy the fan-favourite attraction, set around the charming Victorian bandstand in Hyde Park. The ice rink surrounds a canopy, where the Christmas tree stands and is draped in twinkling lights. Along with an extravaganza with ice skating in London, it offers thrilling rides, a street food stalls, festive bars, live music,  Christmas markets, circus along with various shows. 

 

  Discover More : hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

 

 

 

6Alexandra Palace Ice Rink: Ice Skating @ Ally Pally

Alexandra Palace 

While ice skating is available at Ally Pally all year, it feels more festive during the Christmas season. Especially with Club de Fromage on offer -What could be more Christmassy than skating round the idyllic surroundings of Ally Pally whilst listening to your fave Christmas hits pop classics?  Enjoy whizzing around the rink to your favourite Christmas tunes, topped off with a mulled wine, Baileys hot chocolate or mince pie from the festive East Court Café.

 Annual pantomime on ice is back and this year Ally Pally Amateur Productions presents a magical re-telling of the story of Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm put on by a cast of home-grown talent of all ages and Disney on Ice professionals. Head to the beautiful Victorian Theatre and be transported to New York 1929, a city full of mobsters, show girls and dreamers.

 

  Discover More : alexandrapalace.com

 

 

 

7Skate West End

Skate West End

Skate West End

London’s stunning new festive ice rink set in the heart of the West End supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Skate West End is located in Hanover Square, tucked just off Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street in London’s shopping epicentre.

Glide around the uniquely designed eliptical rink taking in the historic surrounds, or warm up with a tipple or hot drink at the beautiful seasonal bar in the centre of the square. The most amazing aspect about this ice rink in London is that, a percentage from every ticket sold donated directly to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity to support seriously ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

 

  Discover More : Westendtheatre.com

 

 

8  Westfield London : The Ice Rink

The Ice Rink At Westfield London

Westfield London’s White City Winter Village is back, headlined by a towering 65-foot Christmas tree claiming the title of the tallest in Europe. The 1,000 square meter ice rink, nestled near John Lewis in Westfield Square and sponsored by Wonka, the rink is the perfect place for making festive family memories and getting into the Christmas spirit.

As one of the best ice rinks in London, it will also offer special parent and toddler sessions, as well as dedicated times for children with additional needs and their families. The skating is just part of the holiday happenings, with Westfield London promising a winter wonderland full of family-friendly fun and games for all to enjoy.  Advance booking for the ice rink is highly recommended to guarantee your spot gliding across the ice, but some walk-up availability may also be open.

 

  Discover More : Icerinkatwestfieldlondon.co.uk

 

 

9ExCel :1 Kingdom of Winter 

 

This Christmas, whisk your family away on a magical adventure at London’s exciting new destination for festive fun – the 1 Kingdom of Winter at the Excel. This is London’s only indoor festive experience – all conveniently accessed via the new Elizabeth line. 

Step into another world and enjoy a host of festive attractions, including a winter themed circus, ice skating, fairground rides, an immersive ice expedition trail and two festive food and drink villages, all under one roof. The ice rink is set to span a massive 21,332 square meters and promises to become the UK’s biggest indoor winter extravaganza.

Stay for three hours or all day – once you’ve arrived there is plenty to see and do besides ice skating . Explore the alpine-style Christmas market and discover a tantalising range of festive food and drink which will leave you spoilt for choice.

 

  Discover More : Kingdomofwinter.com

 

 

10Greenwich Ice Skating : Queen’s House Ice Rink 

Greenwich Ice Skating Queen's House Ice Rink 

Queen’s House Ice Rink 

The Queen’s House Ice Rink is a magical open-air ice rink in the heart of Greenwich’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the best ice skating rinks in London, this rink is set against the backdrop of the iconic Queen’s House, an architectural gem renowned for its historical significance and stunning beauty.

The Queen’s House, designed by architect Inigo Jones in the early 17th century, is a classic example of Palladian architecture and holds a significant place in British architectural history. With views of Greenwich Park to the south and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf to the north, this ice skating in London provides a backdrop of some of the best views in London.

 

  Discover More : Rmg.co.uk

 

 

 

11Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Hampton Court Palace

Immerse yourself in the quintessential winter experience at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Hampton Court Palace right alongside the Thames, The Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is renowned for offering a unique setting for ice skating in London.

Hampton Court Palace, a magnificent royal residence with a rich history dating back to the Tudor period, creates a stunning and iconic setting for this festive activity. The rink is surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations like pine trees, creating a magical winter atmosphere. With its regal setting, Hampton Court Palace’s rink provides a scenic experience for ice skating in London.

 

  Discover More : Hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

 

 

 

12JW3 Ice Rink

JW3 Ice Rink

JW3 Ice Rink

JW3 is a Jewish community centre in north London that hosts an outdoor ice rink annually during the winter months. This small but popular ice rink in London provides real ice skating with views of the JW3 building and surrounding neighbourhood. With a skating area of 200m2, this outdoor ice rink comes complete with glimmering lights, vibrant music and an electric atmosphere. It stands as the sole ice rink in London available for skating on Christmas Day.

 

  Discover More : Jw3.org.uk

 

 

13Brent Cross Winter Festival Ice Rink

The Winter Festival at Brent Cross is home to one of the largest ice skating rinks in London. Located in the Brent Cross Shopping Centre, it transforms an outdoor area into a winter wonderland complete with ice rink.The ice rink is  adorned with holiday decorations and offering a cheerful and lively ambiance.

Regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced skater, you can partake in the enjoyment of gliding across the ice. In additon to ice skating, the Winter Festival offers other activities like a Santa’s grotto, fairground rides and arcade games.

 

  Discover More : Winterfestivalbrentcross.com

 

 

 

14Queens Skate Dine Bowl

Queens Skate Dine Bowl has been around since the 1930’s, it home to not just one of the largest indoor ice rinks in London but also curling, bowling and arcade all under one roof. During the Christmas period, this ice rink in London transforms into a festive hub, offering a winter wonderland. Alongside the ice rink, Queens Skate Dine Bowl is home to Meat Liquor.

 

  Discover More : Queens.london