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Best 10 places to go ice skating in London in winter 2023

Go ice skating in London on one of the capital's most spectacular ice rinks for a magical winter experience.

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From stunning historic locations to modern surroundings, check out London's best outdoor ice-skating rinks. Temporary ice rinks pop up in iconic settings throughout the city and are among the top attractions over Christmas and New Year.

Most ice rinks usually begin to pop up in November, and the locations listed below host some of the top ice-skating rinks in London.

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

People ice skating around the band stand in Hyde Park at Winter Wonderland on a sunny winter's day
Ice skating at Hyde Park and Winter Wonderland. Image courtesy of Fanatic Creative.

Get your skates on at the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Glide around a Victorian bandstand, beneath a canopy of fairy lights, and enjoy the sounds of a live band on Winter Wonderland’s ice rink. Afterwards, explore the bustling Christmas markets, enjoy the fairground and tuck into seasonal food. 17 Nov-1 Jan

Book your tickets now and glide the festive season at Winter Wonderland

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

A young girl skating with a penguin on the ice rink at night time in front of Hampton Court Palace lit up in red, yellow and blue lights
Hampton Court Palace ice rink © Leftfield Images.com / Arena PR Group. Image courtesy of Leftfield Images.com / Arena PR Group.

Drop by Hampton Court Palace for a quick spin on the ice or make a day of it after exploring the former home of King Henry VIII. The Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is set against the palace's spectacular Tudor facade, which lights up with beautiful colours as darkness falls. After skating, quench your thirst with a warming drink at the ice rink’s bar. 17 Nov-7 Jan

Book your tickets now for the Hampton Court Ice Rink

Kingdom of Winter Ice Rink

Official poster of Kingdom of Ice, a winter festival in London. A giant snowball shows various winter chalets and rides under a snowy landscape.
Discover London's first indoor winter festival with the Kingdom of Winter and enjoy festive activities from ice skating to an ice expedition and many more. Image courtesy of SEE Tickets.

Introducing the ultimate winter wonderland experience: the indoor ice rink at the Kingdom of Winter at the ExCeL London. Picture yourself gliding on the ice, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of snow-draped landscapes. There is plenty of fun to have after your session, from an immersive trail to fairground rides and festive snacks. 8 Dec-7 Jan

Make sure to book your tickets in advance for the Kingdom of Winter

The Ice Rink at Westfield London

At the centre of one of Europe's largest shopping centres, enjoy the festive season at Westfield London. After your shopping spree, strap on a pair of skates and join your friends on one of the capital's largest ice rinks, complete with its spectacular Chrsitmas tree sitting at its centre. Immerse yourself in the world of Willy Wonka as the iconic chocolate maker takes over the shopping mall with a series of decorations and displays 10 Nov- 7 Jan

Book your tickets now and join the festive fun

Somerset House Ice Rink

A aerial view of Somerset House ice rink at night with people ice skating and the city skyline behind
Go ice skating at London's Somerset House in winter. © Somerset House Press Office/Luke Dyson.

Glide along the ice at one of London’s most picture-pretty locations with Skate at Somerset House. Spin around the neoclassical courtyard with its giant Christmas tree during a daytime skating session or make the most of late-night skates, with DJ soundtracks playing under the stars. Afterwards, warm up with Alpine winter favourites and its Raclette cheese bar extravaganza at Chalet Suisse, or sip on a cocktail or two at theSkate Lounge. 15 Nov-14 Jan

Queen's House Ice Rink

Two smiling kids stand next to penguin-shaped skating aids on an outdoor rink at The Queen's House Ice Rink in Greenwich.
Family and friends skating at The Queen's House Ice Rink. Image courtesy of Royal Museums Greenwich.

Skate in the gorgeous surrounds of a Unesco World Heritage Site with a trip to south London's picturesque Queen's House Ice Rink in Greenwich. Glide along the ice like a royal, before treating yourself to a well-deserved winter warmer, while admiring the views over the river Thames and the sparkling lights of Canary Wharf. 23 Nov-7 Jan

Skate West End on Hanover Square

Christmas 2023 in London's West End, known for its extraordinary theatre scene, sees the arrival of a brand new ice rink. Glide around the circular ice rink Skate West End in Hanover Square before warming up with a luxurious hot chocolate. A great pre-show treat, this ice rink is partnering with Great Ormond Street Hospital charity, with £1.00 donated for every ticket sold. 3 Nov-2 Jan

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Ice skaters skate around the ice rink at canary wharf in london, lit in blue light and surrounded by skyscrapers.
Ice Rink Canary Wharf. Image courtesy of The Academy PR

Enjoy a magical ice-skating experience under sparkling lights at Ice Rink Canary Wharf. Flanked by some of London’s tallest skyscrapers, the rink stays open until the end of February, far longer than most other winter London ice rinks. Once your session has ended, head to the rink-side bar for a drink, get competitive on the ice and play a game of curling or check out the many buzzing restaurants and bars nearby. 21 Oct-24 Feb

Skylight London Ice Rink

Rooftop ice skating rink
Skylight London's rooftop ice rink © Skylight London. Image courtesy of Skylight London.

Skate in style at Skylight Ice Rink on Europe's first rooftop skating rink of Tobacco Dock. Besides sweeping views of London’s riverside and frosty fun, enjoy après-skate bars serving cocktails, delicious mulled wine and tasty alpine food, as well as cosy igloos providing the perfect place for a post-skating break. 10 Nov-31 Déc

Year-round ice skating

A girl ice skating on the ice rink at Alexandra Palace during the daytime
Ice skate all year round in London © Alexandra Palace Ice Skating Rink. Image courtesy of Alexandra Palace Ice Skating Rink.

Love ice skating and don't want to wait for winter to go for a spin? Fear not, as these ice rinks are open all year:

Queens

Grab a pair of skates and hit Queens, central London’s only year-round ice rink. 

Alexandra Palace

Get your skates on and enjoy Ally Pally's year-round ice-skating rink, set inside the iconic London landmark.

Lee Valley Ice Centre

Two olympic sized ice rinks have re-opened in East London at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, the perfect occasion to get your skates out. Join public skating sessions or get the family together during one of the disco on ice sessions.

Find more top things to do at Christmas in London, from outdoor markets to festive shows and seasonal tours.

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