Skate at Somerset House has returned for winter 2025, transforming the historic neoclassical courtyard into London’s most beloved outdoor ice rink from November 12, 2025, through January 11, 2026. This marks the grand finale of Somerset House’s 25th birthday year as a cultural venue, with the iconic ice rink continuing its tradition of delivering unrivalled skating experiences beneath a magnificent 40-foot Christmas tree. Set against the backdrop of 18th-century architecture designed by Sir William Chambers, the rink offers 45-minute skating sessions throughout the day and evening, accompanied by contemporary music, festive food and drink, and special events that make each visit memorable.
Somerset House History and Setting
Somerset House stands as one of London’s most significant architectural landmarks, occupying a prime position on the south side of the Strand overlooking the River Thames. The current structure was designed by Sir William Chambers and constructed beginning in 1776, replacing a Tudor palace that once belonged to the Duke of Somerset and served as a residence for Queen Elizabeth I. The Georgian-era quadrangle features neoclassical design elements arranged around a central courtyard, creating an enclosed space that proves perfect for seasonal events. Victorian extensions to the east and west added in 1831 and 1856 expanded the complex to its present form.
Before its transformation 25 years ago, Somerset House functioned as government offices and at various times served as Royal Navy headquarters. The 2000 conversion created an unrivalled cultural and artistic hub that now hosts exhibitions, performances, workshops, and seasonal events attracting millions of visitors annually. The building’s designation as a major London landmark stems from both its architectural significance and its role in British cultural life. The summer months bring the Summer Series festival featuring performances by artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Little Simz, while winter transforms the courtyard into the city’s most atmospheric ice skating venue.
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, where the ice rink is installed each winter, measures approximately 55 meters by 34 meters, creating an intimate yet spacious skating surface. The surrounding neoclassical facades rise three stories, their Portland stone columns and ornate detailing creating a stunning backdrop for the illuminated rink. The courtyard’s enclosed nature amplifies the festive atmosphere, with twinkling lights reflecting off the historic architecture and the sounds of skating and music contained within the stone walls. This combination of historical grandeur and contemporary celebration makes Skate at Somerset House distinctively different from other London ice rinks.
2025 Season Details and Operating Hours
The 2025 season runs from Tuesday, November 12, through Saturday, January 11, 2026, operating daily except Christmas Day. Sessions begin as early as 9:00 AM on selected dates and continue until 10:45 PM, with each skating period lasting 45 minutes. Standard session times include 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM slots. Early morning sessions at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM operate on selected dates, primarily for Skate School programmes and relaxed sessions, while late-night sessions extending to 10:45 PM cater to evening visitors seeking atmospheric after-dark skating.
Holiday scheduling adjustments accommodate festive celebrations. On Christmas Eve, sessions begin at 9:00 AM with the final session starting at 5:00 PM, allowing early closure at 5:15 PM. The rink remains closed on Christmas Day. Boxing Day features late opening at 12:00 PM with sessions continuing until the 10:00 PM start time. The period from December 27-30 offers extended hours with sessions from 9:00 AM through the 10:00 PM slot. New Year’s Eve operates from 9:00 AM with the last regular session at 4:00 PM before special evening celebrations. New Year’s Day reopens at 12:00 PM, continuing through 9:00 PM.
Public ticket sales launched at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 26, 2025, with advance booking strongly recommended. The on-site box office opened for advance sales from November 7-11 before the rink’s public debut on November 12. During operational dates, the box office opens 30 minutes before the first skating session and remains available throughout the day. On Skate School mornings, the box office opens at 8:00 AM to accommodate early arrivals, while on Skate Lates evenings, it closes 15 minutes after the final session begins. The facility operates entirely cashless, accepting only card and mobile payments.
