Glide, twirl, and sparkle in these 7 best ice skating rinks in London
If you’re on the hunt for a new hobby that feels like a sport, there are plenty of options. But one that stands out? Ice skating! Not only is it fun, but when you take it seriously and join competitions, you can rock some seriously cool outfits and look fabulous while you’re at it.
Plus, it’s a perfect way to hang out with friends, even if you’re just skating for fun.
If you’re ready to glide like a pro (or just want to give it a go), London has plenty of ice rinks for you and your crew to check out. Keep reading to find out more!
1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
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Address: Hyde Park, Serpentine Rd
Contact details: +44 20 8233 5400
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s ice rink is a festive favourite in London. It’s part of the magical Winter Wonderland event that transforms Hyde Park into a sparkling hub of fun and cheer.
The rink is huge—1,795 square meters of ice under 100,000 twinkling lights. There is also live music playing as you skate and festive stalls all around which makes the atmosphere feel like magic.
Need a break? No problem. Grab a mulled wine, hot chocolate, or a tasty treat like German sausages from the nearby food stalls. There are also cosy, themed bars to help you warm up in style.
Pro tip:
Don’t just stick to skating. Check out over 100 attractions, including exciting circus shows and the Magical Ice Kingdom in Hyde Park. It’s filled with amazing ice sculptures inspired by classic stories.
2. Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
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Address: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way
Contact details: +44 20 8365 4386
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 1 PM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM – 4:30 PM
Price: $
The Alexandra Palace Ice Rink in North London is a great spot for skating fans or anyone up for a fun time. Set inside the historic Alexandra Palace, it’s perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
With its Olympic-sized rink, there’s plenty of space for public skating, figure skating, and ice hockey. It’s open year-round and also hosts regular sessions and even fun disco nights on the ice.
Named the UK’s favourite ice rink in 2023 by Amazonslot’s ranking, it’s popular with families. It also offers sessions for kids as young as three and exciting weekend events like themed discos.
When you need a break, the cosy café and bar nearby have you covered with snacks and drinks.
Pro tip:
New to skating or looking to improve? Book a session with their professional instructors to make your time on the ice both fun and safe.
3. QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl
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Address: 17 Queensway
Contact details: +44 20 7229 0172
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$$
Since opening in 1930 as the QUEENS Ice Club, QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl has become the UK’s oldest ice rink and a big part of London’s history. The rink itself is huge, 1,100 square metres in size. It’s open all year, making it a popular spot for skaters of all levels.
This place has a cool history too. It was the first to show ice skating on TV and even helped train contestants for Dancing On Ice.
Sessions last an hour and are perfect for everyone, whether you’re just starting or looking to fine-tune your skills. With fun lighting and themed nights, skating here is more than just a sport; it’s an experience.
Just a heads-up: kids under 18 aren’t allowed after 7 PM. The vibe stays more adult in the evening and totally family-friendly earlier in the day.
Pro tip:
If you’re in the mood for a blast from the past, head to the arcade section for classics like Street Fighter 2 and Donkey Kong. It’s a fun way to switch things up if you get tired from skating.
4. Ice Rink Canary Wharf
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Address: Canada Square
Contact details: +44 20 7418 2423
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Ice Rink Canary Wharf is an ice skating spot in the heart of London’s financial district. The rink is covered, so you can skate rain or shine.
Located in Canada Square Park, the rink is surrounded by Canary Wharf’s iconic skyscrapers. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby to enjoy after skating.
The rink is accessible, with skate aids for kids and wheelchair access. Sessions last about 45 minutes, and there are plenty throughout the day.
It’s less crowded than other popular spots, making it a relaxed option for families, couples, or corporate events. The rink also hosts themed nights like Halloween and retro music events featuring hits from the ’80s and ’90s.
Pro tip:
If you’d rather watch than skate, head to the Oasis Bar just steps away from the rink. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some refreshments after your session.
5. Lee Valley Ice Centre
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Address: Lee Valley Ice Centre, Lea Bridge Rd
Contact details: +44 300 003 0624
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 7 AM – 11 PM
Price: $
Lee Valley Ice Centre reopened in June 2023 after a big renovation. Originally built in 1984, it’s now one of the UK’s top ice skating spots with two Olympic-sized rinks, making it one of only three venues in the country with this setup.
Owned by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, it caters to recreational and competitive ice sports. The centre has two rinks—one for public skating with a fun disco vibe and seating for spectators and another for events and competitions with digital scoreboards.
It also offers spaces for various activities and focuses on sustainability, using heat pumps and recycling ice melt water for irrigation.
The centre is also home to the Lee Valley Lions ice hockey team and hosts ice hockey events and training.
Pro tip:
Book your tickets in advance! Not only does this guarantee you get your preferred skating session, but it can also save you some cash. Tickets booked ahead of time often come with discounts, so it’s worth planning ahead.
6. Glide at Battersea Power Station
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Address: Nine Elms
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Glide at Battersea Power Station offers a unique winter experience with the beautiful Battersea Power Station and the River Thames as its backdrop. The rink features three interconnected ice rinks, giving skaters plenty of space to glide and show off their moves.
Glide is perfect for families, couples, and friends. Families with younger kids can make use of the penguin skate aids to help them join in the fun.
Plus, there are accessible sessions with adjusted lighting and music for those who need a quieter environment to skate.
Pro tip:
When you’re taking a break from skating, check out the vintage-style fairground rides or enjoy live entertainment at The Glass House. It’s the perfect spot to warm up with a seasonal drink and relax while soaking in the view of the rink and the historic power station.
7. Ice Rink at Winter Village, Westfield London
Media credits: westfieldlondon
Address: 1081 Ariel Way
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: $
Located in the heart of one of London’s biggest shopping malls, The Ice Rink at Winter Village is the perfect spot to skate and shop. The rink is huge, covering 1,000 square meters, so there’s plenty of room for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
It’s super family-friendly, with special sessions for parents and toddlers. There are also times set aside for kids with additional needs. Younger skaters can use aids to help them stay steady on the ice.
Kids aged 3-9 need an adult on the ice with them, but those 10-12 can skate while an adult watches from the sidelines.
Pro tip:
If you prefer a quieter experience, head to the rink during the first hour of the day, when music is toned down and strobe lights are switched off.