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Best 8 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. Check back later for confirmed details of the best London ice-skating rinks for 2023.

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.

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.

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 an indulgent hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat, or sip on a cocktail or two in the Moët & Chandon Skate Lounge.

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.

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 or check out the many buzzing restaurants and bars nearby.

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 the rooftop of Tobacco Dock. Besides sweeping views of London’s riverside, find heated après-skate bars serving cocktails, warming drinks and tasty street food, as well as cosy igloos providing the perfect place for a post-skating break.

Battersea Power Station Glide Ice Rink

An electronic illustration of Battersea Power Station in London with the brand new ice skating rink at the front of the building.
Illustration of the brand new Glide ice rink at Battersea Power Station. Image courtesy of Solid Creative Ltd.

London's first and only riverside ice rink is at Battersea Power Station. A magnificent open-air rink, Glide is made up of three interconnecting rinks with a spectacular Christmas tree as its centrepiece. Off the ice, skaters can enjoy vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment and fun photo booths.

Westfield ice rink at the Winter Village

A drawing of a Christmas tree standing in the middle of an ice rink at the Westfield Winter Village with families and friends gliding over the ice, all coloured in red and white.
London Westfield ice rink Winter Village, image courtesy of HKS Strategies
At the centre of one of Europe's largest shopping centres, enjoy the festive season at Westfield London and its Winter Village. 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 spectacular illuminations. Other activities taking place in Westfield Square include Christmas choirs, bowling with elves, and a chance to meet Santa!

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.

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

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