Whether you’re channelling your inner Torvill and Dean or donning skates for the first time, there’s no better place to take to the ice than London. All around the city are gleaming veneers of pristine ice, both enclosed and open air, beckoning for the kind of exhilarating chills and thrills that only a pair of bladed shoes and an extremely slick surface can give you.
So you can add a novel twist to your winter city holiday, here are some of the best ice rinks in London.
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
The only place where a frosty welcome is actually well-received, Alexandra Palace Ice Rink is arguably the best in London. No matter when you choose to take your city break in London, this year-round ice rink will invite you onto the ice, be it for guided lessons or solo play. Especially romantic at Christmas, this rink also hosts performances on ice – great for all the family.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Canary Wharf’s covered rink boasts 1,200sqm of ice, suitable for skating whatever the weather. Open for 18 weeks from 22nd October 2023, it provides endless hours of fun for all generations. Once you’ve skated all you can skate (or if you’ve bypassed the rink entirely), enjoy the great rink-side bar offering beverages and spectating opportunities.
Skate at Somerset House
Skate at Somerset House with Moët & Chandon is one of the capital’s best winter experiences, offering everything from multi-generational skate schools to all-nighter DJ sets. Running from November 2023 to January 2024, the attraction transforms the courtyard of this stunning Neoclassical complex into a glorious ice rink, overlooked by a magnificent 40ft Christmas tree.
Hampton Court Ice Rink
Situated in the grounds of Henry VIII’s former home, the 1,040sqm, open-air Hampton Court Ice Rink (open from November to January) provides one of the most magical settings for a wintry skate – especially after dark when countless lights illuminate the 500-year-old Tudor palace. Skating aids are available for youngsters (sorry grownups) and there is an onsite café serving hot drinks and mince pies too.
Queen's House Ice Rink
For the wobblers and the weavers, the pupils and the pros, it’s hard to beat the Queen’s House Ice Rink when it comes to beautiful places to skate. Set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ice rank is overlooked by iconic buildings, including the Queen’s House and National Maritime Museum, and affords stunning views of Greenwich Park, the River Thames and the shimmering lights of Canary Wharf. Head over between November and January.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
From November to January, you can visit the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Peppered around the rink are a wide range of attractions, including Christmas stalls and carnival rides, while the ice rink itself provides the opportunity to skate and glide under open skies. At 1,765sqm, there’s more than enough space to practice your pirouettes or cling to the side as you please.
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