Lace Up For London’s Festive Outdoor Ice Rinks
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1 week ago
Get your skates on: Christmas is coming
Whether you’re a pro glider or more of a cling-to-the-handrails kind of skater, a trip to one of London’s outdoor ice rinks is guaranteed to get you feeling festive. From Skylight’s rooftop to positively regal places to skate, here are the ones to book this winter.
London’s Best Festive Ice Skating Rinks 2026
Skate Leicester Square
Another newbie on the 2025 skating scene is a whopper: Skate Leicester Square, the central London spot’s first ever festive skating rink, presented by Underbelly. Encircling the famous Shakespeare status, the rink will sit alongside the annual Christmas in Leicester Square activation, expect Christmas lights, a pop-up market, music and festive fun for all ages. Skate Leicester Square is also our top pick for spontaneous skaters, with new sessions starting every 15 minutes and walk-ins encouraged.
When & Where? 31 October 2026 to 3 January 2027 on Leicester Square (London WC2H 7DE). Skating will be available at Fridays and weekends from 10:15am to 9:15pm and on weekdays from 12:15am to 9:15pm.
Prices: Tickets for 45 minute sessions are £17 for adults, £12 for kids and £50 for families. An optional donation will be added to each transaction in support of Angel Child Fund at The Brain Tumour Charity, a fund created by Underbelly co-founder Ed Bartlam in honour of his son Alfie, who tragically passed away from an extremely rare brain tumour in 2019 aged seven.
David Jensen
Skate At Somerset House With Virgin Atlantic Holidays
Each year, the neoclassical courtyard at Somerset House is transformed into a festive wonderland complete with outdoor ice skating rink and a showstopping 40 ft Christmas tree. It’s a beloved staple on London’s winter scene, with the spacious rink surrounded by picturesque grandeur and soundtracked by contemporary music. Afterwards enjoy seasonal treats thanks to the return of The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia’s signature raclette alongside winter warmers in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. This season’s signature Skate Late DJ nights with Aperol Spritz include sets from Rhythm Section (Mali-I & The Return of She), 2CPERREA: Jone of Arx, Netil Radio, Daytimers, BUMPAH, Balamii, Gauchoworld, Sami: Matti Aikio, UKF, Soft Life Ski, and OLUWA. Plus the Skate School is back for beginners, there’s a K-pop party planned for 23 November, and Shelter Boutique will be hosting a pop-up store of vintage garms in partnership with HSBC UK.
When & Where? 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027 at Somerset House (Strand, London WC2R 1LA).
Prices: Adult tickets start from £13 and children from £11, with a one-off transaction fee of £1.50
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
If a striking setting is high on your list, head to Hampton Court Palace to skate with views of Henry VIII’s historic Tudor palace. A double-layered skating rink for smoother gliding, because Hampton Court is further out of the city, it’s a much quieter festive skating spot – but we think all the more magical as a result. Little ones in need of a helping hand can pre-book skate aid helpers, and there’s something for all the family at the Orangery-inspired Ice Rink Café & Bar, which serves food platters, mince pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine.
When & Where? 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 at Hampton Court Palace (Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU).
Prices: Tickets start from £17.50 for children, £23 for adults and £71.48 for families.
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The Queen’s House Ice Rink
Head over to Greenwich to skate in Royal surroundings at the Queen’s House, with the return of its annual skating rink. This is another picturesque and storied spot, set amid the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the striking and historic Queen’s House. The immediate surroundings showcase gorgeous Greenwich, with glittering views of Canary Wharf to the north. Again, thanks to being further out of the city centre, this is a quieter spot, meaning you can twirl with more space. There are relaxed sessions for any less confident skaters, special sessions for little ones, plus a skate-off pit-stop for mid-session breaks and a spectator area beside the Zero Degrees Cafe.
When & Where? 18 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 at Queen’s House (Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF).
Prices: Adult tickets start from £15, children from £10 and families from £44.
(© C Faruolo)
Glide At Battersea Power Station
The team behind the Natural History Museum rink (which had its last year in 2021) will return to the South London riverside this winter for another year of Glide at Battersea Power Station, set against the backdrop of the iconic Art Deco building. New for 2025 is a skate trail (London’s first) which seems to include As you skate under the twinkling lights, you can enjoy live music from local independent solo acts, bands and DJs while gazing at the spectacular Christmas tree. Grab a warming drink from the on-site Glasshouse Bar, or go all out and book an igloo for you and your friends, which have capacity for groups of four or eight people. Don’t miss the NSPCC’s special nights on 25 November and 2 December, where all proceeds go towards the charity’s work to protect children and families across the UK.
When & Where? 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 at Battersea Power Station (Nine Elms, London SW11 8EF).
Prices: Tickets start from £23 for adults or £14.96 for children.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
If you can face a foray into Winter Wonderland, be sure to make time for the UK’s largest open-air ice rink. With live music in the bandstands, and a cornucopia of festive treats and drinks available across the surrounding stalls, this one’s guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. Penguin aids are on-hand for little ones, and for bigger ones still feeling dizzy from their last fairground ride.
When & Where? 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 at Hyde Park (London W2 2UH).
Prices: Entry pickets start from £1 for off-peak hours. Tickets for the ice rink need to be booked separately and start from £12.65 for adults and £9.35 for children.
