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 good central option; 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