Festive Ice Rinks to Visit this Holiday Season

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in London with the festive lights on Oxford, Regent and Carnaby Streets being turned on. Luckily for skating enthusiasts, this season also brings along the opening of several wonderful ice rinks around the city. Whether you’d prefer enjoying some skating time in classical or more modern settings, this list will definitely have the perfect suggestion for you.

1. Skate through the courtyard of an art gallery

The neoclassical courtyard of Somerset House has now been transformed into a charming ice rink, crowned with a 40-ft tall Christmas tree. This 900-square-metre rink is not only the perfect photo spot, but also a great destination for those who would like to enjoy a party on ice - the Skate Late events organised here are truly unique nightlife experiences. And if you would like to warm up after your skating session, you can always visit the exciting exhibitions Somerset House has to offer. The rink is going to remain open until the 15th of January, and a skating session costs £13. Skate Late event tickets sell for £22.

2. Let the dazzling skyline of skyscrapers amaze you

The ice rink in Canada Square Park is the biggest covered one in the city with its impressive 1200-square-metre size. It is also the rink that remains open for the longest period - you can enjoy it until the 25th of February. If you opt for this place, even those ugly London rainstorms won’t be able to stop you from enjoying a skating session amongst the iconic skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. The special atmosphere is also enhanced by a lovely rink-side bar and a giant mirror ball reflecting all the festive lights back. You can get a ticket for £17.95 - £19.95, depending on when you go.

3. Travel back to the mysterious era of Henry VIII

If you visit Hampton Court Palace now, you can not only explore this 16th-century baroque palace, but also have a unique skating session in the atmosphere of the Tudor era. Part of the magnificent palace gardens have been transformed into an outdoor ice rink, which offers views of the royal building and the Thames. Hampton Court is known as one of Henry VIII’s favourite residences - so beware of ghosts of the past while you skate around the palace! Although this ice rink requires a longer trip from Central London, the special experience is certainly worth it, and you can go anytime until the 8th of January. Ticket price is £18.70.

4. Enjoy the iconic Greenwich view on skates

This ice rink is located in an UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greenwich, next to the fascinating building of Queen’s House. Although it is not among the biggest rinks in the city, the amazing scenery certainly makes up for the size. Queen’s House, which was the first classical building in the UK, is quite a sight to enjoy while skating - not to mention the breathtaking views of Greenwich Park and the Observatory, and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf. The rink will be waiting for visitors until the 8th of January. Tickets cost £16 - £19, depending on when you go.

5. Witness the magical winter transformation of Hyde Park

Winter holiday season in London is not complete without visiting Winter Wonderland, the bustling Christmas venue that appears in Hyde Park in the middle of November. Besides the fun rides, the film area, an ice bar and the Christmas market, this magical place also gives home to the biggest open-air ice rink of the city. The rink surrounds the iconic Victorian bandstand of the park, and it is illuminated by more than 100 000 festive lights. You can travel to this wonderland until the 2nd of January - and entry is free, you only need to book a timeslot. The skating session itself costs £10.50 - 15.50, depending on when you go.