Christmas means London’s outdoor skating rinks are back and full of festive feels. Whether you’re an expert skater or spend most of the time gripping the sides for dear life, it’s a fun way to spend an hour.
There’s one problem with this great idea though – it can be seriously spenny. But, if you’re willing to swerve the more popular times, you can skate for half the price paid by less well-informed Londoners. Here’s our Cheapo guide to London skating in 2024/5.
Quick tips to save money at London’s outdoor skate rinks
Look for off-peak slots and early-bird options, often found on morning sessions on weekdays. While fixed price spots may not seem great, they can work out cheaper on peak times than places with varied prices, so keep that in mind if you want to skate closer to Christmas. Of course, students and children generally get in cheaper and family tickets are available to help save too. As annoying as booking fees are, with such a popular pastime it’s better to book ahead than risk your chosen session being sold out (yes, even at 9 am).
If you’re looking for more festive feels or romcom-worthy date ideas, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas Markets for you; or, for a bit of sparkle, follow our walking tour of central London’s Christmas lights and check out our top picks for London Winter Illuminations this year.
1. Skate at Somerset House
The grand dame of London’s outdoor skating rinks, amid the neoclassical splendour of Somerset House’s courtyard, this is also one of the most popular. It’s about as picturesque as it gets, and that’s without the huge 40ft Christmas tree.
Prices start at £15.00 for adults and £10.00 for children, with concessions available for recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, NHS staff, full-time students and disabled visitors claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP); you will need to add a £2.95 transaction fee per order. There are Skate Lates again this year, which combine DJ performances with evening skating. To nab the cheaper prices go earlier in the day if you can and opt for off-peak dates.
For a little after-skate treat, there are a few gourmet and alpine dining options as well as Whispering Angel rosé/cocktails at the Skate Lounge.
2. Glide at Battersea Power Station
Glide at Battersea Power Station features three interconnecting rinks set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, with a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree in the centre.
Tickets start from £16.00 for adults, £10.50 for children or £48.00 for a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children), but there are lots of other packages to choose from. Once you’re done on the ice, there is plenty to do: fairground rides, pub quizzes, a wide range of big-name food & drink options plus more shopping than Santa could handle.
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3. Canary Wharf
The Canary Wharf skating rink stays open until 23rd February 2025, so it’s worth bearing in mind long after festive shenanigans are over. Boasting a 1200sqm rink, Canary Wharf is a great spot for some winter skating. There’s Off Piste, a rink-side bar for the observers, a roof lit by over 1,000 fairy lights so you can skate whatever the weather and plenty of shopping to be had nearby. The sessions last for 45 minutes and include skate-hire; tickets start from £13.95 for adults or £53.95 for a family ticket
4. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
The Christmas extravaganza is back in Hyde Park, with its gigantic wheel, circus and entertainment shows, places to eat and drink and, of course, a skating rink. For more details, check out our guide to Winter Wonderland.
The bandstand provides live music and the chance to skate is pretty consistent, running from 10am-9pm with sessions lasting 45 minutes. Skate rental is included and it’s suggested your arrive 20 minutes early to get your skates and be ready to go. Off-peak tickets cost from £11.50 for adults and £8.50 for children, with family tickets from £34.00 and concessions from £10.50.
5. Hampton Court Palace
Does it get more festive than skating at a Tudor palace? Possibly not.
Adult tickets are from £18.00, with tickets for children up to 12 years old from £13.00. Family tickets offer some discounts and a booking fee applies to online purchases. The peak prices are among the most affordable in the list and the setting is dramatically gorgeous.
6. Festive Skate at Alexandra Palace
Skate around a huge Christmas tree to all your favourite festive tunes amidst the twinkling lights, then warm yourself up with a Baileys hot chocolate or mulled wine and mince pie. Yep, that’s pretty much all the rom-com boxes ticked.
Tickets are from £16.00 for adults and £13.00 for kids, with spectator-only tickets at £3.50.
7. The Ice Rink at Westfield
Get your Christmas shopping and festive fun done in one spot as Westfield London’s iconic ice rink returns for 2024 with an Oceania vibe, sponsored by Disney’s Moana 2.
Tickets are from £15.00 for adults and £11.00 for kids, with family tickets available from £45.00. Skating sessions start at 10am, but they recommend you turn up between 30-40 minutes prior to your skate session to get your skates fitted in good time to take to the ice.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This article was originally published in November 2017. Last updated on 15 November 2024.
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