Ticket Prices and Booking Information
Adult tickets start from fifteen pounds during off-peak periods, with prices varying throughout the season based on demand. Peak dates including weekends, school holidays, and the period between December 20 and January 2 command premium pricing. Child tickets for visitors aged 12 and under begin at ten pounds, though prices fluctuate similarly to adult rates based on session timing. A one-off transaction fee of two pounds ninety-five pence applies per order regardless of ticket quantity. Somerset House advises early booking to secure the lowest available prices and guarantee preferred session times.
Family discounts automatically apply to qualifying bookings, offering 10 percent savings for groups consisting of either one adult with up to three children aged 12 and under, or two adults with up to six children aged 12 and under. The system recognizes groups of four or eight people meeting these criteria and applies the discount without requiring special codes or manual intervention. Any tickets beyond these family group structures are charged at full individual prices without additional discount application.
Concession tickets providing 20 percent discounts accommodate recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, NHS staff, full-time students, and disabled visitors claiming Personal Independence Payment. These reduced-rate tickets are available for morning and early afternoon sessions at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM on selected dates including November 12-14, November 17-21, November 24-28, January 2, and January 5-9. Concessions also apply during all Relaxed Sessions. Ticket holders must present proof of eligibility upon entering the rink or when purchasing tickets at the on-site box office.
Group bookings for parties of 20 or more require telephone arrangements through the booking line at 0343 208 1497, with availability depending on session capacity and existing reservations. Tickets are non-refundable under standard circumstances, though exchanges are possible up to 48 hours before booked sessions for a three-pound fee per ticket, subject to availability. Additional charges may apply during peak periods. Ticket exchanges and group bookings must be arranged by phone rather than through online systems, ensuring personalized service for special requirements.
Harold Offeh’s Creating Patterns Art Installation
This year’s Skate at Somerset House features its most ambitious artistic commission to date with Harold Offeh’s Creating Patterns project. The installation reimagines the ice rink as a space for collective mark-making, movement, and sound, transforming every skating session into participatory art creation. Offeh developed the concept by working with six roller skaters who executed experimental choreographic drawings, their skate tracks captured using graphite and cartridge paper to create large-scale monoprints. The resulting traces form a glossary mapping gestures and exchanges between skaters as layers, circuits, and laps in collective expression.
The flag atop Somerset House’s dome references the figure-of-eight pattern created by the skaters, connecting to the 808 drum machine known for its deep bass and distinctive percussive tones that form foundations of hip-hop and electronic music. This sonic reference emphasizes the rhythmic nature of skating and the musical qualities inherent in repetitive movement. The drawings generated during the development process, together with special sound compositions played before each public skating session, connect the sounds of the rink with the marks and movements that inspired them.
Creating Patterns invites all skaters and visitors to notice how motion leaves traces on ice, on paper, and in sound, revealing the rhythms created collectively. Each glide and turn produces playful marks and dynamic shapes across the ice, making every session contribute to an evolving artwork. This participatory element distinguishes the 2025 season from previous years, elevating the skating experience from pure recreation to cultural engagement. The installation demonstrates Somerset House’s commitment to integrating contemporary art practice with popular seasonal programming, ensuring accessibility to cutting-edge artistic concepts through familiar leisure activities.
The project credits include production and graphic design by Tara White, with the roller skating team comprising Concetta Conigliaro, Nana Nottinson-Nyaaku, Kai Butler-Peter, Chantelle Notice, Ricardo Lawrence, and Esmé Fenwick. Sound designers James Johnson and Momo Ma Pak Yin created the audio compositions, while workshop assistant Tyler Ward-Bagnald supported the development process. This collaborative approach reflects Offeh’s practice of working with communities and participants to generate artworks that embody collective rather than solely individual creative expression.
Special Events and Skate Lates
Skate Lates with Aperol Spritz delivers an extra special series of music nights throughout the season, providing perfect post-work gatherings or weekend evening entertainment. These extended evening sessions feature trailblazing DJs on rink-side decks, transforming the courtyard into an atmospheric nightclub on ice. The musical programming showcases diverse genres and cutting-edge talent from London’s vibrant club scene. DJ Subaru brings raw, forward-thinking dance music to the ice, while NTS Radio’s Ruf Dug offers wild and wonderful sounds characteristic of his eclectic taste.
