Visiting the UK’s capital this festive season and making the most of our hotel special offers? London ice skating is a must-experience, and there are plenty of Christmas ice rinks to fall in love with this year. While the Tower of London ice rink is closed, there are still plenty of magical spots to visit across the city and lots of festive activities London has to offer.
Ice skating London 2025 is something that everyone should try at least once during their visits. Luckily, rinks are opening this time of year, and with ice rink accessibility better than ever, why not give it a try?
What Are the Top Ice Skating Rinks in London This Christmas?
Visit the top London ice skating spots, including Somerset House Ice Rink, Hampton Court Palace Rink, Skate Leicester Square and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s Rink. Want to find out more about the magic of these locations? Keep reading!
Somerset House Ice Rink
Visit Somerset House Ice Rink for a dazzling festive highlight this year. Set within stunning neoclassical architecture and twinkling lights, this location’s enchanting winter atmosphere makes every skate feel magical. It’s perfect for couples, friends, families, or anything in-between.
Key Information:
- Adult ticket: starting at £15.00
- Child ticket (under 12): starting at £10.00
- Family tickets: £50.00 (2 adults + 2 children)
- Open date: November 12th, 2025
- Closing date: January 11th, 2026
- Opening times: 10:00 – 22:00 (times may vary)
- Location: Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
- Skating session length: 45 minutes
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is one of London’s most magical festive experiences for 2025. Here, you can skate against the backdrop of historic splendour and be surrounded by sparkling lights that create the perfect winter atmosphere.
Key Information:
- Adult ticket: starting at £18.00
- Child ticket (under 12): starting at £13.00
- Family tickets: starting at £46.00 (2 adults + 2 children)
- Wheelchair users: £12.00
- Open date: November 21st, 2025
- Closing date: January 4th, 2026
- Opening times: Sunday: 9:30 – 20:00
- Location: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
- Skating session length: 45 minutes
Skate Leicester Square
Skate Leicester Square brings festive energy right to the heart of London, making it a must-visit spot for London ice skating. Surrounded by dazzling lights, theatre buzz and seasonal treats, this is a lively rink perfect for day or evening adventures, forming family memories, and experiencing the magic of the festive season.
Key Information:
- Adult ticket: £15.50
- Child ticket (under 12): £11.50
- Family tickets: £40.00
- Open date: November 1st, 2025
- Closing date: January 4th, 2026
- Opening times: 10:00 – 22:00
- Location: Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LU
- Skating session length: 45 minutes
The Queen’s House Ice Rink
The Queen’s House Ice Rink offers an unforgettable, elegant festive experience for 2025. With its grand architecture and sweeping views over Greenwich, you can glide across the ice in a calm, picture-perfect setting that feels timeless and magical.
Key Information:
- Adult ticket: £19.00 – £21.95
- Child ticket (under 13): £16.60 – £19.00
- Family tickets: £49.95 – £63.00
- Open date: November 21st, 2025
- Closing date: January 4th, 2026
- Opening times: 9:30 – 21:00
- Location: Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF
- Skating session length: 45 minutes
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park Is Perfect for Families and First-Time Skaters
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is the ideal spot for families and new skaters this festive season. With its spacious outdoor rink, cheerful music and welcoming atmosphere, it’s perfect for building confidence on the ice as well as making magical memories together.
Key Information:
- Adult ticket: £11.50–£17.50
- Child ticket (under 12): £8.50–12.50
- Family tickets: £34.00–£50.00 (2 adults + 2 children)
- Open date: November 14th, 2025
- Closing date: January 1st, 2026
- Opening times: 10:00 – 21:00
- Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
- Skating session length: 45 minutes
When Do the Major Rinks Open?
All the major rinks across London will already be open if you are reading this in 2025! Most rinks open at various times across November, from the 1st, all the way to the 21st, and run until January 11th at the latest, with most closing on the 4th. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the rinks, explore London, and have a magical festive period with your loved ones.
How Long Are Ice Rinks Running in London?
Most ice rinks in London are running across November and December, but please remember that some might be closed on select dates such as Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day. To check for details, please visit the rink’s official site to find out the exact dates.
How Much Are Tickets, and When Should You Book?
Ticket prices vary, with adult tickets starting as low as £11.50 (Winter Wonderland Hyde Park) if you can book for an off-peak time. Most adult tickets are between £15.00 – £19.00, but the time slot you book will impact ticket prices.
Most ice rinks will offer family ticket discounts (typically two adults and two children), and all will have lower prices for children either under 12 or 13—making an ice rink visit the perfect spot for a family day out.
Tickets should be booked as soon as possible, as they sell out fast! If you haven’t secured your tickets for this festive season, we encourage you to make a booking as soon as you can so that you don’t miss out. Please be mindful of where you book tickets from, and make sure that you are using a reputable source, such as the official site we have provided links to.
What to Wear & Bring for a Comfortable Skate Session in December
Always dress warm for an ice skating session in the UK! Layer yourself with a thermal base and jacket, and throw on some fleece-lined leggings if you have them. Keep your hands and head warm with gloves, beanies, a scarf, and even ear muffs if you need them.
Make sure you can move easily and are not restricted, and always wear warm socks. We don’t recommend wearing jeans unless they are stretchy, as they can reduce movement and won’t keep you as warm as you want.
What to Do After Skating — Food, Drinks, and Other Festive Fun
After a day of London ice skating, why not visit the Christmas markets and other special events going on around the city? Many of our favourite spots are located near ice rinks, too, including Leicester Square Christmas Market! Other fantastic markets around London include the Southbank Centre Winter Market, Leadenhall Market, and so many others — and they are all worth visiting.
We highly recommend visiting Winter Wonderland Hyde Park this festive season, too. Here, you can enjoy dozens of rides and experiences to light up the day and force core memories with your family and loved ones. From thrilling coasters, to family friendly fun, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.
Or, if you want to focus on delicious food and drinks after working up an appetite skating, why not visit some classics in the city? Duck & Waffle is a must-visit spot that you don’t want to miss out on (especially during the festive period), or you can enjoy quality street food from the various food vendors around the marketplaces for something a bit more down to earth.
Combine Ice Skating With a Stay at Crown Group Hotels
From our hotels, you can easily access many of the ice rinks across London with nearby transport links such as the Tube or a quick bus ride. Our perfectly situated accommodations mean that you can get anywhere you need to be in London in record time—what could be more perfect?
The festive season is full of magic, so make the most of it when you visit the UK’s capital this year. Ready to glide into a magical winter and do some London ice skating? Book your cosy stay with Crown Group of Hotels today, and let us help you plan the perfect festive day out on the ice.
Stay with Crown Group of Hotels at Mabledon Court Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Arran House Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, or Great St. Helen Hotel, and please read through our booking and privacy policies and terms and conditions.
