A local’s guide to the best spots for ice skating in London – from Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to Somerset House, these are top places to visit at Christmas!
London becomes a dream during Christmas – fully decorated shop windows like Harrods, Selfridges and gorgeous shopping streets like Mayfair’s New Bond Street unequivocally attract crowds in search for festive energy.
Should you be hunting for the best places to visit in London at Christmas, I’d say do visit the markets filled with comfort food and artisan gifts.
But I’d also say, do go ice skating – after all, this isn’t an activity you can do everywhere, and it really fills the day with cool winter vibes.
Ice Skating in London: 5 Best Rinks to Visit This Christmas
I’m not saying you should miss out on the Christmas spots on Regent Street and Oxford Street, with their in-your-face illuminated decorations.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t pop by London’s historical shopping arcades, like Burlington Arcade, which becomes an unforgettable sight from November.
But I’m saying, whether you’re visiting London with friends, with family or solo, that ice skating makes for a great activity – one to budget for, but one that definitely makes for lingering memories.
Ice Skating in London: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, Central London
One of the iconic Christmas spots in London is none other than Winter Wonderland, nestled within Hyde Park, only a few minutes from Marble Arch at the top of Oxford Street.
Not only is it a wonderful place to see Christmas lights from mid-November to January, but you can also get a few treats, gifts and souvenirs there and enjoy the pretty rides that dot Winter Wonderland.
When you go, don’t miss out on the ice rink – tickets are priced between 11.50 and 17.50 pounds for adults, and children go for 8.50 to 12.50 pounds depending on the slot.
If you happen to visit London with kids, just know there are family tickets available for the Winter Wonderland ice rink, too.
I still remember the first time I visited Winter Wonderland a few years ago.
The giant observation wheel makes for great pictures, and you’ll also find plenty of amusement rides, a Magical Ice Kingdom, and of course, street food and nice cups of hot chocolate.
Book tickets as early as possible to avoid crowds (although Winter Wonderland tends to be very crowded) and be sure you can actually enjoy a lively ice skating session.
Then, you can make your way to Oxford Street’s shops for some more souvenirs and treats, since the stores stay open quite late – TK Maxx and British shops like Whittard of Chelsea are some of my favorites.
Where? Hyde Park, Serpentine Rd, London W2 2UH
Ice Skating in London: Canada Square Ice Rink, Canary Wharf, East London
Canary Wharf will forever be one of my favorite East London areas; there’s a seasonal outdoor, covered ice rink set up every winter in Canada Square Park, close to the station.
Surrounded by one of the most beautiful Christmas lights trail you’ll find in the city, the ice rink is set up from end of October until February, and is a huge spot that gives us plenty of space to skate under the fairy-lit roof.
Sessions run for 45 minutes of skate time; allow about 15 minutes for ice resurfacing.
Tickets are priced from super off-peak (13.95 pounds) to peak (21.95 pounds), while children go for about 16.95 pounds.
Do book online so you’re sure to have a spot, though.
Speed skates are not allowed, but like Winter Wonderland, the Canada Square Ice Rink offers family packages that make for a cheaper activity if you’re visiting with kids.
On the site, you’ll also find a bar zone with winter treats and delicious hot drinks, perfect to warm up after skating and before enjoying the Winter Lights trail, which I definitely recommend you don’t miss.
Where? Canada Square, London E14 5AB
Best Ice Rinks in London: Battersea Power Station Ice Rink, South West London
Aside from being a historical site, the Battersea Power Station is one of my favorite shopping centers in London, and its outdoors ice rink offers a straight view on the illuminated building.
Soberly named Glide, the ice rink runs from November to January, in a unique setting that allows you to skate with a view of the Thames river, chimneys and Victorian industrial architecture.
Adult tickets start around 19 pounds and children tickets from around 11.50 pounds, and you’ll find a Glass House bar and lounge right beside the rink that’s open both to skaters and non-skaters.
Beyond skating, I’ve found that Battersea Power Station often has fair-ground rides, games and even shops around the ice rink – a few years ago, I finally took the time to discover all kinds of Jo Malone scents there.
