Best Ice Skating Rinks in London

London has a smaller permanent ice-skating scene than its busy winter calendar might suggest. Seasonal rinks appear outside museums, palaces and office developments each year, but only a handful of venues provide reliable public skating, lessons, figure-skating practice and ice hockey throughout the seasons.

The five venues below are London's principal permanent indoor ice rinks for public skating in 2026. Together they provide coverage across central, north, south and east London, ranging from entertainment-led sessions to Olympic-sized sports facilities used for lessons, figure skating and ice hockey.

Ice Rink Canary Wharf is not operating during the 2026 winter season. Its operator has announced a break after the 2025–26 season, so older listings showing an autumn reopening should not be used for current planning.

What distinguishes a good public ice rink?

The best venue depends on the visit. Beginners and families need suitable session times, correctly fitted hire skates and clear supervision rules. Regular skaters may care more about rink size, lesson pathways, patch ice and the amount of public availability around hockey and events.

Building opening hours do not mean the ice is available continuously. Every venue programmes public sessions around lessons, training, matches, maintenance and private bookings, so visitors should choose and book a specific session before travelling.

Prices also need to be compared on the same basis. Some tickets include skate hire, while others charge separately for skates, aids, lockers or spectators.

How much does ice skating cost in London?

A public session at a permanent London rink commonly costs approximately £10 to £18 per person, with skate hire sometimes included and sometimes charged separately.

Current examples include:

• Lee Valley Ice Centre: £13 for adults and £10 for juniors, plus £3 skate hire
• Lee Valley holiday sessions: £16 for adults and £13 for juniors
• Alexandra Palace: session prices vary, with skate hire included
• QUEENS: dynamic pricing according to session, date and offer
• Streatham: timetable and booking prices vary through Active Lambeth
• Sapphire: current prices are displayed through Everyone Active's booking system

Additional costs can include:

• Skate hire
• Skating aid
• Locker
• Spectator entry
• Lesson
• Membership
• Party package
• Booking fee
• Peak-date supplement

Check whether the session time includes skate fitting and exit time. A “60-minute booking” may provide less than a full hour on the ice.

Lee Valley Ice Centre

Phone: 0300 003 0624

Rinks: Two Olympic-sized ice pads

Website

Current public-skating prices:

• Adult: £13
• Junior: £10
• Skate hire: £3
• Skate aid: £5
• Spectator entry: £3
• Holiday-skate adult: £16
• Holiday-skate junior: £13
• Holiday family ticket: £52.50

Lee Valley is London's most substantial permanent ice-skating facility. Its 2023 redevelopment created two Olympic-sized rinks under one roof, allowing public skating, lessons, figure skating and ice hockey to operate within a much larger programme than most city venues can accommodate.

Public sessions run daily, although times vary around training, hockey and events. The centre also provides patch ice, learn-to-skate courses, hockey development, discos, birthday parties and specialist programmes.

The two-rink layout is its key advantage. A single-rink venue can lose public availability whenever a match, show or training block takes priority, while Lee Valley has greater scheduling flexibility.

The centre is accessible, with disabled toilets, lifts and accessible parking. Public transport is available via Lea Bridge station and local bus routes. Registered users can claim up to four hours of free parking under the current system, but the parking procedure should be checked on arrival.

Children must be at least three years old for public skating. Under-12s need an accompanying adult, and under-eights must be supervised on the ice by someone aged 16 or over.

Pros

• Two Olympic-sized rinks
• Daily public sessions
• Figure-skating and ice-hockey programmes
• Clear public prices
• Good accessibility
• Café and spectator areas

Best for: Regular skaters, families, lessons, hockey players and anyone wanting London's most substantial ice facility.

Planning tip: Check the activity timetable rather than relying on the centre's general opening hours.

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

Ice-rink reception: 020 8365 4386

Website

Public skating: From £6.80 on selected sessions; skate hire included

Skating aids: £7.50, available at the rink on a first-come basis

Alexandra Palace provides the most atmospheric permanent rink in London. The indoor ice sits within one of north London's best-known entertainment landmarks and operates public sessions throughout the year.