E1 resident LO-LOW, known for delivering eclectic journey-like sets, takes control of the Skate Lates decks with her distinctive club kid energy. Dankie Sounds, the driving force behind the UK’s Amapiano scene, brings their signature high-energy experience to Somerset House, introducing South African house music’s infectious rhythms to the skating environment. A special Caribbean-inspired evening on December 4 merges winter magic with Caribbean spice, drawing inspiration from the warmth and soul of Grenada to create unique musical and atmospheric fusion.
Virgin Atlantic Holidays joins forces with Virgin Voyages, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Radio, and Virgin Red for a night of festive celebration at Somerset House, demonstrating the sponsor’s comprehensive activation across the season. These branded events combine premium experiences with the core skating offering, providing enhanced atmospheres and special touches that justify their positioning as highlight dates within the calendar. The partnership between Somerset House and Virgin Atlantic represents headline sponsorship that enables the event’s scale and ambition.
New Year’s Eve at Somerset House offers the ultimate celebration in London’s most iconic winter setting. The event runs from 7:30 PM late into the night, combining skating with festive entertainment and midnight countdown celebrations. This premium-priced special event requires separate booking from standard sessions and typically sells out months in advance. The combination of historic setting, outdoor ice skating, and New Year’s celebrations creates unmatched festive atmosphere that positions Somerset House as a premier destination for marking the year’s transition.
Skate School, Kids Club, and Learning Opportunities
Skate School provides structured lessons for visitors seeking to build confidence or improve existing skills. This annual sell-out programme accommodates various ability levels from complete beginners taking their first steps on ice to intermediate skaters refining technique and advancing towards more complex movements. Professional instructors deliver age-appropriate instruction using proven teaching methods that emphasize safety, proper form, and gradual skill development. The programme operates during morning sessions on selected dates, allowing participants to learn in less crowded conditions before general public sessions begin.
Kids Skate Club offers dedicated programming for young skaters, creating supportive environments where children can develop skills alongside peers of similar ages and abilities. The club structure provides continuity for children attending multiple sessions, fostering progression and building skating confidence over time. Instructors trained in working with young people ensure appropriate pacing and maintain engagement through games and activities that make learning fun rather than intimidating. The programme recognizes that children often learn best through play-based approaches rather than formal instruction alone.
Skate Mates provide alternative support options for individuals or groups not seeking formal lessons but requiring additional assistance on the ice. These dedicated ice marshals can be pre-booked for thirty-five pounds per session to support groups of four to fifteen people. Skate Mates are not qualified instructors and cannot provide structured teaching, but they offer useful assistance for novice skaters needing extra support navigating the rink safely. The service proves particularly valuable for adult beginners who may feel self-conscious about formal lessons but benefit from personalized guidance.
Booking Skate Mates requires telephone contact at 0343 208 1497 either when purchasing skating tickets or afterward, with at least 48 hours advance notice before the scheduled session. Limited numbers of Skate Mates are available per session, so early reservation is essential during busy periods. Importantly, Skate Mates cannot serve as guardians for children aged 12 and under, who must still be accompanied by supervising adults even when Skate Mate services are booked. This policy ensures appropriate child supervision while allowing the Skate Mates to focus on providing ice-skating assistance rather than childcare responsibilities.
Relaxed and Accessible Sessions
Relaxed Sessions operate on selected weekday mornings throughout the season with reduced capacity and lower music levels, creating more comfortable environments for visitors who prefer less crowded, stimulating conditions. These sessions particularly benefit neurodiverse audiences including individuals with autism spectrum conditions, sensory processing sensitivities, or anxiety disorders triggered by busy, loud environments. The reduced capacity ensures more personal space on the ice, while lowered music volumes allow for better concentration and reduced sensory overwhelm.
