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The most magical places to go ice skating in London this Christmas

From Somerset House’s much-loved offering to London’s only riverside rink, these are the loveliest place to take a spin around the ice this winter

Nothing marks the start of the holiday season quite like ice skating in London. The most magical ice rinks pop up at some of the most iconic locations across the city. Whether it’s a late-night spin at Somerset House’s Skate Lates, a twirl by the Thames at Battersea Power Station or a sky-high turn on the ice above the clouds that you’re after, this year’s offerings have got you covered. Here, we’ve rounded up the best ice rinks in London to pay a visit to this Christmas 2022.

The Glossary Edit

Ice Skating in London

Skate at Somerset House
Until 15 January 2023
The Best Rinks For Ice Skating In LondonPin

Somerset House’s beloved ice rink, set within the beautifully-lit courtyard of the iconic central London landmark, has become one of the capital’s leading festive attractions over recent years. This winter they’ve teamed up with champagne house Moët & Chandon for their wintry offering, with a 40ft Christmas tree adorned with shimmering champagne corks and a rinkside lounge where you can order a glass of Rosé Impérial as you watch people glide around the ice. Alongside that there’ll also be pop-up king Jimmy Garcia’s Chalet Suisse, serving winter warming dishes like raclette and truffle fondue, and the ever-popular Skate Lates, which sees musical acts and top DJs take to the decks. 

The Strand, Covent Garden, London WC2R 1LA
somersethouse.org.uk

Glide at Battersea Power Station
Until 8 January 2023
The Best Rinks For Ice Skating In LondonPin

After years of fevered anticipation, Battersea Power Station has finally opened its doors to the public, and with it one of the capital’s shiniest new places to go ice skating in London. Set against the backdrop of those iconic chimneys, this is the only riverside rink in the capital, offering epic views over the Thames as you skate. Spend the afternoon spinning around the three interconnected rinks, which are all overlooked by a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree, before relaxing with a mulled wine in one of the cosy cabins or hopping on a vintage funfair ride. Turns out this opening was more than worth the wait. 

Circus Road, Battersea, London SW8 5BN
batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Skylight Tobacco Dock
Until early January 2023
The Best Rinks For Ice Skating In LondonPin

Fancy a bit of high-altitude skating? Then sign up for Skylight’s ice skating rink in the sky, the only rooftop ice rink in Europe. Offering up spectacular views across the city’s skyline, take a spin on the ice with London glittering in the background before booking in to one of their Christmas igloos, cosy Alpine huts or après skate lodge for a night of festive cocktails, warming mulled wine and Alpine-inspired street food dishes. 

Pennington Street, Wapping, London E1W 2SF
skylightbars.com

The Queen’s House Ice Rink
17 November 2022 – 8 January 2022
The Best Rinks For Ice Skating In LondonPin

There’s something particularly special about being able to skate around a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is exactly what you get at the Queen’s House ice rink. Set in the shadow of one of England’s finest examples of seventeenth-century Palladian architecture, the rink boasts one of the most enviable locations in London, with views of Greenwich Park to the south and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf across the Thames to the north. On a crisp winter’s day there’s nowhere more atmospheric. 

Romney Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF
rmg.co.uk

Winter Wonderland
18 November 2022 – 2 January 2023
The Best Rinks For Ice Skating In LondonPin

As well as being home to one of London’s finest Christmas markets, the festive extravaganza that is Winter Wonderland is also where you’ll find the UK’s largest open-air ice rink. Set around the charming Victorian bandstand in the heart of Hyde Park, it’s the ideal spot for an afternoon of festive family fun. Take a turn on the ice before browsing the hundreds of market stalls, trying out the various fairground rides and taking part in an ice sculpting workshop, where you’ll learn how to craft your own frosty masterpiece from the experts responsible for building the spectacular Magical Ice Kingdom. 

Hyde Park, Kensington, London W2 4RU
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

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