Here are our top picks of this winter’s most stunning ice skating rinks across the UK in 2024.
England
Skate at Somerset House
Where: Somerset House, London
When: 15th November 2023 to 14th January 2024
Price: Child (under 12) from £8.50 and Adult £15.00
Web: Book tickets for Ice Skating at Somerset House
One of the classic UK skating rinks and one of our favourite Christmas experiences in London. The ice rink is set in the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Courtyard which makes the most stunning surroundings as you skate within the courtyard next to the 40ft Christmas tree. For children the rink offers skate aids to accompany you around the rink.
Skate at Hampton Court Palace
Where: Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
When: 17 November 2023 – 7 January 2024
Price:£14.00 per child, £19.00 per teen/adult with family tickets available
Web: Book tickets for Ice Skating at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is a magical venue for winter ice skating. Set in the gardens of Henry VIII’s former residence, as you skate take in the views of the Tudor palace made even more spectacular with floodlit colours lighting the building as it gets dark. Skate aids are available here for beginners. After skating visit the cafe for some drinks and mince pies and combine your skate with a visit to the palace itself.
Kingdom of Winter at Excel London
Where: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, London
When: 8 December 2023 – 7 January 2024
Price:£7 .00 per child, £19.00 per teen/adult with family tickets available
Web: Book tickets for Ice Skating at Kingdom of Winter at Excel London
This is another new rink in 2023 and is set to become a new destination for festive fun in London. It will be London’s biggest indoor festive experience for families so alongside the ice skating, there will be ice trails, fairground rides, shopping, food and even a circus.
Ice Skate at Queen’s House, Greenwich
Where: Queen’s House, Greenwich
When: 23rd November 2023 to 7th January 2024 (except Christmas Day)
Price: Adult – from £17.00, Child (3-15) – from £10.00
Web: Book tickets for Ice Skating at Queen’s House Greenwich
Out of all the ice skating rinks on the list, this is one of the most spectacular. Where else can you skate within a UNESCO World Heritage site and the grounds of the Queen’s House. As well as magnificent skating you can take in the views across the Thames, Greenwich Park and the lights of the city of London. Skate aids are available for children which need to be pre-booked.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Where: Battersea Power Station
When: 10th November 2023 to 7th January 2024 (except Christmas Day)
Price: Adult – from £13.75, Child (3-15) – from £11.55 – family tickets also available
Web: Book tickets for Ice Skating at Glide at Battersea Power Station
This is one of our favourite ice skating rinks in London and it’s also one of the capitals newest places to skate, which returns again for 2023. Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, Battersea Power Station. Skate aids are available for children which need to be pre-booked.
Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, London
Where: Ice Rink Canary Wharf, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London,
When: 22 October 2023 – 25 February 2023
Price: Adult – from £17.95, Child (3-15) – from £13.50
Web: Further information about Ice Skating at Ice Rink Canary Wharf.
The ice rink at Canary Wharf returns in 2023 for its 18th season. The location for this large rink is spectacular, set amongst the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and its undercover setting protects against any inclement weather.
Ice Rink at Winter Village, Westfield London
Where: Westfield London
When: 10th November 2023 to 7th January 2024
Price: Adult – from £16.30, Child (3-15) – from £12.30
Web: Book tickets for Ice Skating at Westfield London
This is another of our favourites and the perfect place for the kids to enjoy after some Christmas shopping at one of Europe’s largest shopping centres. The 1,000sqm rink is situated around the 65-foot decorated Christmas tree – believed to be the tallest to feature on an ice rink in Europe Skate aids are available for children which need to be pre-booked.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: 17 November 2022 – 1 January 2024,
Web: Book tickets for Ice Skating at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
The huge Winter Wonderland at London’s Hyde Park boasts on of the largest ice skating rink in the UK. It’s built around the gorgeous Victorian bandstand and set under a canopy of twinkling lights so its even more magical skating here after dark. Kids will also enjoy the festive atmosphere here with numerous funfair rides and attractions to keep all the family happy.
