The Best Places For Ice Skating In London
Ice skating should never be pigeon holed to just winter, it's a perfect all year round activity and we've put together a list for you to find the perfect London skate spots to enjoy whatever the weather, whenever.
The Ice Rink at Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
Did you know that Alexandra Palace has an ice rink that’s open all year round? Well, ice aficionados certainly do - it was voted the UK’s Best Ice Rink in 2023, and it’s not hard to see why!
The iconic ice rink at Ally Pally hosts local ice hockey heroes the Haringey Greyhounds, and you can step onto that very ice for a two hour skate session two to three times a day (see the website for details relating to the day of your visit), with a Standard ticket costing £11.
Alexandra Palace is also a great place to learn to skate, with a whole host of classes and courses for skates of every age and ability. Plus, every weekend they host Ice Discos for those skaters confident enough to bust moves on the ice!
Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre, 390 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 6HX
Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre has been at the heart of London’s ice skating scene for more than 80 years and is home to one of the city’s few Olympic-size rinks (60m x 30m). Because the rink operates within a multi-use leisure centre, session times change day-to-day, so it’s best to check the online timetable before you visit.
For those wanting to up their ice skating game, lessons can be booked for around £15 for a 15 minute lesson. More experienced skaters can reallu strut their stuff in Patch Ice sessions (for those with 5+ years of skating experience), plus the Ice Dance Club on Thursdays, the Figure Club on Fridays, and Supreme Skaters sessions on Sundays.
Generally, Public Ice Access sessions run throughout the week in 60-minute blocks which start every 15 minutes between 11.30 and 16.45, and all tickets cost less than £11!
QUEENS
QUEENS Ice and Bowl, 17 Queensway, London, W2 4QJ
QUEENS is way more than your traditional ice rink, and more like a full-blown London entertainment venue, combining skating with bowling, food and late-night sessions in a lively, central setting. The historic rink has been open since the 1930s, and with a bowling alley, interactive darts and even the famous burger joint Meatliquor Queensway, QUEENS is a Friday night destination for a full, fun evening out.
The rink runs public skating sessions most days, and while walk-ins are sometimes available, booking online is cheaper and guarantees entry.
Typical public skate prices:
- Monday / Tuesday Madness: from £8.00
- Late Skate sessions: from £10.00
- Off-peak sessions: from £11.75
- Peak sessions: from £13.75
Prices vary by time and day, so it’s best to check the live booking calendar before you visit.
Lee Valley Ice Centre
Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London, E10 7QL
Lee Valley Ice Centre in Leyton is one of London’s most spacious year-round skating venues, featuring two Olympic-sized ice rinks and a lively programme of public sessions, lessons and special events. The modern indoor facility combines ice skating with fitness and social spaces, making it a great choice for families, beginners and more confident skaters alike.
Public Skating sessions run throughout the week (at a cost of £12 for adults) and are ideal for beginners, families and casual skaters, with skate hire costing £3 and skating aids available to help build confidence. For a more energetic experience, Disco Ice sessions take place on Friday and Saturday evenings (£14 for adults), combining music and lighting for a fun, social atmosphere. The centre also runs relaxed Coffee Skate sessions, which pair gentle, coached skating with time to unwind in the café afterwards (£15 - includes a hot drink) including dedicated options for adults and young children.
Those looking to improve their skills can book structured ice skating lessons, available as group or private sessions for both children and adults, while more confident skaters can use Patch Ice sessions (£9.60) for independent practice or coaching.