The venue hosts public skating, family sessions, discos, lessons, figure-skating practice, ice hockey and ice shows. Learn-to-skate courses generally run for five to eight weeks, with current course prices commonly ranging from £65 to £112 depending on term length.

Alexandra Palace has a substantial permanent indoor rink, although its current official material does not consistently describe it using an Olympic-size classification.

Skate hire is included in the ticket price, with sizes ranging from small children's skates to adult size 13. Three types of skating aid are currently offered, subject to height and age limits.

Accessible tickets are available, and an eligible companion ticket is provided without additional charge after proof of eligibility. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should contact the rink before booking.

Pros

• Historic north London setting
• Year-round public skating
• Skate hire included
• Lessons, hockey and ice shows
• Accessible and companion-ticket arrangements
• Adult coffee-morning sessions

Best for: Families, beginners and visitors wanting a traditional rink in a memorable London venue.

Planning tip: Public sessions are event listings with specific dates and times; do not rely on the venue's overall opening hours.

QUEENS

Phone: 020 7229 0172

Opening: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am to midnight; Sunday, 10am to 11pm

Website

QUEENS is the most convenient permanent rink for central London visitors. It combines year-round ice skating with bowling, interactive darts, arcades, food and drinks beneath one Queensway venue.

Current public-skating prices start from £8 on Monday and Tuesday promotional sessions, £10 for late skates, £11.75 off peak and £13.75 at peak times. Public skate hire is charged at an additional £3 per person.

The rink is smaller and more entertainment-led than Lee Valley or Streatham, but it works well for social groups, dates, birthdays and visitors who want to combine skating with other activities.

QUEENS describes itself as London's oldest all-year-round indoor ice rink and traces the venue's history back around 130 years. Historical dates vary depending on whether the institution, building or current rink is being referenced.

Children's learn-to-skate courses run during term time for ages five to 12, while adult courses follow progressive levels. Skate hire is included in course pricing, while public-skating sessions currently charge an additional £3 per person.

The venue becomes more adult-oriented later in the evening, and age-entry policies can vary by activity and time. Families should confirm the current under-18 rules before booking an evening session.

Pros

• Central Queensway location
• Open throughout the year
• Lessons for children and adults
• Bowling, darts, arcades and food onsite
• Long evening opening hours
• Strong choice for social occasions

Best for: Dates, groups, central London visitors and people combining skating with food or other entertainment.

Planning tip: Book the ice session first, then leave enough time between activities for skate fitting and changing footwear.

Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre

Phone: 020 8677 5758

Rink: Olympic-sized indoor rink

Centre opening: Monday to Friday, 6am to 10pm; weekends, 7am to 7pm

Website

Streatham is the leading permanent rink for south London. The Olympic-sized ice pad sits inside a large leisure complex with swimming pools, gym facilities, studios and soft play.

The centre offers public skating, lessons and organised ice sports. It has long-standing connections with figure skating and hockey, including teams and clubs using the venue for training and fixtures.

Its main appeal is that it functions as a community sports rink rather than a seasonal attraction. Beginners can book a casual public session, while more committed skaters can progress into structured lessons and club activity.

The building hours shown online are not the public-skating schedule. Ice availability changes around lessons, training and matches, and the live timetable should be checked before every visit.

Pricing is presented through the Active Lambeth booking system and can vary by session and eligibility. Confirm whether skate hire is included.

Pros

• Olympic-sized rink
• Year-round south London option
• Lessons and organised ice sports
• Pools, gym and soft play in the same building
• Strong public-transport access on Streatham High Road
• Suitable for regular local use

Best for: South London families, learners and regular skaters wanting a community sports facility.

Planning tip: Use the live timetable and check for hockey fixtures before travelling.

Sapphire Ice & Leisure

Phone: Check the current centre contact through Everyone Active before travelling

Centre opening: Monday to Friday, 6am to 10pm; weekends, 6am to 9pm

Website

Sapphire Ice & Leisure is a modern full-sized rink serving Romford and east London. It combines public skating with a gym, swimming pools, studios and organised ice hockey.

