As the temperature drops and winter sets in, ice skating in London becomes one of the most popular activities. It is a fun and engaging way to stay active and enjoy the winter season with family and friends.
With so many ice rinks to choose from, both indoor and outdoor, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to visit. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the top 20 places to go ice skating in London, featuring some of the most popular and unique ice rinks in the city.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skater, there is an ice rink in London that suits your skill level and preferences.
So, put on your skates, and let’s explore the top 20 places to go ice skating in London!
Outdoor Ice Rinks:
London has a number of outdoor ice rinks that offer a magical experience during the winter months. Here are some of the best outdoor ice rinks in the city:
Somerset House Ice Rink
- Located in the heart of London, this ice rink offers a beautiful backdrop of the stunning Somerset House
- Features DJ nights and club nights for a unique and exciting experience
- Offers a Skate School for beginners and skating lessons for all ages and abilities
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
- Offers spectacular views of Canary Wharf and the surrounding skyscrapers
- Features a heated outdoor viewing terrace, perfect for non-skaters to enjoy the views and the festive atmosphere
- Offers ice skating lessons for all ages and abilities
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
- Set against the backdrop of the stunning Natural History Museum
- Offers special packages for families, groups and couples, including skate sessions with a meal and drink at the museum’s cafe
- Offers a Penguin Skate Club for children aged 4-8 years old
Tower of London Ice Rink
- Offers a stunning view of the Tower of London and the River Thames
- Features a rinkside bar, perfect for enjoying mulled wine and other festive treats
- Offers group bookings and corporate packages for a unique team-building experience
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
- Offers a unique opportunity to skate in front of the historic Hampton Court Palace
- Offers Skate with Santa sessions for children and adults
- Offers private lessons for those who want to improve their skills
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
- Located in the famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Features over 100,000 twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere
- Offers a VIP Ice Guide for a personal skating experience
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
- Offers stunning views of London’s skyline from Alexandra Palace
- Features ice discos and themed nights for a unique and exciting experience
- Offers skating lessons for all ages and abilities
Ice Skating at the Queen’s House
- Offers a unique opportunity to skate on the grounds of the Queen’s House in Greenwich
- Features a beautiful view of the Thames and Canary Wharf
- Offers group bookings and corporate packages for a unique team-building experience
Indoor Ice Rinks:
If you prefer to skate indoors, London has a number of world-class ice rinks that cater to all levels of skaters. Here are some of the best indoor ice rinks in the city:
Lee Valley Ice Centre
- Offers a range of ice activities, including public skating, ice hockey, and figure skating
- Features a rinkside cafe, pro shop and viewing gallery
- Offers Learn to Skate courses for all ages and abilities
Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
- Offers a range of skating sessions, including public skating, family skating, and discos
- Features a cafe, pro shop and party rooms
- Offers Learn to Skate courses for all ages and abilities
Queens Ice and Bowl
- Offers ice skating, bowling and arcade games under one roof
- Features a rinkside bar and cafe, perfect for enjoying a drink or a meal after skating
- Offers party packages for a unique and fun celebration
Planet Ice Brixton
- Offers public skating sessions, ice hockey games and figure skating competitions
- Features a cafe, party rooms and a pro shop
- Offers Skate Excellence courses for all ages and abilities
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
- Offers public skating sessions, skating lessons and ice hockey games
- Features a rinkside bar and cafe, perfect for enjoying a drink or a meal after skating
- Offers party packages for a unique and fun celebration
Chelmsford Ice Rink
- Offers a range of ice activities, including public skating, ice hockey and figure skating
- Features a cafe, pro shop and viewing gallery
- Offers Skate UK courses for all ages and abilities
Better Ice Skating Islington
- Offers a range of skating sessions, including public skating, discos and family sessions
- Features a cafe and party rooms
- Offers Learn to Skate courses for all ages and abilities
Better Ice Skating Kensington
- Offers public skating sessions, skating lessons and ice hockey games
- Features a rinkside cafe and pro shop
- Offers Skate UK courses for all ages and abilities
Better Ice Skating Alexandra Palace
- Offers a range of skating sessions, including public skating, discos and family sessions
- Features a rinkside cafe and party rooms
- Offers Skate UK courses for all ages and abilities
Ice Skating at O2
- Offers public skating sessions, skating lessons and ice hockey games
- Features a rinkside bar and cafe, perfect for enjoying a drink or a meal after skating
- Offers party packages for a unique and fun celebration.
Special Mention: The Ice Rink at JW3
The JW3 ice rink is a unique addition to London’s ice rinks. Located in the heart of North London, this ice rink offers a unique and exciting skating experience. Here are some of the reasons why the JW3 ice rink deserves a special mention:
- The ice rink is made of real ice, creating a genuine skating experience
- The ice rink is indoors, making it a perfect activity for all weather conditions
- The ice rink is smaller in size, making it ideal for families with young children or beginners
- The ice rink offers a range of skating sessions, including family sessions and discos
- The ice rink is located within JW3, a Jewish community and cultural centre, which means that visitors can enjoy a range of activities and events before or after skating
- The ice rink offers a Skate School, where visitors can learn the basics of skating or improve their skills with qualified coaches
- The ice rink is open during the winter season, making it a perfect festive activity for families, couples and friends
Overall, the JW3 ice rink is a unique and exciting addition to London’s ice rinks, offering a genuine skating experience in a smaller, more intimate setting.
FAQs:
Q: What is the cost of ice skating in London?
A: The cost of ice skating in London varies depending on the ice rink and the time of day. Outdoor ice rinks tend to be more expensive than indoor ice rinks. Prices range from £5 to £20 per session, and discounts are available for children, seniors and students.
Q: Can I rent ice skating equipment?
A: Yes, all ice rinks in London offer skate rental. Prices for skate rental vary depending on the ice rink, but on average, skate rental costs around £5-£7.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak times, to avoid disappointment. Some ice rinks require pre-booking, while others offer walk-in sessions.
Q: Are there any age restrictions?
A: Most ice rinks in London welcome skaters of all ages, but some ice rinks may have age restrictions for certain sessions, such as disco sessions or late-night sessions. It is best to check with the ice rink beforehand.
Q: What should I wear when ice skating?
A: It is recommended to wear warm, comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Layers are recommended, as it can get warm on the ice rink. It is also recommended to wear gloves and thick socks and to avoid wearing scarves or loose clothing that may get caught on skates. Some ice rinks offer lockers or bag storage facilities, so visitors can store their belongings while skating.
Conclusion:
Ice skating is a fun and engaging winter activity that is popular in London. Whether you prefer skating outdoors or indoors, London has a variety of ice rinks that cater to all levels of skaters.
From stunning views of London’s skyline to skating on the grounds of historical palaces, the top 20 places to go ice skating in London offer a unique and exciting experience. It is important to choose the right ice rink based on your preferences and skill level.
By following our guide, you can explore some of the most popular and unique ice rinks in the city. Don’t forget to wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes, and book in advance to avoid disappointment. So, put on your skates and enjoy the magic of ice skating in London this winter season!