7 best ice skating rinks in London at Christmas

Get your skates on at UK's largest outdoor ice rink at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Glide around a Victorian bandstand under a canopy of fairy lights and enjoy the tunes of a live band on Winter Wonderland’s ice rink. Ice skating is the perfect activity to warm up before exploring the bustling Christmas markets, hopping on thrilling funfair rides and tucking into seasonal food. 21 Nov-5 Jan

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 where you will find the historic chocolate kitchen (pre-book your visit in advance). The Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is set against the palace's spectacular Tudor facade, which lights up with a striking kaleidoscope of colours as darkness falls. After skating, stop by the Ice Café and Bar and indulge in a delicious selection of seasonal refreshments. 22 Nov-5 Jan

London's first and only riverside ice rink returns for another festive season at the iconic Battersea Power Station with a variety activities including vintage fairground rides. A magnificent open-air rink, Glide is made up of three interconnected ice rinks – welcoming skaters of all abilities – with a spectacular 30-foot high Christmas tree as the centrepiece for an extra festive touch. Off the ice, skaters can enjoy live entertainment and fun photo booths. Afterwards, explore Battersea Power Station and its wide range of shops and restaurants, or for the more adventurous, head up to Lift 109 for a 360-degree view. 8 Nov-5 Jan

At the centre of one of Europe's largest shopping centres, enjoy the festive season at Westfield London. After your shopping spree, strap on some skates and join your friends on one of the capital's largest ice rinks, complete with a spectacular 65-foot Christmas tree at its centre. 15 Nov-5 Jan 

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. 26 Oct-23 Feb

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 the Skate Lounge. TBC

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. TBC

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. It's also the only place where you can try your hand at curling all year round!

Alexandra Palace

Get your skates on and enjoy Ally Pally's year-round ice skating rink, set inside the iconic north London landmark. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the capital from Alexandra Palace Park after your session on the ice. The rink also hosts ice hockey matches with their home team, the Haringey Huskies.

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.

Which London building has a famous public ice rink during the winter?

Many of London’s famous buildings transform into ice rinks during the winter, so you can take your pick of beautiful locations to skate in.

Every winter, Somerset House’s picturesque courtyard ice rink offers festive ice skating events for all ages, right in the heart of the city.

Head to the iconic Queen’s House Ice Rink in Greenwich for a magical skate at a Unesco World Heritage Site. You’ll also get to enjoy some of the best views in London.

Or history fans can take a spin at the former home of King Henry VIII – the stunning outdoor ice rink at Hampton Court Palace is the perfect place for a winter adventure.