Get your skates on! It's time to experience another magical winter in one of the capitals spectacular ice rinks...
Nothing get's you in the winter spirit like chucking on some skates and gliding (or stumbling) around an ice rink. It's a seasonal rite of passage that has been enjoyed by generations and it's back. From beautiful historic locations to magnificent roof top views, London has plenty of rinks for you to choose from. Starting around mid November and closing mid January there's months for you and your friends to select your favourite rink and skate around like an (un)graceful swan. Enjoy!
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU
Fun fact: back in Henry VIII's day, the River Thames used to freeze over and was enjoyed by many (we hope!). Nowadays, though the Thames may not freeze, you can still enjoy ice skating at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink with the stunning historical Tudor backdrop of the kings old residence. Open from November 18th 2022 to January 8th 2023 (apart from Christmas day), you can make a day of it, exploring the palace, grabbing a mulled wine or hot chocolate and gorging on a mince pie.
Ticket prices start at £13 for children and £17.50 for adults, or if ice skating is something you want to make the most of this winter, a season ticket costs £210. A session is 45 minutes; just enough for you to work up an appetite and grab something from the café and bar afterwards- a royally good idea...
Canary Wharf
Canada Square, London, E14 5AB
Since the sad, permanent closure of the Natural History Museum's ice rink, Canary Wharf ice rink has had to take over as one of London's most popular ice skating venues and it's really stepped up to par; as the rink has the longest ice skating season. Running from 22nd October to 25th February and closing only on Christmas day, all winter half terms are covered (great for keeping the little ones busy).
Ice skating sessions here last approximately 50 minutes, and you have over 1275 square-meters of ice to glide over. The best part? They have a magnificent roof with a giant disco ball in the centre meaning you can skate whatever the weather.
Once worn out in the rink (or you're doen falling over) head over to the rink-side OffPiste bar for a drink or check out the many surrouding restaurants and bars. You have a huge choice of family friendly restaurants including popular chains such as Wahaca and Five guys. There's also an alpine style pop up bar with czech beer, tables nestled by a fireside and blankets to keep you cosy!
Tickets cost from £14.95 per child and £19.95 per adult. You can purchase them online beforehand here.
Check out more of what's on in Canary Wharf here.
Somerset House
Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
Running from 16th November 2022 to 15th January 2023 is 'Skate at Somerset House'. Now, we're not ones to have favourites, but we do have a soft spot for this venue. Not only because of its picture perfect courtyard setting (IG stories at the ready), but all the surrounding buildings are completely transformed into a magical Christmas market where you can find everything from traditional decorations, gifts to buy loved ones, hampers and much more. So those who'd rather stay off the ice are also entertained.
You can choose to either spend the day spinning around courtyard taking in the neoclassical architecture and the centrepiece that is their 40ft Christmas tree (specially decorated by Möet & Chandon) giving Trafalgar Square a run for it's money; or have a late night skate with DJ's filling the atmosphere with lively music and the smell of hot chocolate lingering in the air (courtesey of Hotel Chocolat).
Tickets range from £7.50-£11 for children and £10- £22 for adults.
If you're hoping to get a little more acquainted with the ice, there's a skate school where you can brush up on your skills. Find more information here!
Winter Wonderland
Bandstand Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
A yearly pilgrimage for many a Londoner and tourist, Winter Wonderland boasts the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK and is bang smack in the centre of the city. Set under a canopy of twinkly lights and built around the renowned Victorian bandstand in Hyde Park you can visit the rink anytime from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily. The ice rink will be open from the 18th November till 2nd January.
During the sessions different bands will be entertaining skaters and spectators with live music.
Ticket prices start at £7.50 for children and £10.50 for adults.
After you're done skating you have the whole of Winter Wonderland to explore. You'll be spoilt with fairground rides, shows, food and drink, bustling Christmas Markets and music. The perfect place to get lost in the magic.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London, SW8 5BN
New to the scene is London's first and only riverside rink. Situated in the newly renovated Grade II listed Battersea Power Station is Glide at Battersea Power Station - a magnificent open-air rink consisting of three interconnecting ice rinks (so there will be no boredome of going around in circles), all centred around a wondrous 30ft tall Christmas tree.
Ticket prices start from just £8 per child and £10 per adult. Glide is open from 11th November to 8th January.
After you skate you can enjoy vintage- style fairground rides, live entertainment, mulled wine in a cosy cabin, and delicious food from local vendors curating an entirely magical experience for you and whoever joins.
The neighborhood itself is like it's own little hub within London. With over 120 shops, bars, cafés, restaurants, entertainment venues and easy access, there is no reason why you shouldn't go and check out this years newest and hottest (or coolest) ice skating attraction.