Where to go ice skating: London 2020's rinks to glide on this winter

Unfortunately, the continuing restrictions around socialising have meant several of London's best-loved festive ice rinks have been unable to return this winter. Among the most popular to announce they'll be postponing their next skating season until 2021 are those at Somerset House, the Natural History Museum, Tower Bridge and Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. Several ice rinks, however, have been able to reopen safely.
Thick socks, scarves and ice skates at the ready: these are the glittering ice rinks welcoming smooth gliders and their Bambi-esque companions alike this winter.

Queen’s House ice rink, Greenwich

The ice rink in front of the Queen’s House in Greenwich has returned for the second year running. Offering architectural vistas to match those found at the Natural History Museum and Somerset House rinks, a session here will see you glide on ice while soaking up the picturesque surroundings of a Unesco World Heritage site.

Hampton Court Palace

If the Tudor apartments, kitchens and glorious views overlooking 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 frontage 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.

Alexandra Palace ice rink

Please note, Ally Pally ice rink is closed while London is in tier 3.

While open all year round, Alexandra Palace ice rink is never more charming than at Christmas, when the glistening chandelier dangling above the ice twinkles with festive cheer. The rink was further certified as a festive venue last year when it featured in the Emma Thompson-helmed flick Last Christmas (pictured).

The rink is welcoming visitors if and when London returns to tier 2, with new health and safety measures in place to ensure a Covid-secure skate.