London’s winter ice skating season bursts into life throughout November 2025, with over fifteen enchanting outdoor and covered rinks transforming iconic landmarks, historic palaces, shopping districts, and even rooftops into magical frozen wonderlands. From the earliest opening at Canary Wharf on October 25 to the final debuts in late November and early December, the capital offers an extraordinary variety of skating experiences catering to every preference—whether you’re seeking romantic atmosphere beneath twinkling lights, family-friendly venues with Santa visits, rooftop bars with panoramic city views, or skating within royal palace grounds steeped in centuries of history.
October Openings: The Season’s Early Birds
Ice Rink Canary Wharf (October 25, 2025 – February 23, 2026)
Ice Rink Canary Wharf claims the distinction of being London’s first major rink to open each season, launching on October 25, 2025, and running an impressive twenty weeks through February 23, 2026—the longest season of any temporary London ice rink. Cleverly scheduled to span both October and February half-term holidays, the rink maximizes family appeal while serving the vibrant business community of Canary Wharf’s financial district.
Located in Montgomery Square, the rink features a spectacular sparkling roof covered in thousands of fairy lights, ensuring skating continues regardless of typical British weather. This weatherproof design combined with the bustling energy of one of London’s most iconic business districts creates unique atmosphere blending festive charm with urban sophistication. The surrounding towers provide dramatic architectural backdrop, particularly stunning during evening sessions when offices illuminate and reflect off the ice surface.
Adult and children tickets start from £13.95, with family packages (two adults plus two children) available for £53.95. The rink operates Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, offering exceptional flexibility for after-work skating, weekend adventures, and daytime family visits. The venue’s commitment to maintaining service for nearly five months demonstrates its popularity and commercial viability in London’s competitive ice skating market.
Special events throughout the season include Storytime with Santa in December, combining skating with festive entertainment for young children. The extended season means visitors can experience the rink during multiple phases—from autumn skating before Christmas decorations appear, through peak festive atmosphere in December, into New Year celebrations, and finally during the quieter January-February period when locals reclaim the ice after tourist crowds depart.
Skate Brent Cross (October 31, 2025 – January 5, 2026)
North London’s festive favorite opens on Halloween, October 31, 2025, and runs through January 5, 2026, bringing seasonal joy to the Brent Cross Shopping Centre. This family-oriented rink emphasizes accessible pricing and community atmosphere, attracting residents from across North London’s boroughs including Barnet, Brent, Camden, and Haringey.
The rink integrates with Brent Cross’s extensive retail and dining facilities, allowing families to combine skating with shopping excursions and meals at the center’s numerous restaurants. This practical co-location appeals to busy parents maximizing limited family time, particularly during school holidays when coordinating multiple activities presents logistical challenges. Storytime with Santa sessions throughout December add theatrical dimension, creating comprehensive festive experiences beyond pure skating.
Skate Leicester Square (November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026)
Christmas in Leicester Square launches its ice rink on November 1, 2025, positioning skating at the heart of London’s West End theatre district. Surrounded by cinemas, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, the rink occupies the famous Leicester Square gardens, creating central destination accessible from every corner of London via the Piccadilly and Northern Line tube connections.
The square’s compact dimensions create intimate atmosphere contrasting with larger venue’s expansive ice surfaces. The central location means the rink integrates seamlessly into broader West End visits combining theatre performances, restaurant meals, and festive shopping. The rink operates alongside Leicester Square’s Christmas market featuring traditional wooden chalets selling gifts, decorations, and seasonal treats.
Evening sessions prove particularly atmospheric as surrounding theatres illuminate, cinemas screen holiday classics, and restaurants fill with pre-show diners. The buzz of West End energy elevates the skating experience beyond isolated activity into comprehensive urban entertainment. However, this same vibrancy means the venue attracts substantial crowds, particularly during weekends, school holidays, and the peak December period.
