10 Best Ice Skating Rinks in London for Families

You’ll find London’s best family ice rinks offer magical experiences from £10-£18 per session. Somerset House provides historic charm with helpful marshals, while Hyde Park Winter Wonderland boasts the UK’s largest outdoor rink under 100,000 twinkling lights. Hampton Court Palace adds Tudor splendor, and Alexandra Palace offers year-round indoor skating with themed disco nights. Canary Wharf features weather protection, while Greenwich Peninsula provides stunning Thames views. Each venue includes skating aids for little ones and family-friendly amenities to make your winter adventure unforgettable.

Somerset House Ice Rink – London’s Longest-Running Christmas Tradition

When winter arrives in London, Somerset House transforms its grand 18th-century courtyard into the city’s most beloved ice rink. You’ll skate surrounded by stunning neoclassical architecture while twinkling lights create a magical Christmas atmosphere.

This temporary rink has delighted families for over 20 years, running annually from mid-November to mid-January. What makes Somerset House special is its reputation as London’s friendliest ice skating experience, where experienced skaters naturally help beginners and create a genuinely welcoming environment for all skill levels.

Your kids will love the festive setting, and helpful marshals make beginners feel welcome. Each 45-minute session offers good value in this historic location overlooking the River Thames.

You might recognize it from the movie Love Actually!

Book early since popular sessions sell out quickly. While ice conditions can vary with weather, the friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make this London’s longest-running winter tradition worth experiencing with your family.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink – UK’s Largest Outdoor Skating Experience

While Somerset House offers intimate charm, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland delivers skating on an epic scale with the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink.

You’ll skate around Hyde Park’s Victorian bandstand under a magical canopy of 100,000+ twinkly lights while Christmas music plays.

Sessions run every 45 minutes from 10am-10pm, so arrive 20 minutes early since popular times fill quickly. The rink operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for the elements.

Tickets range from £8.50-£17.50 depending on age and time, with family packages starting at £34.

Skates are included, fitting sizes 8-13 (limited larger sizes available).

Kids aged 3+ can skate with adult supervision, and there’s no height restriction.

Ice guides help groups up to 15 skaters for an extra fee.

You’ll get free Winter Wonderland entry with £25+ attraction bookings.

Ice Rink Canary Wharf – Covered Open-Air Rink With Alpine Bar

If you’re looking for London’s longest-running seasonal ice rink, you’ll find it at Ice Rink Canary Wharf in Canada Square Park. This covered outdoor rink operates nearly four months, from October 26th through February 23rd, with 45-minute sessions running daily 10am-9:45pm.

The 875-square-meter rink accommodates 325 skaters per session and welcomes families with children aged 4+. Kids can use penguin or snowman skate aids for extra stability.

Tickets cost £21.95 for adults, £16.95 for children, or grab a family package for £63.95. Super off-peak sessions drop to just £13.95. The venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users with advance booking and free carer tickets available.

You’ll enjoy weather protection under the transparent roof while being surrounded by 300+ restaurants and shops. The Oasis Bar offers a rooftop viewing deck where parents can warm up while watching their kids skate.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – Tudor Palace Backdrop With Family Events

Moving beyond Canary Wharf’s modern skyscrapers, you’ll discover one of London’s most enchanting ice skating experiences at Hampton Court Palace. This magical rink surrounds you with Tudor history where King Henry VIII once walked, creating an unforgettable family adventure.

You’ll skate on a brand-new double-layered ice surface with fewer crowds for a more intimate experience. Sessions last 45 minutes, giving kids plenty of time to build confidence. At £13.50 for children and £18 for adults, it’s reasonably priced family fun.

The palace offers special weekend entertainment including Skating Santa performances, live ice carving, and face painting. Historic Royal Palaces members save 15% with newsletter codes. The redesigned facilities include an upgraded Skate Exchange with rustic woods and festive decor inspired by the original Orangery. The adjacent Magic Garden playground extends your visit, making this rink perfect for full-day family outings.

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink – Year-Round Indoor Skating With Ice Disco

As London’s only year-round indoor ice rink, Alexandra Palace offers you reliable skating fun whatever the weather throws at you. Located in North London with excellent transport links, you’ll find this recently refurbished arena perfect for families with children aged 3-90.

Sessions run daily from 11am, with longer weekend slots giving you more ice time for your money.

Your little ones can use special skating aids – Seals for under-5s, Penguins for 3-7 year-olds, and Snowman aids, all costing £7.50 each.

Weekend disco nights add extra excitement with music and lights, while regular courses help kids develop proper skating skills. The rink also offers specialized figure skating classes for children aged 5-15.

Off-peak tickets start at £11 for adults, £10 for children, making it an affordable family day out.

