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.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Take a break from exploring the wonders of the Natural History Museum to check out their spectacular skating rink, with an incredible Christmas tree situated in the centre of the ice.

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.

Winterville, Clapham Common

Winterville will see Clapham Common transformed into the trendiest festive experience this holiday season, with their 600-foot ice rink a hub of all the action.

Hampton Court Palace

Don't miss this opportunity to skate circles around the redbrick Tudor apartments at Hampton Court Palace. The scenic ice rink is a yearly staple for any skating enthusiast.

Television Centre Ice Rink

You’ve seen it on TV, but not like this: Television Centre takes on winter with an ice rink and a 20ft Christmas tree in its cylindrical forecourt. If your skating skills have got a bit rusty, the ice rink offers lessons for beginners and advanced skaters alike.

Skyline Skating by John Lewis & Partners, Oxford Street

John Lewis & Partners launched a brand new Skyline Skating experience last winter on the rooftop of its flagship Oxford Street store, in collaboration with gin brand Sipsmith. It featured hot gin cocktails, pies courtesy of MYPIE and a chance to glide on ice across one of London’s largest roof gardens. Skyline Skating took London’s winter ice skating scene quite literally to new levels, so here's hoping it returns again this winter.

Canary Wharf Ice Rink

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