With seasonal indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks cropping up all over London and the south west each year, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best locations. Read more about our top picks, and how to get to each rink on South Western Railway’s network.
*Please note: all prices presented represent the minimum cost during off-peak hours.
If you’re looking for Cheap ice skating in London, Somerset House is one of the more reasonably priced. This picture-perfect ice skating rink is nestled into the courtyard of one of the south west’s best stately homes and has plenty to offer. From a 40ft Christmas tree to the live DJ playing all your favourite Christmas tunes, it makes for the ideal day out. Hotel Chocolat will supply you with a delicious, warming cup of cocoa, while Moët & Chandon will offer classic festive tipples.
How to get there: Somerset House is a leisurely 15-minute stroll from London Waterloo.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
As one of the best ice rinks in London, Winter Wonderland’s ice skating should be on your London bucket list. Grab your skates and soar around a Victorian Bandstand under a canopy of sparkling fairy lights to truly live life out of a romance novel. In fact, with its Christmas markets, whimsical fairground, delicious snacks and more, Winter Wonderland is one of the top romantic things to do in London this Christmas.
How to get there: There are many tube stations near Hyde Park, including Green Park, Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner.
From London Waterloo, we recommend catching the Jubilee tube eastbound. Get off at Green Park, then walk for around eight minutes to Winter Wonderland.
As Henry VIII’s former residence, Hampton Court Palace is a marvellous and majestic setting to practice your skating. This historic Tudor palace is the perfect spot for some festive photos, providing a beautiful lit-up backdrop as you skate. Once you’re skated out, grab a warming drink from the bar and bask in the beauty of your surroundings.
How to get there:Hampton Court station is just a five-minute walk from the Palace.
Battersea Power Station has been attracting attention since it opened its doors in October. Filled with exciting things to see and do, this hub of activity only gets more exciting as the festive season approaches. Brand new for 2022, Glide at Battersea Power Station is one of the most unique ice rinks in London. Set on the bank of the River Thames against the impressive Power Station backdrop, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
How to get there: Catch the train to either Queenstown Road (Battersea) or Vauxhall and enjoy a scenic stroll down the River Thames path to get to the Power Station.
As one of London’s hidden gems, Queen’s House is well worth visiting .The views are like no other, providing a backdrop for the glorious, open-air ice skating rink. As you glide around the rink, take in the stunning views of Greenwich Park and Canary Wharf’s spectacular skyline. Finish your day with a warming drink or a trip to the nearby museum. Plus, Greenwich is beautifully decorated for the festive period, so why not take a stroll around the local area?
How to get there: Hop on the tube via the Jubilee line westbound from London Waterloo. At Canary Wharf, change for the Bank-Lewisham DLR service and ride six stops. Or, catch the Uber Boat from London Eye to Greenwich Pier and bask in views of the city’s festive skyline.
For a fun day with family, friends or your partner, pay a trip to Canary Wharf’s ice skating rink. Surrounded by the area’s signature skyscrapers, you’d be hard-pressed to find an ice skating rink like it. With over 1,000 glittering fairylights creating a romantic feel perfect for a date night, thos roof-covered rink holds out in all weathers. Plus, there are plenty of bustling bars and restaurants nearby, so the fun doesn’t have to stop once your skate is over.
How to get there: You can get from London Waterloo to Canary Wharf’s ice skating rink in 16 minutes. Take the Jubilee line westbound, get off at Canary Wharf, then walk for four minutes.
Each open-air skate rink offers a unique experience, and at Skylight Ice Rink, it’s all about the views. Situated on the rooftop of Tobacco Dock, you’ll find sweeping views of the Thames accompanied by plenty of delicious cocktails and grub to finish off your skating session.
Featuring Europe’s only real rooftop ice rink, Tobacco Dock is also home to Cocktail Cinema Experience, the Apres Ski Lodge, Secret Speakeasy and Canalside Igloos to give you the full Christmas experience. In 2022, the venue is holding the ultimate family winter activity package, perfect for a festive day out. You’ll get an ice skating session for four, plus a two-hour booking in a rooftop igloo, and a delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine each.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the Jubilee line eastbound. Get off at Canada Water and ride the Overground towards Dalston Junction until you reach Shadwell. Or, from Clapham Junction, you can reach Tobacco Dock in just half an hour by using the same Overground service.
Dates: Every Sunday from 30th October – 18th December
Price:
Family Sunday winter activity package*
£59.99
*Please note: ice skating that isn’t a part of the Sunday family package can only be booked on the day.
Located in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, SKATE Bournemouth’s real ice rink promises plenty of festive fun. Wear yourself out with a session on the ice, then make a pit stop at Moguls Alpine Barto enjoy some winter warmers and sweet treats. Visiting with kids who’ve never skated before? Not to worry—the centre provides ice skating aids to help little ones find their feet!
How to get there: From Bournemouth station, your journey should take around eight minutes. Get on the 4 or 5a bus towards Bournemouth and ride until you reach Bournemouth Pier, then walk for just one minute.
Want the grand London ice skating experience without heading into the big city? At Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square, open-air ice skating has never been more beautiful. Set in the bustling centre of Portsmouth with the stunning town hall as the backdrop, this canopied ice skating rink makes for a great day out, no matter the weather. After you’ve hung up your skates, follow your nose to the nearby festive food stalls to replenish your energy.
How to get there: Guildhall Square is just a few minutes’ walk from Portsmouth & Southsea.
For a magical evening, grab your skates and glide around the historical Alexandra Gardens in Windsor. A perfect date night activity or day out with the kids, Windsor on Ice offers a fully-covered ice rink, viewing area serving delicious snacks and a bar and grill serving up all your festive favourites. After you’ve hung up your skates, why not pay a visit to Windor’s shopping centre? At just a five-minute walk away, there’s plenty to get up to, from Christmas shopping to enjoying Christmas movies on the indoor big screen.
With many great Christmas spots to visit over the festive period, be sure to plan your journey ahead. Search our ticket types to find the right train tickets for your trip. Plus, you can make fantastic savings by taking advantage of our Railcards and discounts.