JW3 Ice Rink – All-Weather Covered Rink in Finchley Road

While most London ice rinks require massive permanent structures, JW3’s clever pop-up design transforms an ordinary piazza into winter magic from December through early January.

You’ll find this 200-square-meter rink nestled within the JW3 Jewish Community Centre on Finchley Road, accommodating up to 70 skaters at once.

Your little ones will love the penguin stabilizers that help beginners stay upright, plus banana toboggans for extra fun.

The covered piazza protects you from London’s unpredictable winter weather while music keeps everyone energized. Whether you’re practicing your Double Lutz or enjoying casual family skating, the rink welcomes skaters of all abilities.

Between skating sessions, you can warm up in the community center’s facilities.

Book tickets online through JW3’s dedicated ice rink page to secure your family’s spot at this unique seasonal attraction that perfectly blends outdoor excitement with indoor comfort.

Broadgate Ice Rink – City of London’s Premier Skating Destination

Right in the heart of London’s financial district, Broadgate Ice Rink transforms Exchange Square into a winter wonderland just two minutes from Liverpool Street Station. You’ll find Christmas decorations surrounding this reasonably-sized rink, perfect for family skating adventures.

The rink operates daily 10am-10pm from November 4 to February 27, giving you plenty of flexibility. Adult tickets cost £12.50, children’s £8.50, but you’ll save with family packages at £33.50. Groups get extra value – buy 10 tickets, get one free!

Your little ones can rent penguin-shaped skating aids for extra stability, while qualified coaches offer 15-minute lessons for £10. Staff are incredibly helpful with children, creating a welcoming atmosphere. While Broadgate offers an intimate skating experience, the world’s largest ice rink spans an impressive 12,600 square meters in Russia’s Nizhniy Novgorod. After skating, explore nearby Spitalfields Market for family-friendly dining options.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink – Skating Among Victorian Architecture

Moving from the bustling financial district to South Kensington’s cultural heart, you’ll discover that the Natural History Museum Ice Rink offered families a magical skating experience for 16 years before closing permanently.

Set within the museum’s five-acre gardens, you’d skate surrounded by stunning Victorian architecture alongside the V&A and Science Museum.

The rink featured a main skating area plus a dedicated 100sqm kids’ section connected by a 5m ice-link, perfect for family fun.

You’d enjoy free skate hire from child size 7 to adult size 15, making it budget-friendly for families.

Despite its spectacular backdrop and festive carousel, the rink faced maintenance challenges with frequent flooding and overcrowding issues, earning mixed 2.4/5 ratings before its transformation. Like London’s first mechanically frozen ice rink at the Glaciarium in 1876, this venue required sophisticated refrigeration systems to maintain its skating surface throughout the season.

Westfield London Ice Rink – Shopping Centre Convenience in White City

When you’re looking to combine family fun with convenient shopping, Westfield London Ice Rink in White City delivers both under one massive roof. Located at Ariel Way, you’ll find easy access via public transport and can mix skating with retail therapy.

The rink operates daily from 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM, giving you flexibility for after-school sessions or weekend adventures.

Adult tickets cost £15-£18, while children pay £12-£13, with each purchase contributing 25p to carbon offset initiatives.

This season features exciting Moana 2 Disney theming with tropical aesthetics and Winter Village lighting. The venue receives an overall user rating of 3.9 out of 5 from visitors.

However, you’ll want to visit during quieter times since overcrowding and uneven ice conditions can create safety concerns. Staff training issues also affect the overall experience, particularly for skating beginners.

Greenwich Peninsula Ice Rink – Riverside Location With Thames Views

Where else can you skate with London’s most stunning skyline as your backdrop? Queen’s House Ice Rink in Greenwich delivers breathtaking Thames views and Canary Wharf vistas that’ll make your family skating session unforgettable.

This open-air rink operates from November 21st through January 4th, 10am-9pm daily except Christmas Day.

You’ll love the special toddler sessions and quiet skate times perfect for nervous beginners. The skate-off pit lane lets kids take breaks without losing their spot. Schools can book £5 per skater sessions that cleverly combine skating fun with Greenwich’s fascinating maritime history.

Getting there’s budget-friendly too – Kids for a Quid rail deals mean up to four children (ages 5-15) travel for £1 each with one adult ticket during off-peak times.

Located just ten minutes from Greenwich station, this UNESCO World Heritage Site setting combines history, stunning architecture, and riverside magic for an affordable family adventure.

The Sum Up

You’ve got amazing ice skating options across London that won’t break the bank! Whether you’re craving magical Christmas vibes at Somerset House or year-round fun at Alexandra Palace, there’s something perfect for your family. Don’t forget to check websites for discount days and family packages – many rinks offer special deals. Pack warm clothes, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on the ice with your kids!