Where to go ice skating in London

Following an extensive renovation and expansion in 2023, the Lee Valley Ice Centre now proudly houses one of only three Olympic-sized twin rinks in the entire country. The modern facility is open all year and features an assortment of leisure amenities, such as a gym, café, community spaces, and more. A diverse range of courses and lessons is offered to make sure no one loses their footing, regardless of prior ice-skating skills.

Among its many entertainment facilities, the historic Ally Pally also sports a year-round ice rink that’s among the best-known in the city, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. You can begin or advance your ice-skating journey here with regular classes, host a birthday party and skate to classic pop hits on ice disco nights. The Alexandra Palace ice rink is also home to local hockey team the Haringey Huskies and hosts regular league matches.

An iconic Central London destination for family fun, Queens boasts an ice rink that's open throughout the year. The venue also encompasses a bowling alley and, in addition to classic skating sessions, offers the bowling and skating hybrid of curling on select nights. There are also retro arcade games, live sports and other entertainment you can enjoy.

The multi-purpose Streatham Ice and Leisure centre offers a range of sports facilities, including an indoor ice rink that’s open throughout the year. The Olympic-sized rink comes with seating for 900 spectators. The programme includes ice skating, lessons and courses, ice hockey and more. You can get an ice-skating membership with unlimited access during public skating sessions and free skate hire.

London’s traditional festive fair in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland, includes an ice-skating rink among the many entertainment options it offers – the largest one in the country, even. You can skate around the park’s Victorian bandstand, beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, with sessions lasting 50 minutes. Due to high demand, booking ahead is advisable.

In winter, Queen’s House, the first classical building in the UK and a former royal residence, sets up an ice rink on its front door. The open-air ice rink on a UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a fantastic setting amidst the iconic Royal Museums Greenwich buildings. The view stretches out towards Canary Wharf, and if there’s snow, the vista is magical. Different sessions are available, including relaxed ones for people who need a calmer environment.

Somerset House, a prominent arts centre in a grand Georgian-era building, sets up a beautiful ice rink in its courtyard each festive season for spectacular Christmas fun. The 2023 edition of this winter mainstay has an alpine feel to it thanks to a collaboration with the Switzerland Tourism, including a 40ft trees, gourmet alpine dining courtesy of pop-up legend Jimmy Garcia, late-night DJ sets and other special events.

Ice Rink Canary Wharf opens as early as October and closes towards the end of February, making it one of the longest-running seasonal ice rinks in London. During the 18 weeks, you can enjoy skating around a covered open-air rink, beneath twinkling fairy lights. Before or after your session, you can pop into the accompanying bar for a drink, or take advantage of the various retailers and business in the surrounding area.

At JW3, the only Jewish Community Centre of its kind in the country, you can skate on a pop-up ice rink beneath shimmering lights from the beginning of December to the beginning of January. Penguin stabilisers and banana toboggans are available for children who are still finding their footing on the ice as well.

As part of its Christmas wonderland, the Westfield London mall sets up an atmospheric open-air ice rink in Westfield Square. Sessions are available throughout the day for individuals as well as groups – you can even hire out the entire rink for a Christmas party. You can complement your festivities with a treat or two at the festive Winter Village, and even pick up some last-minute gifts in the shopping centre.

In front of the rejuvenated and reopened Battersea Power Station, the Glide open-air ice rink boasts a magnificent backdrop thanks to the historic landmark. It’s also London’s only riverside ice rink, meaning it comes with unparalleled views of the Thames as well. The festive experience is enhanced by Christmas lights and ornaments around the three interconnected rinks, and additional live entertainment, funfair rides, food and drink and so on are available too.

Best-known for being the home of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is an impressive Grade I-building. During the festive season, it sets up an outdoor ice-skating ring on its grounds. The relaxed seasonal spot also offers snacks and warming drinks from the on-site café and bar, and you can pay a visit to the palace as part of your trip here as well.

Situated in the heart of the iconic West End, Skate West End is set against a backdrop of historic London landmarks and provides a picturesque setting for open-air ice skating. A seasonal bar provides festive tipples and hot drinks, and the ice rink donates a portion of its profits to Great Ormand Street Hospital.