As the festive season rapidly approaches, temporary ice rinks are starting to pop up all over London. Our favourite spots include Winter Wonderland, the iconic rink at Somerset House, and Hampton Court Palace. Plus, Glide at Battersea Power Station returns! Keep reading for our guide on the most atmospheric places to go ice skating during the winter months.

Skate at Somerset House

#FLODown: This Christmas, Somerset House's renowned ice rink is getting a delightful makeover thanks to Whispering Angel. In collaboration with Chateau d’Esclans, the creator of Whispering Angel, Somerset House's courtyard is being transformed into a winter wonderland, offering a unique blend of Christmas ice skating and the elegance of rosé. The Whispering Angel Skate Lounge, adorned in pink hues and retro skate decorations, provides a perfect place to unwind after skating, serving a variety of hot and cold rosé-based cocktails, including the seasonal favourite, Mulled Whispering Angel. Skate Lates, with Rock Angel, offers curated evenings with contemporary DJs and artists like Pxssy Palace and RAW SILK as the sun sets.

Date: 15 November 2023 - 14 January 2024. Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.Price: £24/£12.50 adult/child. Book now.

Skate West End

#FLODown: Skate West End, London's newest festive ice rink located in the charming Hanover Square, offers a new skate experience in London. Glide gracefully across the ice in this historic setting or cosy up at the heartwarming seasonal bar. A portion of every ticket sold supports the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, aiding in vital research into paediatric brain tumours. Whether you're seeking after-work amusement, planning a romantic date night, or taking a break from your holiday shopping spree, make Skate West End the standout highlight of your Christmas season!

Date: 4 November 2023 - 1 January 2024. Location: Hanover Square, London, W1S 1JA. Price: £19.50/£16.50 adult/child. Book now.

Hampton Court Ice Rink 

#FLODown: Skate around the former home of King Henry VIII as Hampton Court Palace transforms itself for all of the festive fun. The Tudor Palace is an impressive backdrop for ice skating, especially when lit up at night. After your skating session head to the bar for hot chocolate, mulled wine, and mince pies!

Date: 17 November 2023 - 7 January 2024. Location: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, Price: from £19/£14 adult/child. Book now.

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park 

#FLODown: Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland is home to all things festive, including London’s biggest ice skate rink. Get your skates on at London's biggest ice rink in the UK, and the festivities don’t stop there, with Christmas markets, circus shows, fairground rides, games aplenty, and heaps of street food you will be spoilt for choice with what to do after.

Date: 17 November 2023 - 1 January 2024. Location: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 2UH, Price: from £11.50/ £8.50 adult/children. Book now.

Queen's House Ice Rink

#FLODown: Set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Queen’s House Ice Rink is surrounded by iconic architecture, with views of Greenwich Park to the glittering lights of Canary Wharf in the east, providing an epic backdrop for a wonderful ice skating sessions. 

Date: 23 November 2023 - 7 January 2024. Location: Queen’s House, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF. Price: from £17/£10 adult/child. Concessions available. Book now.

Canary Wharf Ice Rink

#FLODown: Skate amongst London’s largest sky scrappers at Ice Rink, Canary Wharf. The ice rink is complete with a clear roof so come rain or shine, skating will be happening. Post-skate get cosy at Off Piste, the area’s new alpine-theme bar for festive drinks and the best views of all the action on the ice. If you have been looking for an excuse to head to London's very own concrete jungle, now you have one – and, FYI, Ice Rink Canary Wharf will stay open until February if you fancy extending the festivities post Christmas!

Date: 21 October 2023 - 24 February 2024. Location: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, E14. Price: from £17.95/£13.50 adult/child. Book now.

Skylight Tobacco Dock

#FLODown: Skylight Tobacco Dock will once again transform itself into a festive wonderland, complete with London’s only rooftop ice rink. Offering impressive views of east London in the distance, expect to find heated après-skate bars serving cocktails, cosy drinks and tasty street food. For the ultimate post-skate gathering, their cosy heated igloos and huts surrounding the ice rink are back and can be booked in advance for a fee. 

Date: 10 November 2023 - 1 January 2024. Location: Skylight Tobacco Dock, London E1W 2SF. Price: from £15. Book now.

Glide at Battersea Power Station 

#FLODown: The newly opened Battersea Power Station has announced London's first and only riverside ice rink, Glide. Set against the iconic towers of the former power station, Glide is made up of three interconnecting rinks with a spectacular Christmas tree as its centrepiece. Off the ice, there is plenty to enjoy including a selection of vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment, photo booths and lots of food and drink inside the iconic power station. 

Date: 10 November 2023 - 7 January 2024. Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Nine Elms, London SW11 8EZ. Price: £12.50/ £8.50 adult/child. Book now.