The skate return space remains open during Relaxed Sessions, allowing participants to take breaks during their allocated time without leaving the skating area entirely. This flexibility accommodates those who may need periodic rest from physical exertion or sensory input without forfeiting their skating time. The sessions occur on dates including November 12-14, November 17-21, November 24-28, January 2, and January 5-9 at morning time slots, strategically scheduled when general crowd levels are naturally lower.
Wheelchair users can skate during any session at Somerset House, with dedicated wheelchair-accessible sessions also available for those preferring specialized support. The ice surface accommodates standard wheelchairs, and staff assist with safely accessing the rink. This inclusive approach ensures that mobility limitations do not prevent participation in this quintessential London winter experience. Somerset House encourages anyone with specific accessibility requirements to email visitor@somersethouse.org.uk for detailed discussions about accommodations and support available.
Accessible toilet facilities throughout the site include gender-neutral cubicles directly off the courtyard down a set of stairs, plus accessible toilets in the East Wing, South Wing, and New Wing. Visitor Experience team members provide directions and assistance as needed. The facility’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond physical accommodations to include staff training on supporting diverse visitor needs and creating welcoming environments for all guests regardless of ability, age, or background.
Food, Drink, and On-Site Amenities
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Skate operates daily from November 12, 2025, through January 11, 2026, opening 30 minutes before the first skating session and closing 30 minutes after the final session ends. This premium lounge area offers seasonal drinks, comfortable seating, and rink-side views that allow non-skating companions to watch in comfort while enjoying refreshments. The clubhouse creates destination dining and drinking opportunities separate from skating participation, acknowledging that some visitors primarily come for the atmosphere rather than ice time.
The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia provides daily dining from November 13 through December 31, 2025, operating Monday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Celebrity chef Jimmy Garcia curates menus featuring warming winter treats, international cuisine, and festive specialties that complement the skating experience. The Chalet offers sit-down dining as an alternative to casual snacking, accommodating groups seeking full meals before or after their ice sessions. Christmas Eve closing at 5:30 PM and New Year’s Eve closing at 5:00 PM align with adjusted skating schedules, while Christmas Day closure and Boxing Day late opening mirror the rink’s holiday hours.
Somerset House’s permanent on-site cafes, bars, and restaurants offer additional seasonal menus featuring creative international cuisine from some of Britain’s most celebrated chefs. Cafe Petiole provides free hot chocolate with purchases over fifteen pounds for ticket holders. Setlist offers 15 percent discounts off bills for all Skate ticket holders, while Aram provides 15 percent off food and Blondies Kitchen gives 10 percent off all purchases. These partnerships create added value for skating visitors while driving business to Somerset House’s year-round dining establishments.
The Shelter Boutique brought to you by HSBC UK operates from November 12-23 as an on-site pop-up store featuring handpicked selections of pre-loved vintage, designer, and quality high-street clothing at fractions of original prices. All profits support Shelter’s work building fairer housing systems. The boutique opens daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, providing gift shopping opportunities and sustainable fashion options that align with environmentally conscious values. This retail component adds shopping to the skating experience, creating comprehensive festive destination appeal.
Practical Visitor Information
Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled skating sessions to allow time for ticket collection, cloakroom deposits, and skate fitting while still enjoying full 45-minute ice time. Earlier arrival is advisable for those needing to check items into the cloakroom, which charges two pounds per item after the first free item. All bags regardless of size, plus bulky or loose items including large cameras, must be left in the cloakroom as they cannot be taken into the skate hire area or onto the rink. Items are stored at owners’ risk without liability assumed by Somerset House.