Once the season begins, like all London ice rinks, good slots fill quickly – do book online, on a weekday and as early as possible if you want to experience ice skating in a more relaxed way.
When you’re done skating, if you’d like to enjoy a view of London from above, why not ride up the Chimney Lift?
It’s one of the lesser-known viewpoints in the city, with panoramic skyline views – gorgeous in winter.
If it’s not too cold and/or you’re feeling courageous, you could walk along the Thames riverside from Nine Elms/Battersea afterwards – or, discover the dozens of amazing shops Battersea Power Station is filled with.
Where? Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD
Ice Skating in London: Somerset House Ice Rink, Central London
Somerset House is a historical building that sits right off the Strand in Central London – close by are located hidden gems galore, like Elm Court and Temple, Fleet Street, and Lincoln’s Inn Chapel.
Not only is it an amazing spot to go ice skating in London if you don’t want to go too far from Central London, but it’s also one of the most iconic places to visit at Christmas time – lights, decorations, shops: Somerset House’s got it all.
The rink runs from November to January, with slots about 45 minutes long: just like the other ice rinks I’ve mentioned, do arrive about 15/20 minutes early to get skates fitted.
Also, if you’re looking for things to do in the evening, know that the Somerset House ice rink runs from 9 am to around 10/10:45 pm – do book online to make sure you’ve got the best slot.
Prices start from about 11 pounds for super off-peak slots to around 26 pounds for peak slots – 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Skate at Somerset House, so you’ll also be able to enjoy special events and an extra festive atmosphere.
On the site, if you get hungry, you’ll find a pop-up restaurant, The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia (with raclette!) and sweet treats from Blondies Kitchen, alongside a few stalls to get souvenirs and comfort food.
If you go during the day, why not enjoy a visit to the Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House to combine sports and an artsy activity?
However, if you go at the end of the day, you could catch a play or a musical on the Strand or nearby Soho.
The West End is located super close to the ice rink, and you’ll also find the Christmas Market at Trafalgar a few minutes’ walk away.
Where? Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Best Ice Rinks in London: Queen’s House Ice Rink, South East London
The Greenwich neighborhood, in South East London, is a must-see whatever the time of the year.
In the spring, you can see cherry blossom in Greenwich Park, in autumn, you’ll see wonderful fall foliage, and in the winter, the village-like area transforms into a cute Christmas dream.
Lovers of cafes hidden inside shops, you’ll find at the Junk Shop a secret tea room with fresh cakes and amazing coffee – and, close by, the Queen’s House Ice Rink.
This is one of London’s best festive ice rinks in the South East; it’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage Maritime Greenwich site, and a place you have to have on your bucket list.
Open from November to January, the Queen’s House Ice Rink operates every day except Christmas Day, with sessions running from about 10 am to 9 pm daily.
In the distance, you will spot views of the Canary Wharf skyscrapers, while skating in front of the stately classical architecture of Queen’s House.
Sessions run for about 45 minutes (arrive about 30 minutes before your slot to fit skates), with tickets priced around 19-21.95 pounds for adults, and 16-19 pounds for children – family tickets are available, alongside student discounts.
Lovers of historical buildings, the 17th century Queen’s House is a wonderful place to admire; a classical building designed by none other than Inigo Jones, also responsible for the beauty of Covent Garden Piazza.
When you’re done ice skating, do make your way to the Greenwich Market, not too far from the Cutty Sark ship.
This is one of the most secret markets in London, filled with artisan and handmade gifts and delicious street food.
Where? Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF
Ice Skating in London: 5 Best Rinks to Visit This Christmas
From the secret Queen’s House Ice Rink to Battersea Power Station, ice skating in London is definitely part of the winter activities to have on your bucket list.
Sure, there are lots of other cool, free things to do in London; hidden gems that exhale history, artsy places like the Leicester Square sculpture trail, and even multicolor places you can snap countless pictures of.
But ice skating is one of those activities that brings endless laughter, that helps you have a better grasp of what Christmas in London feels like, and that makes you want to warm up in a rustic coffee shop right after.