Ice Skating Rinks In And Around London To Visit Now
Christmas is fast-approaching with winter rooftops, glittering light displays, magical moments with the kids and, of course, ice rinks popping up across the capital. There’s something irresistibly festive about gliding across the ice in the open air – whether it’s a hand-in-hand date night or a family outing with the kids in tow.
Few things capture the season quite like lacing up skates beneath twinkling lights and a crisp winter sky. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best ice rinks to book now, all back for another Christmas season and ready to make your winter feel properly festive.
Watergate Bay Hotel
This winter, head to Cornwall’s Watergate Bay Hotel for a gorgeous ice-skating experience. They have a 360-square-metre real ice rink for the very first time that’s set against the Atlantic with stunning sea views and festive lights, making it an incredible spot to skate by the sea. Plus, if you’re looking for a last-minute stay over the Christmas holidays, this is a great place to spend a weekend. With lovely sea view rooms, there are family suites that are lovely if you’re travelling with the kids (and the dog).
when: till 11th january
where: Watergate Bay, Cornwall TR8 4AA
website: www.watergatebay.co.uk
Somerset House
Somerset House has been putting on winter skating for over two decades now and remains the most popular outdoor rink of the season and probably the most ‘London’ place you can skate. Well, unless you include the actual river Thames, which last froze properly in 1814 when it hosted its last ‘frost fair’. From skating lessons with Skate School to DJs on the rink-side decks, there’s something for everyone.
when: 12 Nov 2025 – 11 Jan 2026
Where: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA
Website: www.somersethouse.org.uk
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station has once again been transformed into one of London’s most magical destinations, with sparkling lights, Christmas trees galore (don’t miss the 40ft tree in Malaysia Square with over 1,500 baubles) and a trail of giant candy canes on Electric Boulevard. Enjoy the ultimate festive ice rink this season, while taking in the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings. Glide is London’s only riverside ice rink and has much more to offer than skating. Hop on an amusement ride, take in the live music, or sip on a mulled wine all whilst enjoying the holiday ambience. The perfect spot to spend some quality family time, go on a date or make memories with friends.
When: 13 NoV 2025 – 04 Jan 2026
Where: Nine Elms, London SW11 8EF
Website: www.glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
It’s not officially Christmas until you’ve been to Winter Wonderland. The sprawling Christmas fair is always thronging with fun-seekers enjoying the myriad fairground rides, the bier haus, or shopping for trinkets in the market.
But a top tip, from one Winter Wonderland aficionado to another, is to cut out everything else and head straight to the large outdoor skating rink. Surely one of London’s largest rinks, it’s built around a Victorian bandstand and, in the evening, below a canopy of fairy lights, it’s the perfect way to start your inevitable trip to Winter Wonderland.
When: 14 Nov 2025 – 01 Jan 2026
Where: Hyde Park, London
Website: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Hampton Court Palace
Don’t lose your head at Hampton Court Palace this winter as the ice rink returns for another year. Hampton Court was originally intended to rival Versailles, so you would be hard pressed to find a more stunning place to skate.
when: 21 November 2025 – 04 January 2026
Where: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
Website: www.hrp.org.uk
Canary Wharf
Ice skate amongst the skyscrapers at the Canary Wharf skating rink, which just happens to be the longest-running in London. The transparent roof over top means skaters can enjoy the rink all winter long while still getting some fresh air, and a mirrorball keeps the good vibes going inside.
when: 25 October 2025 – 22 February 2026
where: Canada Square, London E14 5AB
website: canarywharf.com