Early November Openings: Building Festive Momentum
Glide at Battersea Power Station (November 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026)
Battersea Power Station’s impressive Glide ice rink returns on November 7, 2025, featuring not one but three interconnecting ice surfaces accommodating approximately 300 simultaneous skaters around a towering 30-foot Christmas tree. This riverside location provides London’s only waterfront skating experience, with views across the Thames toward Chelsea and the city beyond creating unique visual appeal impossible at landlocked venues.
The rink’s operators—the same team behind Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and the much-missed Natural History Museum rink—bring exceptional expertise to creating large-scale ice skating experiences. The quality shows in every detail, from the smooth ice surface and comfortable boot hire to the efficient crowd management ensuring safe, enjoyable sessions even during busy periods.
New for 2025, enhanced entertainment includes a vintage carousel, traditional helter skelter, and old-school fairground games including tin can shooting ranges. These nostalgic attractions complement the skating, creating comprehensive winter carnival atmosphere. Dinky chalets sell pick ‘n’ mix sweets, sugar-dusted churros, and warming drinks, while the covered Glass House bar provides sophisticated après-skate venue with stunning views of the renovated power station and surrounding development.
Ticket prices prove remarkably reasonable at £18.70 for adults and £11.54 for children aged 3-12, with family packages from £13.75. These prices sit slightly below London’s average despite the venue’s prime riverside location and comprehensive amenities, offering excellent value for the three-rink experience. The surrounding Battersea Power Station development features numerous premium restaurants including Joia and Wright Brothers, plus sophisticated cocktail venues like Control Room B, allowing visitors to extend their outings into memorable evenings.
Somerset House (November 12, 2025 – January 11, 2026)
Skate at Somerset House opens November 12, 2025, immediately establishing itself as London’s most iconic and atmospheric ice rink. Set within the magnificent neoclassical courtyard of the 18th-century Somerset House, with the grand façade and Portland stone columns creating breathtaking backdrop, this rink appears in countless films, advertisements, and photographs as the quintessential London Christmas image.
The 2025 season features Harold Offeh’s Creating Patterns art installation, transforming the ice into participatory artwork where every skater’s movements contribute to collective creative expression. This artistic ambition distinguishes Somerset House from purely commercial venues, positioning skating as cultural experience rather than simple entertainment. The flag atop Somerset House’s dome references figure-of-eight patterns, while special sound compositions play before each session connecting rink sounds with skating movements.
Forty-five-minute skating sessions operate from 9:00 AM to 10:45 PM depending on date, with tickets from £15 for adults and £10 for children under 12. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse serves seasonal drinks with rinkside views, while The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia provides dining from November 13 through December 31. The courtyard’s enclosed nature amplifies festive atmosphere, with music and excited voices contained within the stone walls creating immersive seasonal environment.
Skate Lates evenings transform the rink into nightclub on ice, with DJ performances from cutting-edge talent including Subaru, NTS Radio’s Ruf Dug, E1 resident LO-LOW, and Dankie Sounds. These Friday and Saturday evening sessions attract young professional crowds seeking sophisticated alternatives to standard club nights, with the unique combination of ice skating and quality music creating memorable experiences. The December 4 Caribbean-inspired Skate Lates merges winter magic with Caribbean spice, drawing inspiration from Grenada’s warmth and soul.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (November 14, 2025 – January 1, 2026)
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s ice rink opens November 14, 2025, as part of the UK’s largest outdoor Christmas festival. The rink stretches across all sides of Hyde Park’s Victorian bandstand, illuminated by over 100,000 lights creating dazzling nighttime spectacle. As Britain’s biggest outdoor rink covering substantial square footage, it accommodates high skater volumes while maintaining quality ice surface and efficient operations.
Entry to Winter Wonderland itself costs £5 for standard times or £10 for peak periods, with free entry slots available for select off-peak times. Ice skating requires separate payment beyond entry fees, with advance booking strongly recommended. Adults pay from £11.50 while children under 12 start at £8.50, representing competitive pricing given the venue’s scale and surroundings. Children under 12 must skate accompanied by adults, with supervision requirements ensuring family safety.
