11 Ice Rinks in London: Where to Go Ice Skating in 2026
There is something about ice skating in London that makes winter feel a little more special.
You can skate beneath a giant Christmas tree in an 18th-century courtyard, glide beside the Thames, skate in front of a royal palace or spend an evening inside one of London's historic landmarks.
And then there are the rinks that stay open throughout the year.
So whether you've never stood on ice before, you're looking for a Christmas date idea, you're taking the kids skating during the school holidays or you simply want somewhere to practise, London has plenty of options.
For 2026, I've separated the city's seasonal Christmas rinks from its year-round indoor rinks, because they offer very different experiences.
Here are 11 ice rinks in London to know about in 2026, including where they are, when they open, how much they cost where current prices are available, how to get there and which one might suit you best.
London's Christmas Ice Rinks
1. Skate Leicester Square
31 October 2026 – 3 January 2027
Leicester Square
If you want to combine ice skating with the busiest part of London's West End, Skate Leicester Square is one of the easiest choices.
The rink opens on 31 October 2026 and runs until 3 January 2027, except Christmas Day. Standard opening hours are generally 10am–10pm, with the first skating sessions from 10:15am and the last from 9:15pm. (skateleicestersquare.co.uk)
The circular rink sits in Leicester Square alongside the Christmas market, so you can easily combine your skating session with a walk through the West End.
Afterwards, you're within walking distance of Covent Garden, Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Regent Street.
How to get there
The closest Tube stations are:
Leicester Square - Northern and Piccadilly lines
Charing Cross - Bakerloo and Northern lines
Piccadilly Circus - Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines
The rink recommends booking in advance if you want to guarantee your preferred session, although tickets can also be purchased on the day subject to availability. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and the rink is not suitable for children under 3. (skateleicestersquare.co.uk)
Best for: First-time visitors who want skating right in the middle of London's Christmas atmosphere.
2. Glide at Battersea Power Station
6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Glide at Battersea Power Station
This is one of the most unusual skating experiences in London.
Glide at Battersea Power Station returns for its fifth season from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Instead of being a simple rectangular rink, Glide has three interconnected rinks and a 200-metre skate trail, with views towards the River Thames and London skyline. (batterseapowerstation.co.uk)
The Power Station itself provides an incredible backdrop, particularly after dark when the Christmas lights come on.
You can also combine the skating with restaurants, shops, festive food and other Christmas activities around Battersea Power Station.
How to get there
The easiest option is Battersea Power Station Underground station on the Northern line.
You can also reach the area by train via Battersea Park or Queenstown Road, or by river using Thames Clippers.
Best for: Couples, photographs, families and anyone who wants skating with a dramatic London backdrop.
3. Skate at Somerset House
11 November 2026 – 10 January 2027
Skate At Somerset House
If you picture a classic London Christmas ice rink, chances are you're thinking about Somerset House.
The rink is set inside the historic Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, beneath a spectacular 40-foot Christmas tree.
For 2026, Skate at Somerset House runs from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Adult tickets are currently listed from £13 to £28.50, while children's tickets start at £11 and go to £15, with a £1.50 transaction fee per ticket. Prices vary by session and date.
Most standard sessions last 45 minutes, although selected extended 90-minute sessions are also available. (somersethouse.org.uk)
There are also special 2026 sessions including K-Pop Party and Skate Lates, where DJs and music become part of the skating experience.
One useful thing to know
You don't need to buy a skating ticket simply to visit Somerset House.
The courtyard is free to enter, so non-skaters can still enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, food and seasonal shopping while friends or family skate.
How to get there
Somerset House is easily reached from Charing Cross, Temple and Covent Garden, with the Strand directly outside.
Best for: The classic London Christmas skating experience.
4. Queen's House Ice Rink, Greenwich
18 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Queen's House Ice Rink
If you want your skating session to feel like a full day out, head to Greenwich.
The Queen's House Ice Rink returns from 18 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with skating sessions running from 10am to 9pm. (rmg.co.uk)
The rink sits directly in front of the historic Queen's House within the Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From the ice you can see the Queen's House, the surrounding historic buildings, the Thames and the Canary Wharf skyline.