The rink is home to the Romford Raiders and supports public sessions, ice-skating lessons and hockey development. Its location makes it particularly useful for families in Havering, Barking and Dagenham and the eastern edge of Greater London who would otherwise need to travel to Lee Valley.

The centre confirms that wheelchair access can be accommodated on the ice. Anyone requiring assistance, a companion or adapted access should contact the venue before booking so staffing and session suitability can be confirmed.

Prices and session times are displayed through Everyone Active's live booking platform rather than one permanent public tariff. The centre is cashless.

Romford is within Greater London, but it is considerably farther from central tourist areas than QUEENS or Alexandra Palace.

Pros

• Full-sized modern rink
• Public skating and lessons
• Home venue for Romford Raiders
• Wheelchair access can be accommodated
• Gym and swimming facilities onsite
• Strong option for outer east London

Best for: Romford, Havering and east London residents, hockey fans and families wanting a modern leisure centre.

Planning tip: Check whether a Raiders fixture affects public-session availability.

Quick comparison

Comparing ticket prices properly

A low headline price may not include everything needed for the visit. Before booking, check:

• Skate hire
• Session duration
• Time allowed for fitting skates
• Skating-aid hire
• Locker charge
• Spectator ticket
• Booking fee
• Peak or holiday supplement
• Companion ticket
• Cancellation and transfer terms
• Late-arrival policy

A family ticket may be cheaper than separate admissions, but the permitted combination of adults and children varies by venue.

Choosing between a sports rink and an entertainment rink

Lee Valley, Streatham and Sapphire operate as sports and leisure facilities with public skating alongside lessons, hockey and club use. They are well suited to regular local skating and progression into structured programmes.

QUEENS is more entertainment-led, with skating combined with bowling, darts, arcades, food and late sessions. Alexandra Palace sits between the two models, offering public skating and lessons within a large historic events venue.

Neither approach is inherently better. The right choice depends on whether the priority is ice time, location, atmosphere, lessons or a broader social occasion.

What happened to Ice Rink Canary Wharf?

Ice Rink Canary Wharf operated in Canada Square Park until 22 February 2026. Its operator has announced that it will take a break and will not operate during the 2026 winter season.

Readers should not rely on older listings showing daily opening from October to February.

The website remains online and says the rink may return in the future. Check for a dated announcement before planning a later-season visit.

Seasonal ice rinks in London

London's winter line-up changes annually. Previous venues have included:

• Somerset House
• Hampton Court Palace
• Battersea Power Station
• Queen's House Greenwich
• Canary Wharf
• Westfield
• Winter Wonderland

A venue operating one winter may not return the next. Dates, organisers and rink quality can change.

Before including a seasonal rink in travel plans, verify:

• Confirmed opening year
• Exact dates
• Session duration
• Skate-hire inclusion
• Booking fee
• Refund policy
• Wet-weather policy
• Accessibility
• Minimum age
• Last entry
• Whether the rink uses real ice

Do not rely on an undated “best Christmas rinks” article. Use the venue or operator's current booking page and confirm that tickets are actually on sale for the intended year.

Choosing the right public session

For beginners

Choose a quieter daytime session and consider a lesson before attending a busy disco. Alexandra Palace, Lee Valley, Streatham, QUEENS and Sapphire all provide structured learning routes.

Beginners should tell skate-hire staff if the boot feels loose, painful or unstable rather than continuing with an unsuitable size.

For experienced skaters

Look for patch ice or practice sessions rather than ordinary public skating. Patch sessions can require minimum competency, membership or coach supervision and may not permit recreational beginners.

For families

Check age rules and whether adults must accompany children on the ice. Skating aids are limited and may sell out, and an aid does not replace the venue's adult-supervision requirement.

For a date or social group

QUEENS provides the strongest combined entertainment. Alexandra Palace offers a more traditional atmosphere.

For hockey fans

Lee Valley, Streatham and Sapphire host organised hockey programmes and fixtures.

