Where to go ice skating in London and beyond this winter
Get ready for ice-skating season! It’s time to don those dusty skate boots and get down to your nearest ice-skating rink to flaunt your skills or develop new ones surrounded by family and friends.
If you love physical activity, a bit of a thrill, and the refreshing chill of winter, ice-skating is a must for the season! You can also treat yourself to a hot chocolate or another warm, festive treat after your skating workout to top it all off. Here are some wonderful skating rinks in London and beyond to get you out on the ice this winter.
Somerset House
One of the most dramatic and beautiful sights to surround yourself in as you glide over the ice this winter is Somerset House’s wonderfully lit ice rink, setting the stage for the festive season with a 40-foot giant of a Christmas tree. Skaters can enjoy warm food and drinks on offer alongside a chalet and a bit of retail shopping (including brands: All Saints, Nobody’s Child, and Oliver Bonas).
Visitors can also book Skate Lates, where you can skate around while head-bobbing and hip-swaying to a DJ soundtrack.
Queens (Skate Dine Bowl)
For a year-round dose of icy pleasure, QUEENS (Skate Dine Bowl, Bayswater) brings you a fun-filled, dynamic space to enjoy yourself and work those leg muscles. This vibrant location is perfect for families or groups looking to mix things up because it allows you to skate, bowl, and even play arcade games all under one roof.
There's something to make everyone happy, whether you're demonstrating your striking at the lanes or working on your balance on the ice. You'll have the ideal formula for a refreshing night out in London when you add a snack or beverage from the bustling bar!
Canary Wharf
Ice Rink Canary Wharf is one of London's best winter locations if you want to ease into the holiday season. This outdoor rink, which is hidden away beneath Canada Square Park's gleaming buildings, turns the financial sector into a mystical winter wonderland.
After spinning around under sparkling lights, skaters can relax with a nice drink at the on-site bar and terrace. It's an essential stop for anyone looking for the traditional London winter experience because it's roomy, exquisitely illuminated, and ideally situated with quick access to the Elizabeth line, DLR, and Jubilee line.
Hampton Court Palace
This rink, which is located in the magnificent surroundings of Hampton Court Palace in East Molesey, Surrey, provides a princely setting for your ice-skating adventure. From November 21 to January 4, 2026, wintertime skating will be available, allowing you to drift amidst historic buildings and beautiful lights.
It is advised that you arrive 30 to 40 minutes in advance of your appointment to fit your skates. There are also more subdued, tranquil sessions, which are perfect for novices or skaters who want more room and less sound. It's an appealing winter excursion because it's accessible from downtown London (approximately 35 minutes from Waterloo).