London‘s winter skating season brings some of the capital’s most recognisable settings to life, from the grand courtyard of Somerset House to the illuminated surroundings of Hampton Court Palace.
Whether you’re planning a festive afternoon with friends, a romantic winter date or a family day out, the city’s seasonal ice rinks offer a memorable way to enjoy the colder months.
Where to Go Ice Skating 2026
Somerset House & Battersea Power Station are our ultimate choices for this season. From open-air skating beneath Christmas lights to indoor rinks where you can practise throughout the year, there are plenty of places to enjoy ice skating in London.
The Best Ice Rinks in London for Winter 2026
London’s ice skating calendar combines seasonal outdoor experiences with established indoor facilities. Our selection considers the setting, skating experience, accessibility, facilities and suitability for different occasions. We have prioritised venues with confirmed 2026/27 information from official operators, alongside established year-round skating destinations.
Skate at Somerset House
Where: Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Opens: 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Set within an elegant 18th-century courtyard, Somerset House remains one of the most recognisable destinations for Christmas ice skating in London. Its open-air rink sits beneath a spectacular 40-foot Christmas tree, framed by the building’s impressive neoclassical architecture.
The experience extends beyond the ice, with seasonal dining at The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia, festive refreshments and Skate Lates featuring music and DJ performances. There are also skating lessons for adults and children, making it a lovely choice for both beginners and confident skaters.
somersethouse.org.uk/skate-somerset-house
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Where: Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, London SW11 8EF
Opens: 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
For a contemporary winter experience, Glide at Battersea Power Station offers a striking setting beside the River Thames. The attraction features three interconnected ice rinks and a 200-metre skate trail, with views of the famous power station chimneys and the London skyline.
A large Christmas tree provides a festive centrepiece, whilst the surrounding Glass House offers somewhere to enjoy seasonal food and drinks after skating. Vintage fairground rides and private igloos add to the experience.
glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk/
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU
Opens: 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Few skating locations offer a setting quite like Hampton Court Palace. The seasonal rink sits against the magnificent Tudor architecture of Henry VIII’s former royal residence, creating an atmospheric backdrop for a winter afternoon or evening.
Traditional festive decorations, illuminated surroundings and seasonal refreshments make this a particularly appealing choice for a day outside central London. Visitors can also combine their skating session with a visit to the palace, although palace admission requires a separate ticket.
hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace-ice-rink/
The Queen’s House Ice Rink, Greenwich
Where: The Queen’s House, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF
Opens: 18 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Located within the historic surroundings of Greenwich, The Queen’s House Ice Rink offers one of London’s most picturesque seasonal skating experiences. The rink sits in front of the elegant 17th-century Queen’s House, with views towards the Thames and the surrounding maritime landscape.
The 2026 rink has been expanded, providing more space for visitors to enjoy their sessions. Its family-friendly programme includes dedicated skating opportunities for different abilities, making it a thoughtful option for a festive day out.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Where: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Opens: 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
For a full festive day out, the ice rink at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is an appealing choice. Set around a Victorian bandstand and illuminated by thousands of lights, it offers a traditional outdoor skating experience in the heart of London.
The rink forms part of the wider Winter Wonderland celebration, where visitors can also explore Christmas markets, fairground attractions, seasonal food stalls and festive entertainment.
Skate Leicester Square
Where: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU
Opens: 31 October 2026 to 3 January 2027.
For those who prefer to stay in the heart of the capital, Skate Leicester Square brings seasonal ice skating to London’s West End. The circular outdoor rink is surrounded by festive decorations, market stalls and the area’s familiar theatre and entertainment destinations.
Its central location makes it particularly convenient to combine skating with Christmas shopping, a West End performance or dinner nearby. Once off the ice, visitors can enjoy hot chocolate and seasonal refreshments at the surrounding festive bar.
The Best Year-Round Ice Rinks in London
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Open: Throughout the year, subject to scheduled sessions and closures.
Alexandra Palace is one of London’s established destinations for indoor ice skating. Its permanent rink welcomes everyone from first-time skaters to experienced enthusiasts, with public sessions, skating lessons and ice hockey events throughout the year.
alexandrapalace.com/the-ice-rink/
QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl
Where: 17 Queensway, London W2 4QP
Open: Year-round, with scheduled public skating sessions.
For an indoor skating experience in central London, QUEENS in Bayswater is a convenient option. Its long-established ice rink has been welcoming skaters since 1930 and remains a popular destination for people looking to enjoy the sport outside the Christmas season.
Lee Valley Ice Centre
Where: Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QL
Open: Year-round, subject to session availability.
Lee Valley Ice Centre is an excellent option for those who want to make skating a regular activity. Located in Leyton, East London, the modern facility features two Olympic-sized ice rinks and offers public skating, disco sessions and learn-to-skate programmes.
