Seven Magical Ice Skating Rinks In London

This post will guide you through the best ice skating rinks in London that open to all between November and January each winter season.

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink London — Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Natural History Museum Ice Rink, London

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Natural History Museum Ice Rink, London

Having grown up in a tropical country, ice skating was not an activity which I indulged in frequently. There was one indoor ice rink where birthday parties were often held, but the seasonal attraction of ice skating complimented by winter scenery and Christmas cheer was not something I experienced until moving to England just a few years ago.

Like so many others who enjoy the thrill of their skates gliding across frozen ground in the brisk air, I do my best to take advantage of the three months when ice rinks are open to all, all across the city of London. It’s always enthralling and is one of the best ways of celebrating the holiday festivities in London every winter.

With an atmosphere filled with Christmas classics and twinkly lights,
It’s all a real delight.
Smiling or sliding, it’s all very exciting because each movement is a cheerful glide on polished ice.
Curling and twirling, spinning and turning,
Just hoping to be upright, and not moaning.
And after an hour of mesmerising sights, you can search for flat ground, for warmth – to soften rosy cheeks with hot chocolate mugs and roasted chestnuts.
The tradition of ice skating is not unique – far from it – but you can be ensured that those moments at the rink are never bleak.

It is an experience blessed by child-like wonder, so even if you are completely terrified or lack balance, why not at least give it a go and create your own version of a winter wonderland? Every minutes will be nothing short of a great memory accompanied with low quality pictures and laughter.

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Travel and Accommodation In London

London is one most well connected cities in the world on a local level, so whether you stay in central London or as far as zone 5 on the tube, you will be no more than a 30 minutes ride from these magical light displays.

However, if you would like to be as close to all the Christmas activity as possible, here are three incredible accommodation options in Central London:

A List Of Seven Incredible Ice Rinks To Explore In London

Somerset House Ice Rink

Amongst one of the most iconic of the ice rinks in London, the Somerset House rink offers outdoor adventure surrounded by beautiful architecture for a magical winter experience.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

There is nothing quite like ice skating against the backdrop of a palace, and Hampton Court does not shy away from creating a beautiful experience for every winter visitor that wants to live out their fairy-tale dreams.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

This is one of the most popular and buzzing ice rinks in London and is perfect to make a day out of lively winter activities.

Queen’s House Ice Rink

Another royal residence with an outdoor ice rink, the Queen’s House marks the winter activity with dreamy surroundings of a classical UNESCO World Heritage site, and commanding views of Greenwich Park.

Canary Wharf Ice Rink

Everyone knows how unpredictable British weather is, so if you are afraid to have your day washed out or blown away, leave the outdoor rinks behind and head to Canary Wharf for its weather-proof, but equally festive, rink.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink (officially closed😔)

The Natural History Museum Ice Rink draws crowds for its stunning setting outside one of London’s most mesmerising buildings, festive bar and lovely carousel rides.

Battersea Powerstation Ice Rink

New to the scene for its opening in 2022, the Battersea Powerstation brings London a fun new rink to explore while surrounded by a great selection of stores to enjoy holiday shopping.

What do you think? Are you ready to start ice skating your way around London this winter and enjoy the festive season on ice?