Where to go ice skating: London rinks to glide on this winter

Skate at Somerset House

Skate at Somerset House is celebrating its 20th year this winter with special events as well as daily opportunities to show off your leaps, twirls and styled-out falls on the ice. The ice rink, with its backdrop of crisp Georgian architecture, has become a beloved staple of London's winter season.

Here, you can glide in front of a 40ft Christmas tree laden with Fortnum & Mason's hampers, then head inside F&M’s on-site skate lodge, to warm up with a hot chocolate or steaming plate of Welsh rarebit.

Celebrations also include London's first ever 24-hour skating event (7 – 8 December), which is being held in conjunction with the launch of Somerset House’s winter season and the opening of the major exhibition, 24/7.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Under the shadow of Alfred Waterhouse’s Natural History Museum and surrounded by glittering Christmas trees is a South Kensington ice rink that is a recurring holiday favourite among families – and rightly so.

The 1,000 square-metre rink is situated between bustling local cafés and exciting museums, and can get a little crowded, so booking an early morning slot might be best for those who want to glide in peace. Children can sharpen up their skating skills by joining the Penguin Skate Club, which offers lessons to children aged four to eight.

Hampton Court Palace

If the Tudor apartments, kitchens and glorious views over looking banks of the historic Thames hasn't been enough to tempt you to visit Hampton Court Palace, then their skating rink might just do the trick. The ice rink is situated spectacularly beside the red brick Tudor front and is joined by the Ice Bar & Café, offering a welcome place for skaters to stop and snack.

Kids looking to improve their skating skills can enlist the help of one of Hampton Court's patient instructors, who can organise a personal, supervised skate session to get them up to speed.

Skylight, Tobacco Dock

London's first-ever rooftop ice skating rink is making a return appearance at Skylight this winter. The Tobacco Dock hangout is swapping its famous croquet lawns and summer Pimms for something decidedly more festive for the winter season.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

There's plenty to keep little fingers and toes warm at the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland this year, including an all-important, glittering ice rink. Set around a Victorian bandstand and lit by the glow of 100,000 Christmas lights, the rink is one of the most festive you'll find in London. Sessions run every hour on the hour and last 50 minutes. The park recommends turning up 20 minutes before your booked session.