Ice at Kensington Palace
Where: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London
When: 30 November 2023 – 7 January 2024
Price: Adult – from £19.00, Child (3-14) – from £16.00
Web: Book tickets for Ice Skating at Ice at Kensington Palace
This is a brand new ice skating rink for 2023 at the stunning location of Kensington Palace. This rink also is billed as the UK’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, which is the size of a football field. Alongside the rink you’ll also find festive food and shopping including Fortnum and Mason.
The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
Where: Royal Pavilion, Brighton
When: Open October 28th until 7th January 2024
Price: from £16pp adults, £11.00 children under 12, free entry for spectators
Skate against the amazing backdrop of the extravagant Royal Pavilion and what makes this ice rink unique is that its powered entirely by green energy. Try and visit from dusk onwards as the lights shimmering on the Pavilion create unique surroundings.
Book tickets here
Ice skating at Warwick Castle
Where: Warwickshire
When: 15th November until 7th January 2024
Price: from £15.50
This is one of the best and most unique skating rinks in the country. This open air ice rink is surrounded by the walls of Warwick Castle creating a picture perfect backdrop. Once at Warwick Castle also check out their other Christmas themed events including Christmas feasts in the Great Hall, carols at the Castle and winter bird of prey displays.
Book tickets here
Bath On Ice
Where: Royal Pavillion, Bath
When: 17th November 2022 to 4th January 2024
Price: Child £12.50 and Adult £14.50
Bath is one of favourite cities to visit in the UK and at Christmas it gets even better especially with the city’s 1000 square metre atmospheric rink near Victoria Park. Skate aids and sleds are bookable for toddlers, and the rink has some great family deals.
Book tickets here
Ice skating at Eden Project
Where: Eden Project, Cornwall
When: 14th October until February 2024
Price: Tickets from £7 per child, from £9 per adult, plus entry to the Eden Project
The Eden Project might be more well known for its tropical biomes, but their indoor ice skating rink is a hidden gem and is truly spectacular. This year expect lots of Narnia styled lanterns and a tree-lined tunnel leading you into the biome and lots of twinkly lights
Book tickets here
Scotland
Edinburgh
George Street Ice Rink
My hometown and favourite city, Edinburgh is truly magical over the Christmas period. This year the ice rink has moved and undergone a transformation into one of the coolest and most unique in the country. The Alpine Rink will allow skaters to glide up and down George Street taking in the stunning Georgian architecture. Afterwards visit East Princes Street Gardens just below Edinburgh Castle, for lots of family friendly attractions, Christmas stalls.
Where: George Street, Edinburgh
When: Until January 2024
Price:
Book tickets here
Ice skating at Aberdeen Christmas Village
Where: Bond Street, Aberdeen
When: 17th November – 31st December 2023
Price: Tickets from £7 per person.
This open air ice skating rink is the centrepiece of the Christmas celebrations in Aberdeen. Set against the stunning backdrop of Marischal College this rink provides a chance to skate on real ice under twinkling fairy lights while your family and friends watch from the viewing area and enjoy the refreshments on offer within the Village.
Book tickets here
Wales
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
Where: Castle Grounds, Cardiff
When: 16th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024
Price: Child (3-16) £11.50 and Adult £16.00
This is a really popular choice for families visiting Wales because of its gorgeous location. The ice rink is located within the grounds of Cardiff Castle making this skate rink a unique location. Also returning this year is the ice bar, set to a chilly -10C.
Book tickets here
Skate at ICC Wales
Where: S K A T E at ICC Wales, Coldra Woods, Newport
When: 15 December 2023 – 4 January 2024
Web: Book tickets for Skate at ICC Wales
The ice rink returns back to the ICC at the Celtic Manor resort and is a great choice for families. Here you can glide across the smooth synthetic ice and take in the sights and sounds of Christmas.
Waterfront Winterland Swansea
Where: Waterfront, Swansea
When: 15 November 2023 – 8 January 2024
Price: Child (3-14) £10.00 and Adult (15+) £12.50
One of our favourite skating rinks in Wales has returned in the gorgeous location of the musuem grounds in Swansea’s stunning waterfront marina area of the city. This year you can skate through the trees on the Ice Walk.
Book tickets here