The rink sits within Winter Wonderland’s broader offerings including over 150 rides and attractions, multiple circus performances, Santa Land, the Bavarian Village with authentic German beer tents, and countless food vendors. This comprehensive destination approach means families can spend entire days combining skating with fairground rides, shows, meals, and festive shopping. However, the sheer scale and crowd volumes create bustling, energetic atmosphere contrasting with more intimate venues—visitors seeking quiet romantic experiences may prefer smaller rinks.
Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush (November 15, 2025 – January 5, 2026)
Westfield London brings back its open-air ice rink on November 15, 2025, for the third consecutive year. This West London shopping destination combines skating with access to hundreds of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options housed within one of Europe’s largest shopping centers. The real-ice outdoor rink is wheelchair accessible, demonstrating commitment to inclusive experiences.
Particularly noteworthy, the first session of every day operates as a “quiet hour” featuring fewer skaters, reduced sensory triggers, quieter music, and no strobe lighting. These sessions accommodate neurodiverse visitors, individuals with autism spectrum conditions, sensory processing sensitivities, or anyone preferring calmer environments. This inclusive programming reflects growing awareness of diverse visitor needs and creates welcoming spaces for communities often excluded from mainstream entertainment venues.
Operating hours run 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily except Christmas Day, with the first session starting at 10:00 AM and the last at 9:00 PM. Adult and teen tickets cost £15-£18, children £12-£13, with family packages available. The shopping center location means abundant food and drink options from numerous chains and independent restaurants, eliminating need for dedicated on-site catering while providing exceptional variety.
Mid-to-Late November Openings: Completing the Portfolio
ICE at Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham (November 17, 2025 – January 1, 2026)
London’s highest and most unique ice rink opens November 17, 2025, on the fifth-floor rooftop of Peckham’s Bussey Building. ICE at Bussey Rooftop Bar offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across London while skating among Christmas trees and twinkling fairy lights suspended above Rye Lane’s vibrant South London neighborhood.
This first-time venture for the venue replaces their seasonal Rooftop Film Club, representing bold pivot toward winter programming. The intimate scale creates exclusive atmosphere contrasting with mega-venues’ commercial feel. Heated rooftop bar serves boozy hot chocolates, winter-themed spritzes, and festive mocktails, allowing seamless transitions between skating and socializing without leaving the rooftop.
Friday and Saturday nights feature live DJ sets from BBC Radio talent spinning high-energy soundtracks, transforming the space into elevated dance party on ice. This music-forward programming targets younger crowds comfortable with Peckham’s edgy creative reputation and seeking alternatives to West End commercialism. The venue’s South London location attracts local communities from Peckham, Camberwell, Brixton, and beyond, alongside adventurous visitors willing to venture outside Zone 1.
Tickets prove remarkably affordable at £9 for kids, £14 for adults, and £35 for families. Early bookers receive 15 percent discounts when purchasing before the end of October. Sessions available until 11:00 PM daily from November 14 through January 1 provide exceptional late-night options for non-traditional schedules. The combination of stunning views, rooftop bar access, live music, and competitive pricing positions Bussey as one of winter 2025/26’s most exciting new additions.
Hampton Court Palace (November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026)
Henry VIII’s magnificent Hampton Court Palace transforms into royal skating destination from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026. The 1,040-square-meter rink sits within the palace’s historic setting, surrounded by Tudor architecture that has witnessed five centuries of British history. Skating here offers genuinely unique experience impossible to replicate elsewhere—gliding on ice where courtiers once walked, beneath windows where monarchs gazed, within walls echoing with stories of royal drama and intrigue.
The 2025/26 season introduces significant upgrades including double-layered ice design ensuring smoother, longer-lasting skating surfaces, fresh updated lace-up skates improving comfort, and enhanced attention to detail creating premium winter skating experiences. Pop-up food and drink venues provide refreshments, while thousands of fairy lights transform the palace grounds into twinkling wonderland as daylight fades.