Skate boot hire is included in ticket prices, with sizes ranging from children’s size 6 (European size 23, fitting approximately two-year-olds) to adult size 15 (European size 50). Visitors may use personal ice skates subject to Somerset House’s approval regarding suitability and safety, though the facility does not offer skate sharpening services. Skate aids—stabilizers for children aged eight and under—are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. If availability permits and older skaters would benefit, staff may accommodate requests.
Appropriate clothing is essential for enjoying open-air ice skating in British winter conditions. Warm layers, waterproof outerwear, thick socks, gloves, and hats are strongly recommended. Visitors should avoid clothing that obstructs vision, creates trip hazards, or impedes other skaters, including long scarves, excessively long coats, and elaborate fancy dress. Organizers reserve the right to prohibit impractical clothing or costumes that pose safety risks. Spare socks for changing after sessions prove valuable as skating boots can compress regular socks, leaving feet damp and cold once removed.
The rink operates in all weather conditions with no cancellations for rain or typical winter weather. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable under normal circumstances. Only if Somerset House cancels the entire event do visitors receive full refunds, with the charitable trust requesting consideration of donating ticket costs to support its mission. This policy reflects the outdoor nature of the venue and the logistical impossibility of rescheduling sold-out sessions. Visitors should dress appropriately for prevailing weather and consider bringing waterproof layers and spare clothing if rain is forecasted.
Photography, Spectators, and Rules
Photography for personal use is welcomed and encouraged throughout the skating experience, with Somerset House actively engaging with social media posts featuring the rink. However, selfie sticks, large cameras, video cameras, and audio recording devices are not permitted on the ice for safety reasons. Tripods are prohibited anywhere on site to prevent pathway obstruction and trip hazards. These restrictions balance desire for memories and social media content with safety requirements and smooth venue operations during busy periods when hundreds of people navigate limited space.
Spectators are welcomed free of charge and can watch from viewing platforms or from the warmth of the Skate Lounge, which offers fantastic rink-side views. This policy acknowledges that group outings often include non-skating members who still want to participate in the experience. Free spectator access removes financial barriers for friends and family members supporting skaters while creating lively atmosphere as audiences react to performances on the ice. The ability to observe comfortably indoors addresses the challenge that winter weather poses for extended outdoor observation.
No food or drinks are allowed in the skate hire area or on the ice, while glass is prohibited on viewing platforms and throughout the courtyard for safety reasons. Personal food and drink can be brought to Somerset House but should not be consumed within on-site bars or restaurants, respecting commercial operations while acknowledging that some visitors prefer bringing their own refreshments. This balanced policy addresses both commercial and accessibility concerns.
Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by adults on the ice, with ratios of one adult for every five children skating. This supervision requirement ensures child safety while remaining realistic about family group compositions. Children must be 12 or under to qualify for child ticket pricing. The smallest available boot size fits approximately two-year-olds, though parents must judge whether their children can skate safely regardless of boot availability. This parental discretion acknowledges that developmental readiness varies significantly among young children.
Transportation and Location
Somerset House occupies a prime central London location on the Strand, easily accessible via multiple public transport options. Temple Underground Station on the District and Circle Lines provides the nearest tube access, requiring a short walk north from the Victoria Embankment. Covent Garden station on the Piccadilly Line offers an alternative slightly further but still within easy walking distance. Charing Cross mainline railway station sits nearby, connecting Somerset House to national rail networks and London’s southern suburbs.
Bus routes serving the Strand include the 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, and 91, among others. These services connect Somerset House to destinations across London, making public transport the most practical access method for most visitors. No parking is available at Somerset House, with public transport strongly encouraged for environmental sustainability and practical necessity given central London’s limited parking and congestion charge zone. The facility’s urban location makes driving impractical and unnecessary given excellent public transport connections.
The venue’s position on the Thames Embankment places it within walking distance of numerous London attractions including Covent Garden’s shopping and entertainment district, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and the South Bank cultural complex across Waterloo Bridge. This clustering of destinations allows visitors to combine ice skating with broader London sightseeing, maximizing the value of trips into central London. The pedestrian-friendly surrounding area encourages walking between nearby attractions despite winter weather.
