Whether you’re after a full festive day out, a quick pre-theatre glide, or a backdrop steeped in history, the city’s rinks each offer their own version of seasonal sparkle.

From iconic pop-ups under thousands of lights to grand palace settings and reliable indoor favourites, here’s your at-a-glance guide to the very best places to skate in London this winter – complete with prices, dates and updates for 2025.

1. Skate at Somerset

If you only skate at one rink this winter, make it Somerset House (I mean, come on – it’s basically a rom‑com setting). The neoclassical courtyard gets turned into a frosty wonderland between 12 November 2025 and 11 January 2026, complete with a towering Christmas tree, food chalets, cosy winter treats, and DJ‑led “Skate Lates” nights.

Whether you’re a newbie clutching the rail or someone confident with your edges – the rink offers relaxed sessions and shares the courtyard vibe with shoppers and onlookers.

2. Queen’s House Rink

Fancy a skate that feels a little more… regal? Head to The Queen’s House rink in Greenwich- set in the shadow of a UNESCO‑listed building, with views over the Thames and Canary Wharf skyline. After a hiatus last year, the rink is now officially back and open from the 21 November 2025 until 4 January 2026, with 45‑minute sessions, plus a “pit‑stop lane” and a café if you need to rest mid‑session. It’s quieter than the big rinks, which makes it perfect for families and casual skaters.

3. Glide at Battersea Power Station

Want riverside skating with a skyline view and a bit of festive flair? Glide at Battersea Power Station ticks all those boxes: three interlinked rinks, a brand‑new 200 metre scenic skate trail for 2025, and a 30 ft Christmas tree to top it all off.

Open from 7 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, it’s ideal for a fun outing with friends, a romantic date, or a family day out. And when you’re off the ice, there’s the Glass House bar for hot choc (or something stronger), and the whole Battersea Power Station complex is nearby for shopping, dinner or drinks.

4. Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

The UK’s largest outdoor rink swirls beneath a canopy of fairy lights, built around Hyde Park’s Victorian bandstand. You glide under twinkling lights, maybe with a (very expensive) mulled wine or hot chocolate on offer when you’re done, then wander into the massive market stalls, rides or ice-kingdom displays (if you fancy a bit more than just skating). For 2025 the season runs 14 November–1 January, with tickets from £11.50–£17.50 for adults, £8.50–£12.50 for kids (skates included). It’s perfect if you want more than a skate – think full-on winter fun with friends or family: lights, food, skating, and a bit of that chaotic Christmas-market energy.

5. Skate Leicester Square

Skate Leicester Square is that “pop-up, just-for-the-season” rink – right in the heart of the West End, circling the statue in the middle of the square, with all the festive lights, market stalls and buzz of central London around you. Sessions start every 15 minutes (smooth for last-minute decisions), with each slot lasting about 45 minutes — so it’s easy to squeeze in before or after theatre, dinner or a night out.

It’s ideal if you want a quick, convenient skate without long travel or planning – more “pop-in, slosh around on ice, grab hot choc, back to West End” than big-day outing. It’s open now, until the 4th of January.

6. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Hampton Court’s ice rink is more like a winter-time day-trip: you skate beneath historic palace walls (yes, the same old bricks from Henry -VIII’s time), surrounded by fairy lights, maybe a bit of frost — a proper blend of history + seasonal fun. Sessions run from 21 November 2025 until 4 January 2026 (excluding 25 Dec), and prices start from £18 for adults, £13.50 for kids, family tickets from £46. If you want skating with a side of heritage, a little calm, and a bit more of a proper outing than “glide-and-go,” this one’s great — especially with a café and bakery treats for warming up post-skate.

7. Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

If rain or wind scares you – or you just prefer indoors – Alexandra Palace Ice Rink keeps its doors open year-round (yes, not just seasonal), so you don’t have to gamble on British weather. For winter 2025 they’ve got sessions (including festive events over December) and general tickets cost £18, with cheapert options for children. Sessions last around 90 minutes, so you do have double the skate time than in most other ice skating rinks.