Throughout the Christmas season, ice rinks pop up across the city as the popularity of ice skating in London explodes. Glide into the festive season like Torvill and Dean or boogie the night away at a discotheque on ice. But which one is the best? Well, that’s for you to decide.
Here’s our pick of the bunch for ice skating in London in 2023
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Skate at Somerset House
My personal favourite, Skate, once again returns to the Somerset House, located within the Edmond J. Safra courtyard, a stunning 18th Century neoclassical building. This year Skate offers visitors a distinctly Swiss winter atmosphere, thanks to Switzerland Tourism. Skate at Somerset House has established a firm reputation as one of the best ice skating in London because it not only offers an iconic location for your skating session but for the after-hours DJ sets and special events, and this year is no exception.
Get ready for Skate Lates with Rock Angel, where a list of carefully curated DJ’s, artists and collectives, bring their unique creative sets to Somerset House to take your skating experience to the next level. The good news is that after your time on the ice you can head over to the Skate Lounge to continue enjoying the DJ set as the music is pumped into the relaxing space. Check out the DJ line up here.
Is Switzerland on your winter travel wishlist? If so, then why not head over to Chalet Swiss by Jimmy Garcia, an intimate Swiss-themed restaurant, located in the West Wing of Somerset House, offers visitors an assortment of Swiss winter favourites, including Jimmy’s take on the veritable favourite fondue. Open from 15 November 2023 to 2 Jan 2024. Discover the menu and how to make a booking here.
Beginners setting out on the ice for the first time need not fear, there’s also the Skate School on offer, as well as a lounge where you can relax after your adventure on the ice.
The Essentials
- Address: Skate at Somerset House, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
- Dates: 15 November to 14 January 2024
- Opening Hours: Generally 9am to 10pm depending on date (closed on Christmas Day)
- Duration: Sessions last 45 min
- Closest Tube station
- Temple (Circle and District line)
- Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)
- Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern line)
- Embankment (Circle and District)
- Prices (tickets include skate hire)
- Adults start from £11
- Children (12 and under) start from £8.00
- Family 10% discount for 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children
- Concession holders will receive a 20% discount
- Cloakroom: Limited spaces and first item is free but subsequent items are £2 each
- More information: Skate at Somerset House website
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the big daddy of the bunch. Skating on the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, circling around Hyde Park’s Victorian bandstand with twinkling festive lights with live music, what more do you need?
Glide hand-in-hand around the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink or explore the array of activities and entertainment throughout the festive extravaganza.
When booking your Winter Wonderland tickets online, if you spend a minimum of £25 per person on attractions, food, rides, and games then entry is free. There are a selection of activities to choose from including; Ice Skating, Ice Sculpting, Bar Ice, The Giant Wheel, and the Magical Ice Kingdom. With this much variety, Winter Wonderland is perfect for a date night.
The Essentials
- Address: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
- Dates: 17 November to 1 January 2024
- Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm (last skate at 9pm)
- Duration: Sessions last 50 min
- Closest Tube station
- Victoria (Circle, District, and Victoria line)
- Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria line)
- Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line)
- Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line)
- Prices (tickets include skate hire)
- Adults off-peak £11.50, standard £15.00, peak £16.50
- Children off-peak £8.50, standard £10.00, peak £11.50
- Concession off-peak £10.50, standard £14.00, peak £15.50
- Family off-peak £34.00, standard £40.00, peak £46.00
- Cloakroom: Available at £2 per item
- More information: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland website
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Located in London’s financial district this Christmas season is the long-running Ice Rink Canary Wharf where you can skate under an illuminated rooftop complete with a giant mirror ball! The 1275 square metre arena provides plenty of skating space for all those seeking an after-work fun activity, a romantic date night, or just friends looking to catch up in a captivating location.
The Essentials
- Address: Ice Rink Canary Wharf, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB
- Dates: 21 October to 24 February 2024
- Opening Hours: Vary depending on day – range from 9am to 9pm
- Duration: Sessions last 45 min
- Closest Tube/DLR station
- Canary Wharf station (Elizabeth and Jubilee line)
- Canary Wharf and Heron Quays (DLR station)
- Prices (tickets include skate hire)
- Adults (13yrs and above) £20.95 (peak price)
- Children £15.95 (peak price)
- Family (2 adults + 2 children) £59.00 (peak price)
- Family (1 adult + 3 children) £59.00 (peak price)
- Lockers: Available at £1 per item (£1 accepted or you can purchase £1 locker token)
- More information: Ice Rink Canary Wharf website
The Queen’s House Ice Rink
The Queen’s House Ice Rink once again returns to the immaculate grounds of Royal Museums Greenwich for another festive season of ice skating with utterly stunning views! It’s the only ice rink in London where you can lace up your skates and hit the ice whilst admiring incredible views of Canary Wharf and Greenwich Park.
The ice rink itself is located outside the Queen’s House, designed by famed architect Inigo Jones, it’s the very first Classical building in the UK.
The Essentials
- Address: Queen’s House, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF
- Dates: 23 November 2023 to 7 January 2024
- Opening Hours: Vary depending on day
- Duration: Sessions last 45 min
- Closest DLR station
- Cutty Sark Station
- Prices (tickets include skate hire)
- Adults. Peak £19 | Off-Peak £17
- Children. Peak £12 | Off-Peak £10
- Students. 30% discount
- Peak | Off Peak Times
- Peak.
- 2 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 however off-peak applies on Friday 1, 8, and 15 December between 10am to 5pm
- Off-Peak
- 23 November to 30 November 2023
- 4 December to 7 December 2023
- 11 December to 14 December 2023
- 18 December to 21 December 2023
- Peak.
- Cloakroom: Limited space available at a cost of £2 per item (card only)
- More information: The Queen’s House Ice Rink website
Hampton Court Palace
Expect yuletide cheer while skating on the open-air ice rink against the backdrop of Hampton Court Palace. This historic red brick estate was originally built by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 16th century but soon became the majestic Tudor home of King Henry VIII and each of his six wives.
Go for the day and visit the Palace, the Maze and the Great Vine and stay for an evening of skating, suitable for all ages and skill level.
The uncovered spectator area provides free access for those non-skaters in your party. Miss Polly’s Cafe serves up warming hot chocolate and pies and much more. The perfect way to either warm up for your session or unwind after your time on the ice.
The Essentials
- Address: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, Hampton Court Palace, Surrey KT8 9AU
- Dates: 17 November to 7 January 2024
- Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm (last session 8pm)
- Duration: Sessions last 45 min
- Closest train station
- Hampton Court train station is located a short 5 min to Hampton Court Palace
- Trains from Waterloo station run every 30 minutes
- Prices (tickets include skate hire)
- Adults. Peak £21.00, Off-Peak £19.00
- Children (3-12 years) Peak £15.50, Off-Peak £14.00
- Family (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children) Peak £58.00, Off-Peak £53.00
- Cloakroom: £2 per item. Limited space available and payment is via card only
- Toilets: It’s worth noting that there are NO toilet facilities at the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink and the closest one is approx. a 2 min walk away, opposite the car park. You will need to take your skates off before heading to the toilets.
- More information: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Final Thoughts
You could easily choose any of these venues to go ice skating in London, convenience, proximity and availability of tickets are all factors in choosing your rink of choice. It’s worth noting that most venues use an online ticketing system which is significantly quicker and easier than buying on the day. Some are extremely popular and sell out early or others have discounts if you book online. We recommend you do your research before buying on the door.
No matter where you end up going ice skating, we hope that you have a fantastic time and we’d love to hear about it so do let us know. Happy Holidays.
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