Sessions accommodate both seasoned skaters and complete beginners, with various time slots throughout each day from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The venue emphasizes fewer skaters per session compared to central London’s crowded rinks, creating more intimate experiences allowing proper practice and skill development without constant collision risks. This lower density particularly benefits nervous beginners and young children taking their first tentative steps on ice.
The palace’s location in East Molesey, Surrey requires train journeys from central London (approximately 30-40 minutes from Waterloo to Hampton Court station), positioning it as day-trip destination rather than quick evening outing. However, this distance proves advantageous for visitors seeking escape from central London’s intensity, with the journey through Southwest London’s leafy suburbs and riverside approach to the palace creating pleasant transitions into historical atmosphere.
Pro tip: Book sunset sessions when afternoon light gradually fades, palace architecture illuminates, and moon rises over Tudor chimneys. This magical timing transforms good skating experiences into unforgettable memories combining natural beauty, architectural grandeur, and festive atmosphere in perfect harmony.
The Queen’s House, Greenwich (November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026)
After a year-long hiatus, The Queen’s House Ice Rink returns to Greenwich on November 21, 2025, reclaiming its title as London’s most beautiful open-air skating venue. Framed by Inigo Jones’s architectural masterpiece the Queen’s House, with views across the Thames toward Canary Wharf’s skyline and positioned within Greenwich’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the rink occupies genuinely spectacular setting impossible to surpass.
The charming, village-like festive atmosphere distinguishes Queen’s House from touristier counterparts including Somerset House and Battersea Power Station. The location feels “miles away from the West End’s chaos”—appreciated respite for visitors preferring calmer, less crowded winter outings. Greenwich’s historical ambiance, maritime heritage, and relative distance from central London create unique character attracting those seeking authentic neighborhood experiences over manufactured commercial spectacle.
What’s New for 2025?
This comeback represents comprehensive upgrade rather than simple reopening. The new Skate On/Skate Off “Pit Lane” allows skaters to step off ice without surrendering their time slots. This innovation solves the long-standing frustration where leaving for refreshments meant forfeiting remaining ice time. Now skaters can duck out for mulled wine, decadent hot chocolate, or simply breathing space, then jump back in without losing precious minutes.
VIP tickets provide fast-track entry, dedicated boot-hire desks, bag check services, and complimentary warm-up drinks. These premium experiences appeal to time-conscious visitors, those celebrating special occasions, or anyone willing to pay modest premiums for enhanced convenience and reduced waiting times. Quiet and toddler-friendly sessions accommodate families with very young children, while Student Wednesdays offer £14 tickets including both skating and warming drinks—exceptional value for budget-conscious students.
Community Mondays provide remarkable £5 entry, democratizing access for local residents who might find typical prices prohibitive. Twenty percent discounts for students and Blue Light workers (emergency services, NHS, armed forces) acknowledge these communities’ contributions while making festive experiences financially accessible. School and community group discounts further position Queen’s House as one of London’s most inclusive seasonal attractions.
Sustainability Leadership
The 2025 edition doubles down on environmental responsibility, becoming the only large ice rink in the UK fully powered by the grid rather than diesel generators. This distinction makes Queen’s House one of Britain’s most environmentally conscious large-scale ice rinks, aligning with growing visitor expectations for sustainable operations. The achievement required substantial infrastructure investment and planning coordination but demonstrates commitment extending beyond greenwashing rhetoric into meaningful action.
Adjacent Zero Degrees Restaurant provides dining options, while pit-lane drinks and snacks keep refreshments accessible without leaving the immediate area. Tickets start from £19 off-peak for adults/teens and £16.50 for children, with VIP options from £25 adults/teens and £22.50 children including various perks. Advanced booking through the dedicated website ensures secured slots during this highly anticipated return season.
