The best places to ice skate in London with kids

There’s nothing which says Christmas is coming more than watching the Christmas ice rinks in London start to appear – but if you’re looking for the best places to ice skate in London with kids, how family-friendly are they all?

Having taken to the ice both with my daughter and alone, there are plenty which make a fantastic festive day out in the capital – and more than a few which aren’t temporary for Christmas if you fancy ice skating in London with kids year-round.

Best of all, they’re often in the shadow of some of London’s best known landmarks, so you can combine it with a family day out, or soak up the historic buildings as you whizz (or totter) around. Here’s my pick with the best places to ice skate with kids in London. UPDATED FOR 2026.

For more of the best things to do for Christmas in London with kids, check out my top picks

Christmas ice rinks in London

Skate at Somerset House

The Somerset House ice rink is one of the longest-running Christmas ice rinks in London, a fixture for more than 25 years and regularly voted one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences.

Set in the grand courtyard, with a 40ft Christmas tree adding a final festive touch, there are also stalls to shop plus events and other activities taking place over the Christmas period – the whole vibe of Skate at Somerset House is full-on festive.

There’s also Skate School taught by instructors from the National Ice Skating Association, and the less formal Kids Skate Club for kids aged six to 12, with help from the team of experienced ice marshals.

Where is it?

In the courtyard of Somerset House – any entrance will take you to the rink. Temple tube station is closest to the river entrance, or you can walk in from the Strand

When is Somerset House ice rink open?

The rink is open from November 11 until January 10, 2027. Session times run from 11am until 9pm, with some early 9am and 10am sessions as well as 10pm Skate Lates slots.

Skate school sessions start at 8.45 on selected weekend mornings, while Kids Skate Club has two options at 8.35 or 9.15 on selected weekends. Relaxed skate sessions take place on some weekday mornings.

How much is Somerset House ice rink?

Tickets are on sale from September 26. Prices cost from £13 for adults and £11 for children aged 12 and under, plus a £1.50 transaction fee. Walk-up tickets may be available on the day but it’s always popular so worth prebooking.

Kids Skate Club costs £11 for kids aged six to 12 while Skate School cost from £17 for children aged 8-12 (plus booking fee) for an hour-long lesson. Book here.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions last for 45 minutes, arrive at least 30 minutes beforehand
• Cloakroom – you can leave one item for free, then £2 per item. No bags are allowed on the ice.
• Skate aids available for age 8 and under during normal sessions – these can’t be prebooked
• Skate Mates can be prebooked for groups of 3-10
• Skates available from child’s size 6 (suitable for around two to three-year-olds) up to adult size 15.
• Skate Lates are fun if you’re looking for ice skating in London with teens, with DJs playing
• Food and drink available, usually including Hotel Chocolat hot chocolate

Check out these tips for the best hot chocolate in London with kids, if you’re looking to warm up after ice skating London

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ice rink

One of the UK’s largest outdoor rinks, this London ice rink is part of the Winter Wonderland Christmas market in Hyde Park, set around the park’s Victorian bandstand with lights sparkling above the open-air ice skating rink.

There’s also often live music from the bandstand as you swirl and twirl (or stumble and giggle) around the ice – if you’re more the latter, there are Ice Guides which can be booked to help as you get your ice legs.

And because it’s in the heart of the Winter Wonderland attraction, there are huge numbers of other things to do during your visit to make a day of it – although you can come, skate and go home if you prefer.

For more tips on the best Christmas markets in London with kids, check out my top picks

Where is it?

Winter Wonderland takes place in Hyde Park – you can enter through any gate, although the closest one to the ice rink is the Blue Gate in the southern part of the park, closest to Hyde Park Corner tube.

When is Winter Wonderland ice rink open?

Winter Wonderland runs November 19 until January 3, 2027. The rink is open from 10am to 10pm every day (last session at 9pm).

How much is Winter Wonderland ice rink?

Tickets cost from £12.45 for adults and £9.35 for children, with prices varying depending whether you choose off-peak, standard or peak sessions.

There are also family tickets available, while the Arctic Adventure package costs from £44.50 for adults including skating. An Ice guide costs £39.50 (for all sessions).