It also offers special sessions for toddlers, students and SEND families.
How to get there
Greenwich is easily accessible by National Rail and the DLR, with Cutty Sark DLR station particularly useful for the historic centre.
You can also arrive by Thames Clippers and then walk through Greenwich.
And once you're there, you can combine skating with the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park, Greenwich Market and the Cutty Sark.
Best for: A scenic skating experience that can become a full London day out.
5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
If you don't want your ice skating trip to be just about ice skating, this is the one.
The rink is part of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and is promoted as the UK's largest open-air ice rink.
For 2026, Winter Wonderland runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, while skating sessions run from 10am to 9pm. Each skating session lasts 45 minutes.
Current advance prices start at:
Adults: £12.65 off-peak
Children: £9.35 off-peak
Family: £37.40 off-peak
Standard and peak prices are higher. (hydeparkwinterwonderland.com)
You need to select a skating time slot when booking.
The rink is surrounded by Winter Wonderland's rides, food stalls, markets and other attractions, so you can easily spend several hours here.
Important
The skating ticket is for the rink. Winter Wonderland's wider attractions and arrangements have their own ticketing requirements, so check what is included when booking.
Best for: Families and groups who want skating plus a huge Christmas event.
6. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Few London ice rinks have a backdrop quite like this one.
You're skating directly outside Hampton Court Palace.
The 2026 season runs from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Day. The first session begins at 10am and the final session begins at 8pm. (hrp.org.uk)
The skating ticket is separate from palace admission, so you don't need to buy a palace ticket simply to use the rink.
However, if you've never visited Hampton Court before, combining the two can make for a very good winter day out.
There are also reduced-capacity sessions from 10am designed to provide a calmer skating environment, with static lighting and softer music. These are particularly suitable for guests with disabilities and parents with young children.
How to get there
Take the train to Hampton Court station, which is a short walk from the palace.
Best for: A historic and slightly more magical Christmas skating experience.
7. Wimbledon Quarter Ice Rink
21 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Wimbledon Quarter
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If you want a seasonal rink outside central London, Wimbledon is worth considering.
The Wimbledon Quarter Ice Rink returns from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Tickets currently start at £14 for adults aged 13+ and £11 for children aged 3–12, plus booking fees. Family tickets start from £44. (wimbledonquarter.com)
The important thing to understand is that this is an indoor venue with real ice.
That doesn't mean you'll be warm.
The venue specifically recommends suitable waterproof clothing because real ice can create surface water, and visitors may get wet even when it isn't raining.
That makes the rink a useful compromise when you want some protection from London's weather without giving up real-ice skating.
How to get there
Wimbledon Quarter is at 4 Queens Road, close to Wimbledon station.
There's also on-site parking.
Best for: Families and beginners who want a seasonal rink away from central London's crowds.
London's Year-Round Ice Rinks
The next four aren't Christmas pop-ups.
They're the places to remember when you want to skate outside the festive season.
8. Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
If you want to learn to skate properly or simply keep skating throughout the year, Alexandra Palace is one of London's best-known options.
The indoor rink operates year-round with public skating, lessons and other ice activities. It also hosts seasonal events.
For Christmas 2026, its Festive Skate runs from 9 December 2026 to 4 January 2027, with the rink decorated with a Christmas tree, lights, festive music and even falling snow. (alexandrapalace.com)
Alexandra Palace also hosts Cinderella on Ice from 3–6 December 2026, performed by community skaters at the rink.
How to get there
There is a dedicated Alexandra Palace railway station, with Great Northern services from Moorgate and King's Cross.
The nearest Tube station is Wood Green on the Piccadilly line, and the W3 bus serves the Ice Rink/Palm Court area.
And once you've finished skating, you can explore Alexandra Palace Park and its famous London views.
Best for: Year-round skating, lessons and people who want to skate regularly.
9. Lee Valley Ice Centre
Lee Valley Ice Centre
For serious skating, Lee Valley Ice Centre is a very different experience from the Christmas rinks.
The East London centre has two Olympic-size ice rinks under one roof, with daily public skating alongside hockey and figure-skating programmes.
