Best places to go ice skating in London this winter

Canary Wharf shakes off its business image a little with the return of its long-running ice rink this winter. From October through to late February, you’ll be able to spin and drift around the 1,200-square-metre arena, so whether you’re looking for a pre-Christmas activity or a fun way to kick off the New Year, this bad boy’s got you covered. Talking of covered, the whole thing is under a canopy that means not even the unpredictable British weather can spoil a sesh here. There’ll also be a ringside bar and themed DJ nights to ramp the good vibes up even higher.

Opening times: 9am-9:45pm

Price: £13.95 

All Pally’s lofty indoor skating arena is open year-round for general skating sessions, figure skating classes, ice hockey training, children’s sessions and parties. Come Christmas time, they shuzsh things up with a tree covered in tinsel, baubles and lights, blast festive tunes through the PA and turn the rink into an indoor winter wonderland perfect to get you in the mood for the big day.

Opening times: Mon 11am-5:30pm; Tues-Fri 11am-5pm; Sat-Sun 11am-4:30pm

Price: From £10.50; under 16s from £9.50

Leyton’s Lee Valley Ice Centre reopened last summer after a major £30 million refurbishment, and now boasts not one, but two Olympic-sized ice rinks. As well as offering ample space for pro and semi-pro skaters and ice hockey teams to train and play, it also hosts year-round skating sessions open to the public. At Christmas, the place gets a snowy makeover for these festive skating sessions featuring snowflake decorations, atmospheric lighting, a Christmas tree and all your favourite festival bangers playing in the background. 

Opening times: Times vary a lot depending on what other events are happening at the facilities; check here to find out what slots are available. 

Price: £15; concessions and under 16s £12; under 5s £10; family tickets (for 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children) £40.

Queens Skate Dine Bowl has been around in different forms since the 1930s, so skating here is really continuing a London tradition. Nowadays, it also offers curling as well as ice skating (plus bowling and AR darts…). When it comes to slicing your way across the rink, you can join a public session or sign up for a class to hone your skills. When you’re done, head to the on-site Meat Liquor for a treat. If you can, save your visit for a Monday or Tuesday (outside of school holidays), when you can skate or bowl for just £8 per person. 

Opening times: Sun-Thur 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-12am

Price: Mon-Tue £8; Weds-Fri £12.75; child £11.75; Sat-Sun £13.75

Streatham’s rink was first opened in the area in 1931, where it stood for 80 years before getting a much-needed renovation in 2013. Both pros and novices of all ages can use the rink, with classes in skating and ice hockey also available. It’s part of the Better leisure centre group, so you’ll need to download the app to pre-book a public skating session. If festive fun is what you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find more elsewhere, but this Olympic-sized rink does offer plenty of space – more for getting to grips with the ice than Christmas flair.

Opening times: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm; Sat-Sun 7am-7pm

Price: You’ll need a membership – unlimited monthly memberships start at £30.20 a month