Entry to Winter Wonderland itself costs from £1-£8.25. If you spend £25 per person on rides, attractions or other activities online in advance, your entry charge is automatically refunded. Book here.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions last for 45 minutes, arrive 20 minutes beforehand.
• Cloakroom – all bags must be checked in, priced £2 per item
• No camera on the ice, but you can buy souvenir photos taken by Winter Wonderland’s professional
• Skate sizes from children’s size 8 up to adults size 13
• Penguin skate aids available for children under 1m (in skates) – can’t be prebooked, available first-come first-served
• Hot drinks available at the spectator’s platform, plus a huge array of other food and drink stalls throughout Winter Wonderland.

Hampton Court Palace ice rink 

This glorious Tudor palace is somewhere I never tire of visiting, so I’d definitely recommend making a full day with a skating session and and exploring inside (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, while the Magic Garden play area also closes during the winter). 

Henry VIII might have had the frozen Thames to go skating on, but it’s hard to beat being able to strap on your skates as dusk falls with the palace lit up behind you, visible from the open air rink at Hampton Court Palace – and this year’s redesigned rink is inspired by his original Orangery.

It’s also where my daughter braved ice skating for the first time so the ideal introduction to ice skating with kids in London.

See what we thought on our visit to the ice rink at Hampton Court Palace.

Where is it?

In front of Hampton Court Palace – the palace has (paid) car parks within walking distance or Hampton train station is also a couple of minutes away, with trains from Waterloo taking 30 minutes.

When is Hampton Court ice rink open?

The ice rink is open from November 20 until January 3, 2027, excluding Christmas Day. Sessions run from 10am to 9pm (last session starts at 8pm). The 9am weekend SEND sessions have no music.

How much is Hampton Court ice rink?

Adult tickets cost from £21 (including teens aged 13 and above) and from £16 for children aged three to 12. There are also family tickets from £65.48. Book here.

Skate aids are available to hire for £6 for children under 120cm, first come first served.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions last for up to 45 minutes, arrive 30-40 minutes beforehand
• Cloakroom – priced £2 per item, car payments only. No bags allowed on the ice
• Skate sizes including children’s size 8 up to adult size 14, plus bob skates for younger kids for size 6.5 up (including some bigger sizes for nervous older kids)
• Skate aids available for hire at the venue for £6 each, first-come first-served. Only for kids under 140cm.
• Hot drinks, food and a bar available at the rink
• Bookings can be amended, subject to availabilty, but must be done at least 48 hours in advance

Glide at Battersea Power Station

In the shadow of London’s iconic landmarks, Glide at Battersea Power Station is London’s only riverside rink, with the skate trail returning for 2026 alongside the rink itself.

Created by the people behind the Natural History Museum’s much-loved ice rink, Glide is made up of three interconnecting rinks, surrounded by twinkling lights and a 30ft Christmas tree, plus vintage funfair rides, food stalls and mulled wine to enjoy afterwards.

There are the usual festive additions off the ice too, including the Glass House bar with pizza and drinks, including hot chocolate.

Where is it?

Right in front of Battersea Power Station overlooking the Thames – head to Battersea Power Station tube on the Northern Line or you can also arrive by water with the Uber Boat service.

When is Battersea Power Station ice rink open?

Glide at Battersea Power Station is open from November 9 to January 3, 2027. Sessions run from 11am to 9pm, with some earlier and later sessions on Fridays and weekends.

If you can’t get enough of being on the ice, there are also some extended skate sessions available, but no skating lessons.

How much is Glide at Battersea Power Station

Tickets cost from £19.38 for adults including booking fee, £11.98 for kids aged 3-12, with family tickets from £59.28. Book here.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions last for 45 minutes, arrive 40 minutes before (20 minutes before for the first session)
• Cloakroom – priced £2 per small item, £4 per large item. No bags are allowed on the ice.
• Skate sizes available from child size 7 up to an adult size 15
• Skate aids are available for £6 first-come, first-served, for children under 1m tall when wearing skates
• There are drinks available from the Glasshouse Bar by the rink, plus a string of places to eat and drink around Battersea Power Station
• No refunds are available but you can reschedule for a fee a week or more in advance (subject to availability)

The Queen’s House, Greenwich

Another of the most memorable locations on London’s ice skating scene, the ice rink at the Queen’s House in Greenwich is back again for 2026.