Somerset House offers free Wi-Fi throughout the site, allowing visitors to share experiences via social media, coordinate with separated group members, or access digital tickets without consuming mobile data. This amenity reflects contemporary expectations for connectivity and supports the venue’s social media engagement strategies that amplify reach beyond physical attendance through user-generated content sharing.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Somerset House considers environmental impact in all operations, with Skate being no exception. Year-on-year improvements minimize carbon footprint through measures including energy-efficient refrigeration systems that maintain ice in an open-air courtyard exposed to ambient temperatures, LED lighting that dramatically reduces power consumption compared to traditional festive illumination, and waste management systems that maximize recycling and minimize landfill disposal. The cashless payment system reduces resource consumption associated with cash handling while improving transaction efficiency.
Encouraging public transport use rather than private vehicles significantly reduces per-visitor carbon emissions associated with traveling to the event. The central London location with excellent public transport connections makes sustainable travel choices practical and convenient. The partnership with environmental organizations and incorporation of sustainable practices into catering operations demonstrate institutional commitment to environmental stewardship that extends beyond regulatory compliance to embrace leadership in sustainable event management.
The Shelter Boutique partnership illustrates social responsibility commitments that complement environmental sustainability. By providing retail space to the homelessness charity Shelter and donating all proceeds to their work, Somerset House leverages its platform and visitor numbers to support social causes aligned with its values as a charitable trust. The emphasis on pre-loved clothing also promotes circular economy principles and sustainable fashion alternatives to fast fashion consumption patterns.
Somerset House Trust operates as a charity rather than a commercial entertainment company, with surplus from events like Skate supporting the organization’s broader cultural and educational mission. This charitable status means ticket purchases directly fund artistic programming, heritage conservation, and educational initiatives that might not achieve financial sustainability through admissions alone. The trust model allows Somerset House to balance commercial success with cultural value creation in ways that purely profit-driven operators cannot replicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and times for Skate at Somerset House 2025?
Skate at Somerset House runs from Tuesday, November 12, 2025, through Saturday, January 11, 2026, operating daily except Christmas Day. Session times range from 9:00 AM to 10:45 PM depending on the date, with each skating session lasting 45 minutes. Standard sessions occur at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM. Early morning and late evening sessions operate on selected dates.
How much do tickets cost?
Adult tickets start from £15 with prices varying based on date and session time. Child tickets (ages 12 and under) begin at £10. A £2.95 transaction fee applies per order. Family discounts of 10 percent automatically apply for groups of one adult with up to three children or two adults with up to six children. Concession tickets with 20 percent discounts are available to Universal Credit recipients, Pension Credit recipients, NHS staff, full-time students, and disabled visitors claiming PIP at specific morning sessions.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, advance booking is essential as sessions frequently sell out, particularly during weekends, school holidays, and the Christmas period. Tickets went on public sale September 26, 2025. Limited same-day tickets are available from the on-site box office on a first-come, first-served basis until noon, after which remaining availability moves online. Same-day tickets are capped at six per person and cannot be purchased for Skate Lates or Skate School sessions.
What happens if it rains?
Skate at Somerset House operates in all weather conditions as an open-air facility. Skating continues in rain, snow, and typical winter weather. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of weather. Visitors should dress appropriately with waterproof outerwear and consider bringing spare clothing if rain is forecast. Only if Somerset House cancels the entire event due to safety concerns will full refunds be issued.
Can children skate at Somerset House?
Yes, children are welcome with tickets starting at £10 for those aged 12 and under. The smallest boot size is children’s 6 (European 23), fitting approximately two-year-olds. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied on the ice by an adult, with ratios of one adult per five children maximum. Skate aids (stabilizers) are available for children aged eight and under on a first-come, first-served basis. Kids Skate Club and Skate School offer structured learning opportunities.
