Lady’s 5 Ice Skating Rinks in London You’ll Love

Today I want to share my guide to the best ice skating rinks in London. If you’re interested in gliding across the ice this winter, these are the top places to do it in the UK capital. I’ve included a map, too.

Best Ice Skating Rinks in London

It’s that time of year again. The days are short, the nights dark, and winter is setting in. Normally I don’t get excited about things like this, but when it means London is cold enough for water to freeze on the ground I start to buzz.

Because I love getting my skates on, and the city has some amazing places to do it. From the famous rinks in central London to the big ones further afield, the capital has an abundance of ice to glide across this winter.

Some frozen spaces are adorned with Christmas trees, others feature famous landmarks in the background, and all of them are just the things to get a skater into the seasonal spirit.

1. Somerset House

The first ice skating rink I ever saw in London was the one in the courtyard of Somerset House. As I entered through the arches, I thought I had never seen anything so magical.

The giant Christmas tree and beautiful surroundings lured me in and have kept me returning every year since. There’s a reason this one tops my list of the best ice skating rinks in London.

2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

I’ve been ice skating in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland a few times, and it’s always fun to circle around as the Christmas market and amusement park rides buzz in the background.

Given there’s so much festive excitement at Winter Wonderland, it’s nice to take a break and get lost in the peace of pushing one foot after the other across the ice.

3. Battersea Power Station

Next on my list of the best ice skating rinks in London is the Glide ice rink at Battersea Power Station. This rink is particularly special because it sits right in front of the facade of the famous building on the river.

London’s first riverside ice rink, Glide is a great place to get your skates on and take in the scenery on and around the Thames as you go.

4. Skate Leicester Square

Another great place to get out on the ice this season is Leicester Square. Right in the heart of the West End, this rink is in a great location between Covent Garden and Soho.​

A beautifully designed circular rink, it’s the perfect place to get into the festive season. There’s hot chocolate, mulled drinks, and sparkling favorites at the enchanting seasonal bar, too.

Better yet, there’s a Christmas market surrounding the rink. Its classic chalets offer festive gifts and traditional treats all season long.

5. The Queen’s House Ice Rink

Out east in Greenwich, The Queen’s House Ice Rink is another fun place to skate this winter. Set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich, this circular open-air number is the perfect place for a festive day out.

It’s not just about skating here, either. This place features a restaurant serving winter treats. There’s hot chocolate, mulled wine, and sparkling refreshments at the seasonal bar as well.​

Open from mid-November to early January each year, The Queen’s House Ice Rink is the perfect place to get into the festive season and start off the new year.

Map

Best London Ice Skating Rinks

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best ice skating rinks in London. It’s hard not to love London’s rinks, and if there’s one thing I enjoy about getting outdoors when it’s chilly outside, it’s the chance to warm up as I glide across them.

If you get a chance to go, I hope you enjoy ice skating as much as I have. It’s one of the best things to do in London in winter.

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