With one of the city’s best backdrops – the elegant grandeur of a former royal residence but a rather more intimate setting than Hampton Court’s grandeur – the south London open air rink has a few family-friendly bonuses if you’re looking for ice skating for kids outside central London too.

This year, it’s twice as big as before but with the same maximum number of skaters to give everyone more space, plus the special sessions for preschoolers are back.

There’s also a Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House if you’re looking for a full-on Christmassy day out in London with kids.

Where is it?

In front of the Queen’s House in Greenwich. The rink is a short walk from Greenwich DLR and train stations, as well as Greenwich Pier if you’re taking the boat from London.

When is the Queen’s House Ice Rink open?

From November 18 to January 3, 2027, with sessions from 10am to 9pm (last session starts at 8pm), including SEND sessions from 3-4pm from November 23-December 18.

Parent & Mini Skater sessions run on weekdays from 2-3pm until December 18, for preschoolers aged 3+.

How much is the Queen’s House ice rink?

Tickets cost from £15 for adults, from £10 for kids aged 3-12 and family tickets are available priced from £55. Parent & Mini Skater sessions cost £15 for adult and preschooler.

Kids skate for free on Tuesdays from 4–6pm, between November 23 and December 18 – adults pay for one session but can skate for two. Book here.

What else do I need to know

• Sessions last up to 45 minutes, arrive 30 to 40 minutes beforehand
• Cloakroom costs £2 per item, for small items only. Card payments only
• Skate sizes available from child size 8 to adult size 14, plus bob skates for younger kids up to shoe size 1
• Skate aids are available to hire at the rink for £5, first-come, first-served, only for children under 130cm.
• Food and drink is available at the Zero Degrees Café, and there are toilets on site.

For ideas of more things to do in Greenwich with kids, check out my top picks

Skate Leicester Square

The new ice rink at Leicester Square is back once more this winter, with Skate Leicester Square running around the statue of Shakespeare in the heart of the square.

As before, ticket sales help support the Angel Child Fund at The Brain Tumour Charity for an added warm glow this winter.

Where is it?

Right in the middle of Leicester Square itself, minutes from Leicester Square tube (as well as Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden and walking distance from quite a lot of central London!)

When is Leicester Square ice rink open?

Skate Leicester Square is open from October 31 to January 3, 2027. Sessions run from 10.15am to 9.15pm (times vary with a later start on off-peak weekdays).

How much is Skate Leicester Square ice rink?

TBC for 2026 Last year, tickets cost from £9.50 for children aged 3-12, £14.50 for adults and family tickets from £40.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions last for 45 minutes and you’re asked to arrive slightly in advance of your session.
• Cloakroom – there is no cloakroom or lockers but you can leave items in a boot room at your own risk.
• Skates are available from children’s size 7 and the maximum is an adult size 15, with double-bladed bob skates also available last year
• Skate aids are available for a fee for younger children, first-come first-served
• There’s a bar serving hot chocolate and other drinks, plus Christmas market stalls nearby and countless places to eat and drink across the West End

On Ice Brent Cross

One of the newer addition to London’s festive scene, Brent Cross’s first ever ice rink – On Ice at Brent Cross is back again in north London for its third year in 2026.

Set right outside the shopping centre, the area is transformed into a mini winter wonderland, usually with extra festivities including a fairground and events with Santa at John Lewis itself.

Where is it?

The ice rink is next to Brent Cross shopping centre, on Prince Charles Drive, NW4 3FP. The closest tube station is Brent Cross tube station, or there’s also free parking at the shopping centre.

When is Brent Cross ice rink open?

From October 23- January 3, 2026. Sessions take place from 10am to 8pm at weekends, 3pm to 8pm on weekdays with some different hours on Boxing Day and around New Year.

