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Best 6 places to go ice skating in London in winter 2022

Go ice skating in London on one of the capital's most spectacular ice rinks for a magical winter experience.

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

A young girl skating with a penguin on the ice rink at night time in front of Hampton Court Palace lit up in red, yellow and blue lights
Hampton Court Palace ice rink © Leftfield Images.com / Arena PR Group. Image courtesy of Leftfield Images.com / Arena PR Group.

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

People ice skating around the band stand in Hyde Park at Winter Wonderland on a sunny winter's day
Ice skating at Hyde Park and Winter Wonderland. Image courtesy of Fanatic Creative.

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

A aerial view of Somerset House ice rink at night with people ice skating and the city skyline behind
Skate at Somerset House © Somerset House Press Office / Luke Dyson. Image courtesy of Somerset House Press Office / Luke Dyson.

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

People skating at the Queen's House ice rink in Greenwich at night
Queen's House Ice rink © National Maritime Museum, London. Image courtesy of National Maritime Museum, London.

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

Canary Wharf at night with the office buildings lit up in many colours and reflecting on the water.
Canary Wharf © Joël Vogt / Unsplash. Image courtesy of Joël Vogt / Unsplash.

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

Rooftop ice skating rink
Skylight London's rooftop ice rink © Skylight London. Image courtesy of Skylight London.

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

A girl ice skating on the ice rink at Alexandra Palace during the daytime
Ice skate all year round in London © Alexandra Palace Ice Skating Rink. Image courtesy of Alexandra Palace Ice Skating Rink.

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.

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