Is Skate at Somerset House wheelchair accessible?
Yes, wheelchair users can skate during any session, with dedicated wheelchair-accessible sessions also available. Accessible toilets are located in the East Wing, South Wing, and New Wing. Relaxed Sessions with reduced capacity and lower music levels operate on selected weekday mornings for neurodiverse visitors and those preferring less crowded environments. For detailed accessibility discussions, contact visitor@somersethouse.org.uk.
What should I wear for ice skating?
Dress warmly in layers appropriate for outdoor winter weather. Essential items include thick socks, waterproof jacket, gloves, and hat. Avoid clothing that obstructs vision, creates trip hazards, or impedes other skaters, including long scarves and excessively long coats. Organizers may prohibit impractical clothing or fancy dress that poses safety risks. Consider bringing spare socks for after skating and waterproof layers if rain is forecast.
Are spectators allowed?
Yes, spectators are welcomed free of charge and can watch from viewing platforms or the Skate Lounge, which offers rink-side views in a warm indoor setting. This allows non-skating friends and family members to participate in the experience without purchasing skating tickets. The Skate Lounge provides comfortable seating with excellent sightlines while protecting spectators from outdoor winter weather.
What food and drink options are available?
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse operates daily throughout the season serving seasonal drinks with rink-side views. The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia offers dining from November 13-December 31 with menus featuring warming winter treats and international cuisine. On-site cafes, bars, and restaurants provide additional options with special discounts for ticket holders. Personal food can be brought but should not be consumed in on-site bars or restaurants.
Can I bring my own ice skates?
Yes, personal ice skates are permitted subject to Somerset House approval regarding suitability and safety. Skate boot hire is included in ticket prices, with sizes from children’s 6 (European 23) to adult 15 (European 50). Somerset House does not sharpen personal skates. Most visitors use provided boots as they eliminate the need to transport skates and ensure appropriate ice skating blade configuration.
What is the Harold Offeh Creating Patterns installation?
Creating Patterns by artist Harold Offeh reimagines the ice rink as a space for collective mark-making, movement, and sound. The installation transforms skating into participatory art creation, with each glide and turn producing marks that contribute to an evolving communal artwork. Special sound compositions play before each session, connecting rink sounds with the movements that inspired them. The project celebrates Somerset House’s 25th birthday year with its most ambitious artistic commission to date.
What are Skate Lates?
Skate Lates are special evening sessions featuring DJs on rink-side decks who transform the courtyard into an atmospheric nightclub on ice. The series includes performances by DJ Subaru, NTS Radio’s Ruf Dug, E1 resident LO-LOW, and Dankie Sounds bringing UK Amapiano. These after-hours experiences offer perfect post-work gatherings or weekend evening entertainment with contemporary music complementing the skating experience.
Can I take photographs?
Photography for personal use is encouraged, and Somerset House welcomes social media sharing tagged with @somersethouse. However, selfie sticks, large cameras, video cameras, and audio recording equipment are prohibited on the ice for safety. Tripods are not permitted anywhere on site. These restrictions balance memory creation with safety requirements during busy sessions when hundreds of people navigate limited space.
How do I get to Somerset House?
Temple Underground Station (District and Circle Lines) provides the nearest tube access. Covent Garden station (Piccadilly Line) offers an alternative. Charing Cross mainline station connects to national rail. Multiple bus routes serve the Strand including 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, and 91. No parking is available, with public transport strongly encouraged. The central London location makes driving impractical given excellent public transport connections.
What is the refund and exchange policy?
Tickets are non-refundable under normal circumstances. Exchanges are possible up to 48 hours before scheduled sessions for a £3 fee per ticket, subject to availability. Additional charges may apply during peak periods. Telephone 0343 208 1497 for exchanges. Only if Somerset House cancels the entire event will full refunds be issued, with the charitable trust requesting consideration of donating ticket costs to support its cultural mission.
Read More on London City News