From stunning historic locations to modern surroundings, check out London's best outdoor ice-skating rinks. Temporary ice rinks pop up in iconic settings throughout the city and are among the top attractions over Christmas and New Year.
Most ice rinks usually begin to pop up in November – the locations listed below host some of the top ice-skating rinks in London.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Drop by Hampton Court Palace for a quick spin on the ice, or make a day of it after exploring the former home of King Henry VIII. The Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is set against the palace's spectacular Tudor facade, which lights up with beautiful colours as darkness falls. After skating, quench your thirst with a warming drink at the ice rink’s bar. Nov-Jan TBC
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Get your skates on at the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Glide around a Victorian bandstand, beneath a canopy of fairy lights, and enjoy the sounds of a live band on Winter Wonderland’s ice rink. Afterwards, explore the bustling Christmas markets, enjoy the fairground and tuck into seasonal food. Nov-Jan TBC
Somerset House Ice Rink
Glide along the ice at one of London’s most picture-pretty locations with Skate at Somerset House. Spin around the neoclassical courtyard with its giant Christmas tree during a daytime skating session or make the most of late-night skates, with DJ soundtracks playing under the stars. Afterwards, warm up with an indulgent hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat, or sip on a cocktail or two in the Moët & Chandon Skate Lounge. Nov-Jan TBC
Queen's House Ice Rink
Skate in the gorgeous surrounds of a Unesco World Heritage Site with a trip to south London's picturesque Queen's House Ice Rink in Greenwich. Glide along the ice like a royal, before treating yourself to a well-deserved winter warmer, while admiring the views over the river Thames and the sparkling lights of Canary Wharf. Nov-Jan TBC
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Enjoy a magical ice-skating experience under sparkling lights at Ice Rink Canary Wharf. Flanked by some of London’s tallest skyscrapers, the rink stays open until the end of February, far longer than most other winter London ice rinks. Once your session has ended, head to the rink-side bar for a drink or check out the many buzzing restaurants and bars nearby. Oct-Feb TBC
Skylight London Ice Rink
Skate in style at Skylight Ice Rink, which you can find on the rooftop of Tobacco Dock. Besides sweeping views of London’s riverside, find heated après-skate bars serving cocktails, warming drinks and tasty street food, as well as cosy igloos providing the perfect place for a post-skating break. Nov-Jan TBC
Year-round ice skating
Love ice skating and don't want to wait for winter to go for a spin? Fear not, as these ice rinks are open all year:
Queens
Grab a pair of skates and hit Queens, central London’s only year-round ice rink.
Alexandra Palace
Get your skates on and enjoy Ally Pally's year-round ice-skating rink, set inside the iconic London landmark.
Find more top things to do at Christmas in London, from outdoor markets to festive shows and seasonal tours.