After a year-long hiatus, one of London’s most cinematic ice rinks is back and open for bookings. In just a little over a week (21 November 2025), the Queen’s House Ice Rink will once again transform the historic heart of Greenwich into a picture-perfect winter scene – framed by the Queen’s House and the Thames, with the skyline of Canary Wharf in the distance.
The charming, village-like festive atmosphere sets the Queen’s House Ice Rink apart from its more touristy counterparts (yes, we’re looking at the likes of Skate at Somerset House and the new Glide at Battersea Power Station). It feels miles away from the West End’s chaos – likely a much-appreciated change of pace if you prefer your winter outings a little calmer and a lot less crowded.
What’s new this year?
But this year doesn’t just mark a comeback; it’s a full glow-up. For starters, there’s a new Skate On/Skate Off ‘Pit Lane’, which lets skaters step off the ice without giving up their slot.
So if you’ve ever wanted a quick breather – whether that’s for a sneaky mulled wine, a decadent hot chocolate, or simply a moment to soak in the lively atmosphere around the rink — you can now duck out and jump back in without losing a minute of your precious ice time.
And for those who don’t fancy queuing in the cold, the VIP ticket lets you skip the line and slide straight in, celebrity-style. Aside from fast-entry, it also offers a dedicated boot-hire desk, bag check, and a complimentary warm-up drink.
Parents will appreciate the quiet and toddler-friendly sessions, and students can claim the rink on Wednesdays, where a £14 ticket includes both a rink slot and a warming drink. There are also discounts for Blue Light workers, schools, and community groups, making this one of the city’s most inclusive festive experiences.
Food and drinks from Zero Degrees
When the skating’s done, Zero Degrees – the on-site restaurant – is on hand with comforting plates of mac ’n’ cheese, pizza, and the kind of crowd-pleasing food you’ll likely desperately want after an hour on the ice.
And if you’re coming for the photos (no shame there), few backdrops rival this: the Queen’s House (a UNESCO World Heritage site, by the way, and a simply stunning architectural landmark) with the Old Royal Naval College behind it, all set against the river.
This year’s edition also doubles down on sustainability. The open-air rink is now the only large ice rink in the UK to be fully powered by the grid, making it one of the most environmentally conscious large-scale rinks in the UK.
Key details:
- When: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (closed December 25)
- Where: Queen’s House, Greenwich, SE10 9NF
- Tickets: Adults/teens from £19 off-peak, children from £16.50 (+ booking fee)
- VIP: From £25 adults/teens, £22.50 children – includes perks
- Offers: Community Mondays (£5), Student Wednesdays (£14 incl. drink), Toddler sessions (£15 for parent + child), 20% off for students & Blue Light workers
- Food: Zero Degrees Restaurant, plus pit-lane drinks and snacks
- Bookings: Tickets available here
See also:
Skate at Somerset House: The most iconic Christmas rink is back
Meet La Familia, Soho’s new two-storey taqueria and tequila den
A new stage for Amazing Grace: the live music bar is opening in Canary Wharf