How much is On Ice at Brent Cross ice rink

Tickets cost £15 for adults, £13 for kids, with family tickets also available at £50 – all plus a £1.50 booking fee . You can also snap up pre-launch tickets at £10 if you book early. Book here.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions last 45 minutes, and you’re asked to arrive at least 20 minutes early. Minimum age to skate is 3 years.
• Skates are available from children’s size 9 up to adult size 13
• Skate aids cost £5 and are available for under 10s – skaters must also be under 110cm to use them. These can be booked in advance with a limited number available in total.
• There is a huge range of places to eat at Brent Cross, as well as toilets throughout the shopping centre

Westfield London Winter Village

TBC FOR 2026 There’s often a temporary ice rink at Westfield London Winter Village – the 1,000 square metre rink was also home to a 65ft Christmas tree.

Where is it?

The open air ice rink was located in Westfield Square, Ariel Way in Shepherds Bush. The closest tube stations are Wood Lane (Circle & Hammersmith & City Line) & White City (Central Line).

When is Westfield ice rink open?

TBC. In 2024, it ran from mid November to early January, with sessions from 10am to 10.30pm (last skate 9pm). The first hourly session ever day was the Quiet Hour with quieter music and static lighting.

How much is Westfield Winter Village ice rink

TBC. In 2024, tickets cost from £15 for adults, from £11 for kids aged 3-12, plus a £1.20 booking fee, with different prices for peak and off-peak sessions. Family tickets cost from £45.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions lasted 45 minutes, arrive 30-40 minutes early
• Cloakroom – priced £2 per item, no bags allowed on the ice
• Skates available for children’s size 8 up, along with bob skates
• Skate aids available priced £5 for kids under 120cm, first-come first-served
• There is a huge range of places to eat at Westfield, as well as toilets throughout the shopping centre.

Christmas ice rinks in London not returning for 2026

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

NOT TAKING PLACE IN 2026 If you just can’t wait to get skating again, Ice Rink Canary Wharf usually opens in October and stays open for a whopping 18 weeks once more but won’t be returning for the 2026-27 season.

As a covered ice rink, it’s normally one of the best options if the weather isn’t kind (you don’t expect to be warm when ice skating, but it’s definitely less fun in the drizzle!)

Where is it?

The ice rink is at Canada Square Park, within Canary Wharf shopping centre, just a few minutes from Canary Wharf tube.

When is the Canary Wharf ice rink open?

The rink usually opens in late October, until late February (closed Christmas Day), so one of the few Christmas ice rinks to stick around well into the New Year. There are up to 12 sessions per day, starting at 10am, with the final session beginning at 9pm.

How much is Ice Rink Canary Wharf?

Tickets previously cost from £13.95 for all ages, or a family ticket from £49.95. There was also a booking fee of £3.95 per order.

Skate buddies could also be booked for £39.95, prebooked at least a week in advance. There were normally skating lessons on offer too, which also had to be prebooked.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions last 45 minutes, arrive 30 minutes before
• Cloakroom – lockers were available priced £1 (non-refundable) for smaller bags, or you could buy a token to use
• Skates available from child size 8 up
• Skate aids priced £5.95 for children under 1.5m tall. Couldn’t be prebooked but were available up to 30 minutes before the start of the session, first-come first-served
• Snacks and drinks available from the Oasis Bar

Kingdom of Winter ice rink

A new indoor festive experience in 2023, Kingdom of Winter took place at London’s Excel conference centre in 2024 but was designed as a one-off event.

Tower of London ice rink

One of the most memorable places to ice skate in London with kids, a combination of Covid and the Superbloom Jubilee celebrations meant the Tower of London ice rink was cancelled for several years in a row and organisers confirmed it wouldn’t be returning to the Tower of London moat.

Natural History Museum ice rink

A family favourite for years with the beautiful Natural History Museum building lit up behind it and a Christmas tree sparkling in the centre, the Natural History Museum ice rink is no longer a festive fixture – 2021 was the final year that you could take to the ice before it closed and there are now new gardens in its place.

Other Christmas ice rinks in London

Pop-up ice rinks come and go, as the name suggests so even previously popular rinks don’t always make a return – the Eyeskate ice rink at the London Eye has not been seen for years, not has Skyline Skating at John Lewis rooftop ice rink in central London. Skylight at Tobacco Dock in Shadwell has also permanently shut.

