Ice skating in London is the perfect festive way to celebrate the 2024 Christmas season! We’ve put together a list of the best places to skate in London this winter. Whether you enjoy being in the presence of a palace or want to take in some of London’s iconic buildings whilst on the ice, we have the places for you!
Table of Contents:
- When Do London’s Skating Rinks Open?
- Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
- Glide at Battersea
- Hampton Court Palace
- Ice at Kensington Palace
- Queen’s House
- Somerset House
- Skylight
- Alexandra Palace
- Canary Wharf
- Honourable Mention: Natural History Museum
When Do London’s Skating Rinks Open in 2023?
London has many ice skating rinks, with a few that are open all year round and some that open specifically for the holiday season. Most of the London ice skating rinks in this list open in November and close in January, although some may be open longer. Make sure you check out the timings for when London’s Christmas lights turn on too, to ensure you can do both at once!
Winter Wonderland
Open: 17th November 2023 – 1st January 2024
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has long been held as one of London’s most loved Christmas attractions, and it wouldn’t be complete without its ice rink! Ice skate in this famous London venue through until January. Once you’ve completed your skating session you’ll be able to explore this London Christmas Market and enjoy mulled wine from one of the stands.
Glide at Battersea
Open: 10th November 2023 – 7th January 2024
2023 sees the Glide at Battersea return for its second Christmas season – and with how popular the shopping centre has been this year we’re expecting big things! The new winter London ice rink will feature a 30ft Christmas Tree set against the stunning backdrop of Battersea Power Station. We were lucky enough to ice skate here last Christmas, and its a great atmosphere – although be warned the cracker shape of the rink with the tree in the middle does cause a pinch point!
Hampton Court Palace
Open: 17th November 2023 – 7th January 2024
Each year Hampton Court Palace hosts a truly royal ice skating experience in London. Located less than an hour away from Waterloo via train, Hampton Court is a magical place to skate. With the palace lit up on festive lights after dark, you can experience the home of Henry VIII in a new way! You’ll also be able to indulge in festive treats at the café and bar!
Ice at Kensington Palace
Open: 30th November 2023 – 7th January 2024
Kensington Palace welcomes the UK’s largest ice rink this winter, the size of a football field – giving every skater more space to enjoy their session. The rink is set in the beautiful royal ground of Kensington Palace. In case of rain the rink will be covered, and there is to be a food and shopping experience to go alongside the skating.
Queen’s House
Open: 23rd November 2023 – 7th January 2024
Located on the grounds of the Royal Museums Greenwich, the Queen’s House Ice Rink has beautiful views of both South and North London. This truly is a mesmerising place to enjoy a skating session this Christmas.
Somerset House
Open: 15th November 2023 – 14th January 2024
In partnership with Switzerland Tourism, you can skate at Somerset House, right in the heart of London. This is one of the classic London locations to have some time on the ice, and tickets sell out super quickly so we recommend booking as soon as possible!
Skylight
Open: 11th November 2023 – 31st December 2024
London’s only rooftop ice rink, Skylight, is open at Tobacco Dock. Why not enjoy the beautiful wintery London skyline at the same time!
Alexandra Palace
Open: Year-Round
Alexandra Palace ice rink is the perfect place to get your skates on. This is the destination for ice skating in London all year – so if you’re looking for a fix outside of Christmas, or want to keep your skills up, head here!
Canary Wharf
Open: 21st October 2023 – 24th February 2024
Ice skate beneath the Canary Wharf skyline. Canada Square Park is once again hosting the ice rink this winter, with it having the longest opening dates of the seasonal rinks. With a covered rink, you’ll be able to skate in all weathers!
Honourable Mention to: Natural History Museum (Now Closed)
Sadly 2021 was it’s final year as the space makes way for a city habitat for animals & insects
London’s Natural History Museum used to hold a beautiful ice skating rink every winter. However, 2021 was the last time you could skate at the museum as they will be turning their 5 acres of open space into an urban wildlife hub. The Natural History Museum’s ice rink features a gorgeous Christmas tree decorated with fairy lights. As well as a café bar that features warm festive drinks as well as a viewing area for anyone who doesn’t want to participate in the winter skating!
About The London Eats List
We are a blog dedicated to all things London! Whether you’re on the hunt for the best free museums in London, or are looking for the best place to buy London Christmas gifts, we have the content for you!