Late November and December Openings
Ice at Kensington Palace (November 30, 2025 – January 7, 2026)
Brand new for 2025/26, Ice at Kensington Palace debuts November 30 as London’s latest royal palace skating destination. Developed by Peter Phillips (Princess Anne’s son and Queen Elizabeth II’s grandson), this venture brings sustainability to the forefront at one of Britain’s most iconic royal residences—childhood home of Queen Victoria and current residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Details remain emerging as this represents inaugural season, but the venue promises to leverage Kensington Palace’s extraordinary setting within Kensington Gardens, combining royal heritage with contemporary skating experiences. The extended season through January 7 provides flexibility beyond venues closing January 1-5, appealing to visitors whose schedules accommodate early January activities.
The involvement of Peter Phillips—who has established successful event management ventures including commercial appearances at various royal residences—suggests professional operations balancing respect for historical settings with commercial viability. His experience organizing events at royal properties positions Kensington Palace to learn from established venues’ successes while avoiding their pitfalls.
Winter Funland, Olympia London (December 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026)
Winter Funland arrives at Olympia London on December 13, 2025, offering London’s only major indoor ice rink alongside comprehensive family entertainment. The all-inclusive ticket provides exceptional value, granting access to ice skating, circus shows, and twenty different fairground rides within the historic Olympia exhibition center.
The indoor setting eliminates weather concerns that plague outdoor venues, ensuring comfortable experiences regardless of rain, wind, or temperature. This reliability particularly benefits families with young children for whom cold, wet conditions could ruin anticipated outings. The comprehensive entertainment package means families can spend multiple hours exploring various attractions, maximizing per-ticket value while keeping children engaged across different activity types.
The late December opening positions Winter Funland to capture school holiday demand during the final week of December when many families seek entertainment during the gap between Christmas and New Year. The January 4 closing provides extended season compared to venues shuttering January 1-2, serving communities seeking post-holiday activities as normal routines gradually resume.
Practical Planning Guide
Choosing the Right Rink
For Romantic Atmosphere: Somerset House’s neoclassical courtyard and evening Skate Lates events create unmatched romantic settings, particularly during weeknight sessions when crowds thin.
For Families with Young Children: Queen’s House offers toddler-friendly sessions and Community Mondays, while Brent Cross emphasizes family programming including Storytime with Santa.
For Budget-Conscious Visitors: Queen’s House Community Mondays (£5), Bussey Rooftop competitive pricing, and Winter Wonderland’s relatively affordable tickets provide value options.
For Unique Experiences: Bussey Rooftop’s panoramic city views, Hampton Court Palace’s Tudor setting, and Battersea Power Station’s riverside location offer distinctive alternatives to standard rinks.
For Convenience: Leicester Square’s West End location, Westfield London’s shopping integration, and Canary Wharf’s business district positioning provide easiest access when combining skating with other activities.
For Accessibility: Westfield London’s quiet hours, Queen’s House’s community focus, and Battersea Power Station’s wheelchair-accessible facilities accommodate diverse needs.
Booking Strategy
Most rinks recommend advance booking, particularly for weekend sessions, evening slots, and the entire period December 20-January 2. Many venues offer early-bird discounts for booking before seasons commence, with savings of 10-15 percent rewarding advance planning. Family packages consistently provide better value than individual tickets, though they typically require purchasing all tickets in single transactions.
Peak pricing applies during weekends, school holidays, and late December, with weekday afternoon and early evening sessions often qualifying as off-peak with lower prices. Very early morning slots (9:00-11:00 AM) and late evening sessions (after 8:00 PM) sometimes offer deals attracting flexible schedules.
What to Wear
Layer warm clothing including thermal base layers, sweaters, and waterproof outer shells protecting against both cold and potential falls on wet ice. Thick socks prevent blisters from boot rubbing while providing insulation. Gloves are essential protecting hands from both cold and scrapes if falling. Hats help retain body heat lost through heads during outdoor sessions.