Ice skating in London with kids year-round

The ice rink at Alexandra Palace

The Alexandra Palace ice rink is open year-round, whether you’re looking to brush up your skating before taking on the Christmas ice rinks in London or whether you’ve discovered a taste for skating at one of the temporary rinks.

And Ally Pally, as it’s better known to Londoners, has been home to an ice rink for over 35 years – the People’s Palace, to give it its first name, was opened in 1873 before a fire destroyed the original building just 16 days later.

After a second blaze in 1980, the rink followed in 1990, and the grounds include a boating lake, plus there are events and activities galore.

Where is it?

Alexandra Palace is between Muswell Hill and Wood Green in north London – the closest tube is Wood Green or you can take a train to Alexandra Palace railway station from King’s Cross.

There are also 1,200 parking spaces if you choose to drive. The ice rink is on the right hand side of the main buildings.

When is Alexandra Palace ice rink open?

Opening times may vary between term time and holidays, so it worth checking the site before you visit. It’s currently open from 11 (later on Tuesday and Friday), closing between 4.30pm and 5pm.

There are also ice skating courses including ice skating for toddlers up.

How much is Alexandra Palace ice rink?

Entrance to the ice rink costs from £11.75 for adults, £10.50 for children aged under 12. Book here.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions last two hours on weekdays (except the final session), while all weekend and holiday sessions last 90 minutes. Arrive 15 minutes beforehand.
• Cloakroom – there isn’t a cloakroom but lockers are available. You need a £1 coin, or you can buy tokens at reception
• Skates are available from child size 6 up to adult size 14
• Skate aids cost £7.50 including penguins (age 3-7/under 120cm), snowmen (age 8+/under 120cm) and seal skates for kids aged five and under, which need to be pushed by an adult skater
• The ice rink hosts ice hockey and a weekend ice disco, as well as the public sessions. There’s also Panto on Ice during December.
• There is a cafe on site as well as toilets

Queens Skate ice skating

Queens Skate|Dine|Bowl is home – as its name suggests – to bowling as well as ice skating, and its indoor ice rink is not only the size of two football pitches, it’s also the only one in central London.

Open year-round, there are public sessions as well as courses if you want to improve your skills. The Learn to Skate lessons are for children aged five and up, and run during term-time for between four and seven weeks to teach the basics of ice skating.

Where is it?

Queens is right by Queensway tube (hence the name) or two minutes from Bayswater tube. It’s also walking distance from Notting Hill Gate tube among others.

When is Queens ice rink open?

The ice rink is open seven days a week from 10am, with different sessions on weekdays and at the weekend until late evening, as well as after school skate clubs.

However, under-18s are only allowed until 8pm in the evening after which it becomes an over-18s zone.

How much is Queens ice rink rink?

Skating at Queens ice rink costs from £12.75 for over 12s and £11.75 for under-13s if you prebook, more on the door and at weekends.

There are also special deals on Mondays and Tuesday (excluding half-terms, Christmas and Easter school holidays) with ice skating for £8 per person, all day, for all ages – must be prebooked.

Skate hire isn’t included and this costs £3 if you don’t have your own skates.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions last 60 minutes
• Cloakroom – there are lockers by the rink priced £2 (card only) and you may also be able to leave bags behind the skate hire counter for a fee
• Skates are available from children’s size 4 up to adult size 14, with some double-blade bob skates for younger kids
• Penguin skate aids are also available to book for £6, for children up to 1.4m tall
• Food and drink is available from Axel’s, serving pizza, burgers, wings and hot dogs

For more festive ideas of things to do in London with kids, check out this post on London’s festive light trails as well as the best things to do for Christmas in London with kids

Disclaimer: Ice skating is a huge amount of fun but it does have risks – please skate responsibly and make your own judgements on whether your kids are old enough to try themselves.

PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST PLACES TO ICE SKATE IN LONDON WITH KIDS

Images: Winter Wonderland image copyright Carolina Faruolo/Winter Wonderland, Skate at Somerset House copyright Owen Harvey, Alexandra Palace, Canary Wharf and skating girl courtesy Depositphotos, Queen’s House rink courtesy Royal Museums Greenwich. All others copyright MummyTravels

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