This is the kind of place to choose if you're interested in actually improving your skating rather than simply getting a Christmas photograph.
There are public sessions for different abilities as well as structured programmes.
How to get there
The closest station is Lea Bridge, with Clapton also within walking distance.
Buses 55 and 56 stop near the centre.
There is parking at the venue, although public transport is recommended, and ticketed events have specific parking restrictions.
Best for: Regular skaters, lessons, hockey, figure skating and anyone who wants a proper ice-sports facility.
10. QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl, Bayswater
QUEENS skate dine bowl
What if you want your ice skating to be part of a bigger night out?
That's where QUEENS in Bayswater comes in.
Its indoor ice rink operates throughout the year and has been welcoming skaters since 1930, making it London's oldest surviving ice-skating rink according to the venue.
The current public skating prices include:
Monday/Tuesday Madness from £8
Late Skate sessions from £10
Off-peak skating from £11.75
The venue recommends booking online because it is cheaper than walking in. (queens.london)
And skating isn't the only reason to come.
QUEENS combines ice skating with bowling, food, arcade games and other entertainment.
How to get there
The venue is at 17 Queensway.
The nearest Tube stations are Queensway and Bayswater.
Best for: Friends, casual dates and anyone who wants to combine skating with food and entertainment.
11. Streatham Ice Rink
Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
For a straightforward community ice rink, head south to Streatham.
Streatham Ice Rink has an Olympic-sized 60m × 30m indoor rink and has been part of the area for more than 80 years. (active.lambeth.gov.uk)
There are public skating sessions for children and adults, learn-to-skate programmes, hockey activities and skate hire.
Public sessions last 60 minutes, and the venue recommends booking tickets online in advance.
For younger skaters, penguin and snowman skating aids are available to hire, depending on availability.
How to get there
The centre is at 390 Streatham High Road, London SW16 6HX.
It is served by local public transport and is easy to reach from the surrounding south London neighbourhoods.
Best for: Learning to skate, regular skating, families and people who want a proper local rink.
Which London Ice Rink Should You Choose?
It really depends on what you're looking for.
For the most iconic Christmas experience
Somerset House
The historic courtyard, giant Christmas tree and central location make it difficult to beat.
For the best London backdrop
Glide at Battersea Power Station
You get the Thames, London skyline and the Power Station all in one skating experience.
For a royal setting
Hampton Court Palace
If the backdrop matters as much as the skating, this is one of the most memorable.
For Greenwich
Queen's House Ice Rink
Perfect if you want to combine skating with museums, Greenwich Park and the historic centre.
For families who want lots to do
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Skating is only one part of the day.
For a central London location
Skate Leicester Square
Ideal if you're already spending the day around the West End.
For year-round skating
Alexandra Palace
A good all-round option with public skating, lessons and seasonal programmes.
For serious ice sports
Lee Valley Ice Centre
Two Olympic-size rinks make this much more than a casual Christmas attraction.
For skating plus entertainment
QUEENS
Skate, bowl, eat and make an evening of it.
How Much Does Ice Skating in London Cost?
There isn't one standard price.
Seasonal rinks generally charge more around weekends, evenings and peak Christmas dates, while permanent rinks often have different pricing structures.
Some current examples for 2026 include:
RinkCurrent advertised starting priceSomerset HouseAdults from £13Hyde Park Winter WonderlandAdults from £12.65Wimbledon QuarterAdults from £14QUEENSFrom £8 on Monday/Tuesday MadnessLee ValleyPublic sessions vary; recent advertised sessions from £10–£13
These are starting or example prices, not guaranteed prices for every date. Check the individual rink when booking because fees, peak pricing and special sessions can change.
Remember that skate hire is normally part of the booking or available as an add-on, but don't assume this at every venue. Check the specific rink before travelling.
Do You Need to Book Ice Skating in London?
For the popular Christmas rinks, I would book in advance.
Somerset House advises early booking because prices vary and popular sessions can sell out.
Skate Leicester Square allows same-day purchases subject to availability, but recommends booking online if you want to guarantee a particular session.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland requires you to choose a specific skating time slot.
