An independent winter travel journal · 2026/2027
London in winter
Somerset House for a central London evening, Hampton Court for a palace backdrop, or Alexandra Palace for an indoor session. Here’s how the rinks compare.
Somerset House is a central option; Glide at Battersea and Queen’s House in Greenwich add riverside alternatives. Hampton Court works for a longer excursion. Alexandra Palace provides indoor skating. Winter Wonderland adds fairground energy. Canary Wharf has announced it will not run for winter 2026.
Check minimum age, adult supervision, skate hire, assistance aids, access arrangements and your arrival time. Indoor does not mean warm: wear layers and follow the rink’s clothing rules.
An outdoor courtyard rink for a classic central London winter evening. Pair it with a wander through nearby Covent Garden.
Put your skating session first in the plan, then choose dinner nearby. Check arrival instructions, skate hire and beginner support with the venue.
Confirmed · Read the Skate at Somerset House guide
An outdoor skate with a palace backdrop, suited to visitors making a longer trip beyond central London.
Allow time for the outward and return journeys. If you want the palace as well, plan around its opening hours, not just your skating slot.
Confirmed · Read the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink guide
An indoor skating alternative for visitors who prefer shelter from the weather. Look at public sessions separately from shows and ice discos.
Choose the session type that matches your group. A performance on the ice means watching a show, not a public skating session.
Year-round venue · Read the Alexandra Palace Ice Rink guide
The organiser has announced a break for the 2026 winter season. Older ticket and news pages may still suggest a return.
Choose Somerset House for an outdoor central London rink, or Alexandra Palace for an indoor option.
Not running · Read the Canary Wharf Ice Rink guide
Three connected rinks and a riverside skating trail give this winter outing a distinctive Thames setting. Make the power station area the focus of your afternoon.
Book skating before arranging food nearby. Allow time to reach the riverside and get ready for your session.
Confirmed · Read the Glide at Battersea Power Station guide
Skate outdoors beside the Queen’s House in Greenwich. This is a good option when you want the wider Greenwich area to be part of the outing.
Keep your plans around Greenwich rather than rushing from a West End booking. Check your return transport before choosing a late session.
Confirmed · Read the Queen’s House Ice Rink guide