As Christmas approaches, many ice skating rinks in London start appearing for the season. Ice skating rinks are one of the most anticipated Christmas events in London.
This year you can swish around a rooftop ice skating rink at Skylight, try the biggest ice skating rink of all at Winter Wonderland, the one with the impressive backdrop has to be Hampton Court Palace, our favourite one has always been Somerset House… but you could also try London´s new ice skating rink, Glide at Battersea Power Station. You choose!
Christmas Ice Skating Rinks in London
| Ice Skating Rink | Dates | Price |
| Winter Wonderland | November – 1 January | from £8.50 |
| Somerset House | November – January | from £11.00 |
| Kensington Palace | November – January | from £16.00 |
| Queen´s House | November – January | from £10.00 |
| Hampton Court Palace | November – January | from £11.50 |
| Canary Wharf | October – February | from £13.50 |
| Battersea Power Station | November – January | from £12.00 |
| Skylight | TBC | from £15.00 |
Ice Skating Rinks in London
These are the top ice skating rinks in London for this season. Happy skating!
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is a Christmas paradise located in Hyde Park, a Christmas fair with attractions for all the family as well as one of the best Christmas markets in London.
There is also a circus, food stalls and numerous restaurants in traditional wooden cabins. And this is where we can find London´s biggest ice skating rink this Christmas. We love visiting Winter Wonderland in the afternoon when all the twinkly lights have been switched on, as the Christmas atmosphere is truly unique. For 2022 you do have to book an entry ticket to get into Winter Wonderland, and we´d recommend buying tickets for the ice skating in advance too, through their website.
Information about Winter Wonderland´s Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: November – January. Open every day except Christmas Day.
- Price: From £8.50.
- Location: See map
- Tickets: Winter Wonderland
- Website: Winter Wonderland
Somerset House
Without a doubt, Somerset House´s ice skating rink is one of my favourites, the Christmas atmosphere created inside Somerset House square is not easily surpassed!
With a huge Christmas tree, and Christmas carols in the background, the pop-up cafes and Christmas Events make it a highly recommended visit. Not often mentioned in travel guides, but definitely worth visiting if you´re going to spend a few days in London this Christmas. that often goes unnoticed by many tourists.
Information about Somerset House´s Ice Skating Rink:
Somerset House:
- Dates: November – January
- Opening times: every day from 8.45 am – 11.15 pm. Open every day except Christmas Day.
- Price: From £11.00
- Location: See map
- Find out more: Somerset House
Kensington Palace Gardens
For the first time ever, we will be able to glide along a beautiful ice skating rink this Christmas in Kenington Palace’s Gardens. This will probably become one of our favourite ice skating rinks in London this year!
Information about Kensington Palace´s Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: November – January
- Opening times: every day from 9.30 am – 9.30 pm. Open every day except Christmas Day.
- Price: From £16.00
- Location: See map
- Find out more: Somerset House
Battersea Power Station
This is the first year an ice skating rink has been installed in the re-developed Battersea Power Station, next to the Thames. It promises to be one of the most visited ice skating rinks this year. In addition to the skating rink, there will be food stalls and some fairground attractions.
Information about Battersea´s Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: November – January. Open every day except Christmas Day.
- Price: From £12.00.
- Location: See map
- Tickets: Ticketmaster.
- Find out more: Glide at Battersea Power Station
Hampton Court Palace
This fantastic 16th-century Palace offers us one of the largest ice skating rinks in London. It will be located right in front of the Hampton Court Palace façade, offering us a unique opportunity to take some impressive photos.
Information about Hampton Court Palace´s Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: November – January
- Opening times: Every day from 10.00 am to 8.45 pm. Open every day except Christmas Day.
- Price: From £11.70
- Location: See map
- Tickets: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
- Find out more: Hampton Court Palace
Canary Wharf
Among the magnificent towers of Canary Wharf, we find one of the finest ice skating rinks in the city. It is open seven days a week.
Information about Canary Wharf´s Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: October – February
- Price: £13.50 – £17.95
- Location: See map
- Find out more: Canary Wharf
Queen´s House Greenwich
Skate with the magnificent views that Greenwich has to offer. It is open seven days a week from November to January.
Information about Queen´s House Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: November – January
- Price: Children from £10, adults from £16.00.
- Location: See map
- Find out more: Queen´s House
Skylight
If what you want is to skate in a spectacular place, we recommend you go to the Skylight skating rink, located on a rooftop. Located in Tobacco Dock, only about a 20-minute walk from the Tower of London. Sunday is a special family day, and you can buy a family ticket that includes four tickets to the ice skating rink, two hours in an igloo, and four winter drinks (Hot Chocolate or Mulled Wine / Gin).
Information about Skylight´s Ice Skating Rink:
More ice skating rinks in London
In addition to these ice skating rinks that are only open during the winter, there are also some indoor ice rinks in London that are open all year round, such as Alexandra Palace and Queen’s Skate Dine Bowl on Queensway.
The Natural History Museum, Camden, Winterville and Tower of London ice skating rinks will not take place this Christmas season.
Map: Christmas Ice Skating Rinks in London
More information for ice skating in London at Christmas
Ice Skating in London: Price and Timings
- The price of admission to any ice skating rinks in London includes the rental of ice skating boots.
- You can book and pay online in advance or at the door on the day, but tickets might be limited on the day.
- In some cases, you will see that buying tickets online in advance can be a little cheaper.
- In general, you will have about 45 minutes to skate and test your balance on the ice.
- Most places ask you wear gloves for ice skating, so don´t forget them!
Ice skating in London with kids
Most ice rinks have a small area for kids and special support, normally in the shape of giant penguins to help them learn. These skating supports are also good for adults that have never been on the ice before and want a little bit of help! You normally have to pay extra for these, and my advise is to get in the queue quick as they tend to run out of them if there are many children around.
More things to do in London at Christmas
In addition to the ice skating rinks, don’t forget to visit the fantastic Christmas markets in London and see the spectacular Christmas lights.
Discover everything you can see this Christmas in London here: Christmas in London