Avoid long scarves potentially causing trip hazards or getting caught in skate blades. Excessively long coats impede movement and sweep ice surfaces collecting moisture. Jeans work adequately though specialized winter sports fabrics wick moisture better when generating perspiration during vigorous skating.
Bring spare socks for changing after sessions, as skating boots compress regular socks leaving feet damp and cold once removed. Many experienced skaters pack entire spare outfits for post-skating comfort, particularly when planning subsequent restaurant meals or pub visits where wet, cold clothing proves uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do London ice rinks open in November 2025?
Canary Wharf opens earliest on October 25, followed by Brent Cross (October 31), Leicester Square (November 1), Battersea Power Station (November 7), Somerset House (November 12), Winter Wonderland and Westfield London (November 14-15), Bussey Rooftop (November 17), and Hampton Court Palace and Queen’s House (both November 21). New Kensington Palace venue debuts November 30.
Which London ice rink is cheapest?
Queen’s House offers Community Mondays at £5, the lowest price for any major London rink. Regular pricing, Bussey Rooftop (adults £14), Winter Wonderland (adults from £11.50), and Canary Wharf (from £13.95) provide competitive rates. Family packages often offer better per-person value than individual adult tickets.
Do I need to book ice skating in advance?
Yes, advance booking is essential for most venues, particularly during weekends, evenings, school holidays, and December 20-January 2. Walk-up availability exists during quiet weekday daytime periods, but relying on same-day tickets risks disappointment. Early booking often secures lower prices and guarantees preferred time slots.
Which is London’s best ice rink?
“Best” depends on priorities. Somerset House offers the most iconic setting and atmospheric experience. Queen’s House provides the most beautiful backdrop and inclusive pricing. Bussey Rooftop delivers unique panoramic views. Hampton Court Palace offers unmatched historical grandeur. Battersea Power Station provides the largest triple-rink experience. Winter Wonderland combines skating with the broadest entertainment options.
Are London ice rinks suitable for beginners?
Yes, all venues welcome beginners with various support options. Skate aids (stabilizers) help children and nervous adults, available at most rinks on first-come, first-served basis. Somerset House operates Skate School programs. Hampton Court Palace emphasizes beginner-friendly sessions with lower skater densities. Westfield London’s quiet hours provide calmer learning environments.
What happens if it rains?
Most outdoor rinks operate in rain, with tickets typically non-refundable regardless of weather. Canary Wharf’s covered design protects against precipitation. Indoor venues including Winter Funland eliminate weather concerns entirely. Dress in waterproof clothing and embrace British weather as part of the authentic experience!
Can toddlers ice skate in London?
Yes, though minimum ages and boot sizes vary by venue. Skate aids help very young children, though parental supervision on ice is mandatory. Queen’s House offers specific toddler-friendly sessions. Most venues require children under 12 skating with supervising adults at ratios typically around one adult per five children.
Which rinks offer the longest season?
Canary Wharf operates 20 weeks from October 25, 2025, through February 23, 2026—London’s longest temporary ice rink season. Most others run approximately 8 weeks from mid-November through early January. Kensington Palace’s January 7 closing extends slightly beyond typical January 4-5 end dates.
Are there accessible ice skating options in London?
Yes, Westfield London provides quiet hours daily with reduced sensory stimulation. Queen’s House offers Community Mondays, Blue Light discounts, and inclusive pricing structures. Battersea Power Station accommodates wheelchairs. Most venues provide wheelchair access though ice surface navigation requires assistance. Contact specific venues regarding detailed accessibility requirements.
How long are ice skating sessions?
Most venues operate 45-minute or one-hour sessions, with Somerset House at 45 minutes, Winter Wonderland and others at 50-60 minutes. Queen’s House’s pit-lane innovation allows breaks during sessions without forfeiting time. Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before session starts for check-in, boot hire, and preparation, ensuring maximum ice time utilization.
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