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

Glide at Battersea Power Station

While central London is mourning the loss of the Natural History Museum’s ice rink this winter, its loss is south London’s gain, as the team behind it – who are also in charge of the rink at Winter Wonderland – have opened a seasonal ice rink outside the newly opened Battersea Power Station. Practice your spins, glides and twirls across three interconnecting ice rinks watched over by twinkling fairy lights and a giant, glowing Christmas tree. There's vintage funfair rides too, and cabins serving steaming mugs of mulled wine.

Skate at Somerset House

Skate at Somerset House runs from mid-November until mid-January and the season is littered with several special events, including UNIQLO Skate Lates and rink-side DJ sets. Glide in front of a majestic 40ft Christmas tree, then make an occasion of it by slipping into chef Jimmy Garcia's Chalet Suisse for an Alpine-themed feast.

Queen’s House ice rink, Greenwich

The ice rink in front of the Queen’s House in Greenwich has returned for the fourth 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.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ice rink

There's plenty to excite 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.

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.

Rooftop ice rink, Skylight, Tobacco Dock

Wapping's highest party playground is being frozen over once again this winter as Skylight brings back its rooftop ice rink, hosting ice skating drag shows as well as the chance to skid around yourself. once you're all done skating, cosy up in one of its igloos with a festive spread: hot chocolates, mulled wine and Alpine comfort foods are all on the menu.

Alexandra Palace ice rink

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 in 2019 when it featured in the Emma Thompson-helmed flick Last Christmas (pictured).

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Canada is known for its skating rinks, and London's very own Canada Square Park is no exception. This glittering gem is up and running for the whole winter season, and features fantastic lights and sparkling ice for a magical afternoon.