For permanent rinks, always check the timetable before leaving home because public skating sessions can sit alongside lessons, hockey, competitions and other activities.
What Should You Wear Ice Skating?
You don't need specialist skating clothes.
For most London rinks, I'd recommend:
Warm trousers
A long-sleeved top
A jacket or jumper
Thick socks
Gloves
Comfortable clothes that allow you to move
For outdoor rinks, bring an extra layer.
And don't underestimate gloves.
If you're a beginner, your hands may spend a surprising amount of time getting close to the ice.
For Wimbledon Quarter specifically, remember that the rink uses real ice and can become wet, so waterproof clothing is recommended.
At Hyde Park, the rink operates in all conditions, so suitable clothing and spare socks are recommended for wet days.
What If You've Never Ice Skated Before?
Don't worry.
You don't need to know how to skate before booking a public session.
Your first few minutes will probably involve holding onto the barrier, taking tiny steps and wondering why everyone else seems to be moving much faster than you.
That's normal.
Keep your knees slightly bent, look ahead rather than constantly looking at your feet and take small controlled movements.
Most importantly, don't be embarrassed about falling.
Almost everyone who has learned to skate has fallen.
For children and complete beginners, several rinks also have skating aids or lessons, although availability and rules vary between venues. Streatham, for example, offers penguin and snowman aids, while Battersea has penguin aids for younger skaters.
When Is the Best Time to Go Ice Skating?
If you're visiting specifically for the Christmas atmosphere, November and early December weekdays can be a great choice.
You'll still get the lights and festive atmosphere, but you may avoid some of the busiest periods around Christmas week.
For photographs, go around dusk or after dark.
That's when the Christmas trees, lights and illuminated buildings really transform the experience.
If you're a complete beginner and want more space, look for quieter or off-peak sessions.
Some venues also specifically offer calmer sessions. Queen's House, for example, has special sessions for toddlers and SEND families, while Hampton Court offers reduced-capacity sessions with softer music and static lighting.
What Happened to the Natural History Museum Ice Rink?
If you've searched for London ice rinks before, you may remember the famous Natural History Museum Ice Rink.
It is important not to rely on old Christmas guides.
The Natural History Museum's ice rink has permanently closed.
The former rink site has been transformed as part of the museum's wider gardens project, so it is not an option for Christmas 2026.
Is There an Ice Rink at Canary Wharf in 2026?
Again, be careful with older London Christmas guides.
Canary Wharf's ice rink is not operating for winter 2026.
So if you specifically want to skate beneath the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf this Christmas, you'll need to choose somewhere else.
This is one of the reasons it's worth checking current information before heading to a London ice rink rather than relying on older “best ice rinks” articles.
A Simple First Ice-Skating Day in London
If this is your first time, don't try to visit three rinks in one weekend.
Pick one and make a day around it.
Somerset House
Walk around Covent Garden → explore the Christmas lights → have lunch → skate at Somerset House → walk towards Trafalgar Square → finish with dinner in the West End.
Battersea Power Station
Arrive in the afternoon → explore the Power Station → skate at Glide → have something warm to drink → walk along the Thames → dinner at Battersea.
Greenwich
Visit the National Maritime Museum → explore Greenwich Park → walk through Greenwich Market → skate at Queen's House → finish with a riverside walk.
Hampton Court
Explore Hampton Court Palace → have lunch → skate outside the palace → finish with a festive drink.
The skating doesn't have to be the entire day.
Sometimes it's simply the thing that turns an ordinary winter day in London into something memorable.
Final Thoughts
London has ice rinks for almost every kind of visitor.
You can skate beneath a giant Christmas tree at Somerset House, beside the Thames at Battersea, in front of Queen's House in Greenwich or beneath the historic architecture of Hampton Court.
You can turn skating into a huge festive day out at Winter Wonderland, choose Leicester Square if you want to stay in central London, or head to Wimbledon for a real-ice seasonal rink outside the centre.
And if Christmas isn't your thing, you still have year-round options including Alexandra Palace, Lee Valley, QUEENS and Streatham.
So if you've never tried ice skating before, don't let that stop you.
You don't need to be good.
You just need to be willing to wobble.
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