9 Best Ice Skating in London for Magical Winter Day Out
There are few things that feel more magical than ice skating in London during winter.
As the evenings get darker, the city’s historic courtyards, royal palaces and riverside spaces light up with seasonal decorations, turning a simple skate into a proper London experience. And if you’re not visiting during winter, there are several indoor rinks where you can still get on the ice throughout the year.
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Top 9 Best Ice Skating in London
From skating beneath the grand façade of Somerset House to gliding beside Battersea Power Station, these are 9 of the best ice skating experiences in London to add to your itinerary.
Planning a winter trip? Many seasonal London ice rinks sell out quickly, particularly at weekends and around Christmas, so booking ahead is recommended.
1. Somerset House Ice Skating
If you’re looking for the classic London ice skating experience, Somerset House is difficult to beat.
Every winter, the grand neoclassical courtyard is transformed into one of the capital’s most beautiful skating settings. A huge Christmas tree sits at the centre of the rink while the surrounding architecture creates an unforgettable backdrop.
The atmosphere becomes particularly special after dark, when the courtyard fills with lights and the festive energy really kicks in. There are also special evening sessions with DJs for those who want something livelier than a traditional family skate.
For the 2026–27 season, Skate at Somerset House is scheduled to run from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Best for: Couples, Christmas trips, first-time visitors and beautiful photos.
Top tip: Evening sessions are especially atmospheric, but they’re also among the most popular.
2. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Fancy skating in front of a Tudor palace?
Hampton Court Palace offers one of the most unusual ice skating experiences near London. The rink sits directly in front of the magnificent palace, creating a dramatic setting that feels a world away from a conventional indoor ice centre.
Once you’re on the ice, you can look across at the historic Tudor façade while festive lights add to the atmosphere.
It’s also worth making a full day of your visit. After skating, explore Hampton Court Palace itself, wander through the grounds and stop for a warming drink.
Best for: Families, couples, history lovers and a memorable winter day trip.
Top tip: Combine your skating session with a palace visit rather than travelling out just for the rink.
3. Glide at Battersea Power Station
For a more modern take on winter skating, head south of the Thames to Battersea Power Station.
Glide is set against the spectacular backdrop of the restored power station, with views towards the Thames and London’s skyline. The experience combines skating with festive entertainment, making it a great option if you’re planning a bigger day out.
For the 2026 season, Glide is bringing back its skate trail, following its introduction the previous year.
Once you’re finished skating, you’re surrounded by restaurants, shops and other attractions at Battersea Power Station.
Best for: Groups, families, couples and anyone who wants to combine skating with shopping and dining.
Top tip: Stay after your skating session and explore the Power Station complex when the lights come on.
4. Skate Leicester Square
Want to combine ice skating with London’s West End?
Skate Leicester Square puts you right in the middle of central London’s festive atmosphere.
The rink sits within Leicester Square, surrounded by Christmas decorations, market stalls, theatres, restaurants and the bright lights of the West End. That makes it particularly convenient for visitors who want to fit skating into a busy sightseeing day.
It’s also one of the easiest rinks to reach, with Leicester Square Underground station practically on the doorstep.
Best for: Tourists, couples, friends and anyone exploring central London.
Top tip: Book an evening session, then walk through Soho and Chinatown afterwards.
5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Ice skating becomes part of a much bigger Christmas experience at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
The outdoor rink is built around a Victorian bandstand and surrounded by thousands of festive lights. Once you’ve finished skating, you can explore the Christmas market, rides, food stalls and other attractions inside Winter Wonderland.
It’s one of the biggest and most spectacular seasonal skating experiences in the capital, although it’s worth remembering that the rink is part of the wider Winter Wonderland event.
Best for: Families, groups and people who want an entire festive day out.
Top tip: Allow several hours rather than visiting solely for the skating session.
6. Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
Not all of London’s best ice skating happens at Christmas.
Alexandra Palace has a permanent indoor rink, making it one of the best choices if you want to skate outside the traditional winter season.
Known affectionately as Ally Pally, the huge Victorian landmark sits high above north London. After your session, you can explore Alexandra Palace Park and enjoy some impressive views across the city.
The rink also hosts skating lessons, ice hockey and special sessions such as ice discos.
Best for: Year-round skating, beginners, families and regular skaters.
Top tip: Check for themed or disco sessions if you’re looking for something more fun than a standard public skate.
7. Queens Skate Dine Bowl
Queens in Bayswater is ideal when you want your ice skating trip to be about more than just skating.
The venue combines an ice rink with bowling, food, drinks and other entertainment, making it particularly popular for groups and social occasions.
It’s also one of London’s long-running skating venues and operates year-round, so you don’t have to wait for the festive season to get on the ice.
Best for: Friends, families, birthdays and group outings.
Top tip: Plan to stay for food or bowling afterwards and turn your skating session into a full evening.
8. Lee Valley Ice Centre
For serious ice time, Lee Valley Ice Centre is one of London’s strongest options.
Located in East London, the modern centre has two Olympic-sized ice rinks and offers public skating sessions as well as other ice activities.
It doesn’t have the same Christmas-card atmosphere as Somerset House or Hampton Court, but that’s exactly why it’s useful. This is a proper ice centre where you can focus on skating rather than the festive spectacle.
Best for: Regular skaters, families, beginners and anyone looking for a modern indoor rink.
Top tip: Check the public skating timetable before travelling, as sessions can vary.
9. Queen’s House Ice Rink, Greenwich
For one of the prettiest settings on this list, head to Greenwich.
The Queen’s House Ice Rink sits in front of the historic Queen’s House, surrounded by Greenwich’s impressive architecture and parkland. On a clear winter day, the combination of skating, historic buildings and views across the Thames makes this a particularly memorable experience.
There have also been dedicated toddler and quieter sessions, making it a useful option for families and less-confident skaters.
Best for: Families, couples, first-time skaters and scenic winter outings.
Top tip: Give yourself time to explore Greenwich Park, the Queen’s House and the surrounding area before or after skating.
Which Is the Best Ice Skating in London?
It really depends on the kind of experience you’re after.
- For the most iconic setting: Skate at Somerset House
- For a romantic date: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
- For a modern London experience: Glide at Battersea Power Station
- For central London: Skate Leicester Square
- For a full Christmas day out: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- For year-round skating: Alexandra Palace
- For groups and entertainment: Queens Skate Dine Bowl
- For serious skating: Lee Valley Ice Centre
- For a scenic family day: Queen’s House Ice Rink
When Is the Best Time to Go Ice Skating in London?
If you want the full festive experience, November and December are hard to beat. This is when London’s seasonal rinks are surrounded by Christmas lights, markets and winter events.
However, the most popular sessions can sell out quickly. Visit London’s current 2026 guide specifically recommends booking in advance, particularly during December.
For a quieter experience, consider going on a weekday or earlier in the day.
And if you’re visiting London outside winter, don’t worry — Alexandra Palace, Queens and Lee Valley provide year-round alternatives.
Final Thoughts
The best ice skating in London isn’t necessarily about how good you are on the ice.
Sometimes it’s about skating beneath the Christmas lights at Somerset House. Sometimes it’s about looking up at the towers of Battersea Power Station, gliding in front of a Tudor palace or finishing an afternoon of skating with hot chocolate and a walk through London.
Whether you’re planning a romantic winter date, a family day out or a festive weekend in the capital, there’s an ice rink to suit you.
Just remember one thing: book early, wrap up warm and don’t be afraid to hold onto the barrier for the first few laps.
