THE UK’S TOP 10 ICE RINKS
The Best Ice Rinks in London and Beyond to Get Your Skate On
It is the law that as soon as the 50 Denier tights and beanies make an appearance, you must sniff out a good ice rink to get your festive juices going.
London wins in the icy stakes, from Somerset House’s iconic rink and Canary Wharf’s longest running skate mecca to the shiny, new Glide at Battersea Power Station and Ice at Kensington Palace.
So we’ve rounded up the best rinks in the capital, plus some extra special glacial experiences in the rest of the UK to get your Torvill and Dean on.
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Lapland UK's Frozen Elf Pond
You can look for the most festive ice rink in the UK, or we could save you the time by telling you it’s at Lapland UK.
This elves' frozen pond is flanked by snow-covered Christmas trees at the heart of The Elven Village, in this extraordinary Ascot wonderland, created with blockbuster movie production quality.
Your journey to Lapland UK and its magical rink begins in the Enchanted Forest, where the elf folk present the Small People with special, elven passports to enable entry through the secret gateway to Lapland in a breathtaking sequence.
The rink is surrounded by elven characters, passing huskies, an elf emporium, restaurant and Elva’s Post Office.
Children can use penguin supports as they glide around the otherworldly space, before warming up with hot chocolates and sweet treats. Afterwards, they will head deeper into the Enchanted Forest, past the famous, real reindeer and a sleeping Rudolph - illluminating the stable with his bright nose, as he snores - to the sleigh and finally, the wooden cabin of Father Christmas himself. They will see their own names handwritten on the Good List, before meeting St Nick himself - he knows plenty about each child and will present them with a toy and a special bell, only awarded to his best elves.
Lapland UK, Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Rd, Winkfield Row, Ascot SL5 8BD. Tickets from £59 pp in November and from £89 pp in December. Opens on 11 November until 24 December
Skate at Somerset House
It’s not Christmas until Somerset House opens its iconic ice rink. This year, the grand, open-air courtyard will be transformed by Switzerland Tourism into an icy, festive destination. Expect sessions inspired by Swiss regions of Bern, Lucerne and Valais; a new series of rink-side decks takeovers; their West Wing restaurant, Chalet Suisse, a rink-side view Skate lounge by Whispering Angel; Skate School lessons, and a pop-up Shelter Boutique pop-up store. Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA15 Nov - 14 Jan. Tickets from £11 for adults and £8.50 for children.
The Queens House Ice Rink
The Queen’s House Ice Rink is a magical, open-air ice rink in the heart of Greenwich's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rink is surrounded by iconic architecture, with views of Greenwich Park to the south and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf to the north, providing a backdrop of some of the best views in London. Warm up with hot drinks and seasonal fare at the Benugo café, inside the skate exchange, next to the ice rink. The Queen’s House, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF. 23 November - 7 January. Adults from £10. Children from £7
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, this Insta-perfect rink offers stunning views of the Thames, while you skate around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a giant, 30ft Christmas tree. Afterwards, you can warm up with a hot chocolate - or something stronger - at the Glass House
Nine Elms, London SW11 8EF. 10 November - 7 January. tickets from £14.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
This stunning rink returns to the gardens of Henry VIII’s historic home, with beautiful views of the illuminated Tudor palace in the background as you glide around its 26 foot Christmas tree centrepiece.
After your 45 minute session, you can head to the Rink Cafe and Bar for festive food and drinks.
Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU. 17 November - 7 January. Tickets from £19 per adult and £14 per child.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
The capital’s annual, Christmas mecca returns for its 16th year on 17 November. The event includes a Magical Ice Kingdom made from more than 500 tonnes of ice and snow, plus an apres ski ice bar; ice rink, a real ice slide; wintry Cirque Berserk circus show; Zippos Christmas Circus Show, ice sculpting workshop; open air Christmas markets and a Bavarian Village.
There are rides for all ages, from Ice Mountain to a ride around a Christmas tree in giant baubles, plus Santaland with more rides, the Santa Express Train and the chance to meet the Big Guy himself; firepits for marshmallow toasting, the apline, Explorer’s Rest and a Santaland Chill Out area for little ones. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London. 17 November - 1 January. Off peak tickets are free and peak tickets are £7.50
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
London’s longest running seasonal ice rink, Ice Rink Canary Wharf, is returning for 18 weeks from 21st October to Saturday 24th February. Offering visitors a magical skate session in the heart of Canary Wharf, this year’s ice rink will be putting on themed skating sessions, including 80’s, 90’s and Soul Classics nights to get skaters in the festive spirit.
There’s a transparent roof, to thwart Blighty’s pesky weather, plus an apres-skate alpine bar serving winter warmers for skaters and spectators.
And the centre piece this year is a glorious Christmas tree, beneath a suspended giant mirrored ball, casting disco reflections across the rink. Ice Rink Canary Wharf. Canada Square, London E14 5AB. 21 Oct - 24 February
Ice at Kensington Palace
ICE at Kensington Palace will be opening for the first time this winter, with the UK’s largest ever UK ice rink, measuring the same size as a full length football pitch. Running from 30 November to 7 January, the event in the grounds of Kensington Palace will feature sustainable food and drinks plus a VIP area with magical views over the rink, with premium brand partners including Cecconi’s, by Soho House and Fortnum & Mason.
Ice at Kensington Palace, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX. £19 per adult. £16 per child
Winter Funland Midlands
This festive indoor fairground returns to The NEC from 9 December until 1 January, with an enormous ice rink at its heart.
Skate instructors and penguin aids will be on hand for little ones. And afterwards, the family can enjoy the UK’s largest indoor funfair, complete with Christmas markers, unlimited rides including dodgems, waltzer and a giant slide, a Christmas circus performance in their 1200-seater theatre - featuring an extreme motorbike show - plus a meeting with Santa himself in his grotto.
Winter Funland, NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT. 9 December - 1 January. Under 3s go free. Adult/Child ticket £29.50 pp plus £3.50 booking fee.
Christmas at Warwick Castle Ice Rink
If you like history and beauty with your ice, then look no further than Warwick Castle. The iconic building's east front transforms into a magical skating rink from 25 November to 7 January. During your 45 minute experience, you can glide beneath the majestic Guy’s Tower, to the sound of Christmas bangers, with the amazing backdrop of Warwick Castle, illuminated for Christmas.
Warwick Castle, Warwick, CV34 6AU. 25 November - 7 January. Tickets from £15.50
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