Lessons and coaching

Most permanent rinks use programmes based on British Ice Skating's recognised learn-to-skate structure.

Courses commonly cover:

• Safe falling and standing
• Forward movement
• Stopping
• Backward skating
• Edges
• Crossovers
• Turns
• Spins and jumps at advanced levels

Before booking, check:

• Minimum age
• Course length
• Skate-hire inclusion
• Missed-lesson policy
• Assessment level
• Coach qualification
• Public-practice access
• Refund terms

One private lesson can be useful before a first course, particularly for an anxious adult or child.

Ask whether course fees include public practice. Progress is usually faster when learners skate between coached sessions.

Skate hire and sizing

Hire skates need to fit firmly without crushing the toes. Loose skates reduce control and can cause rubbing.

Wear:

• Thin or medium socks
• Flexible trousers
• Gloves
• Layers
• No long trailing clothing

Ask staff for a different size if the heel lifts or the foot moves inside the boot.

Serious regular skaters may benefit from properly fitted personal skates, but recreational boots should not be purchased without advice on support and blade setup.

New blades may require sharpening before use. Overly blunt or poorly sharpened blades can make stopping and edge control more difficult.

Skating aids

Penguins, seals and similar aids are designed for specific ages, heights and weights.

They are not substitutes for adult supervision. Availability can be limited, and some venues allocate them only on arrival.

Do not allow a child to sit on an aid unless it is designed for seated use.

Accessibility

Wheelchair users can participate at some rinks, but arrangements differ.

Ask about:

• Step-free route
• Wheelchair access onto the ice
• Companion ticket
• Accessible toilet
• Changing bench
• Quiet session
• Lighting and music
• Staff assistance
• Adaptive equipment
• Evacuation procedure

Alexandra Palace publishes accessible and companion-ticket arrangements, Lee Valley has lifts and accessible parking, and Sapphire says it can accommodate wheelchair access on the rink.

Contact the venue before booking where assistance is required, because staffing, session crowding and access onto the ice can vary.

Clothing and protective equipment

Wear warm, flexible clothing that allows movement. Gloves are useful because hands often contact the ice during a fall.

A helmet may be appropriate for young children, beginners or anyone with a particular medical concern, subject to venue rules. The rink may not supply helmets, so ask before travelling.

Avoid scarves, loose cords and trailing garments that could catch on another skater or the barrier.

Safety on the ice

Follow the rink's direction of travel and staff instructions.

Avoid:

• Speeding through beginners
• Holding several people in a chain
• Carrying children
• Sitting on the barrier
• Using phones while moving
• Throwing ice
• Attempting jumps in public sessions
• Skating after drinking alcohol

Gloves help protect hands during a fall. Helmets may be appropriate for young children and nervous beginners, subject to venue rules.

Anyone with a recent injury, significant balance problem or medical concern should seek appropriate advice before skating.

What happens if someone falls?

Most minor falls cause bruising, but head, wrist and shoulder injuries can occur.

If someone is injured:

1. Stay still if there is severe pain or suspected head, neck or back injury.
2. Alert rink staff.
3. Do not crowd the casualty.
4. Follow first-aid instructions.
5. Seek urgent medical help for loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, deformity or inability to bear weight.

Do not continue skating after a significant head impact.

Ask staff to record a significant incident and retain booking details where medical follow-up may be required.

Booking advice

Book online where possible, especially during:

• School holidays
• Friday evenings
• Weekends
• Christmas
• Ice discos
• Family sessions
• Special events

Arrive early enough to collect skates and store belongings.

Check the cancellation policy carefully. Many timed leisure tickets are non-refundable or transferable only with notice.

Permanent indoor rinks are less affected by rain than seasonal outdoor venues, but maintenance, events or technical issues can still alter a session.

Frequently asked questions

Which London ice rink is best for beginners?

Alexandra Palace and Lee Valley provide strong lesson programmes and regular public sessions. Streatham is an excellent south London alternative.

Which rink is most central?

QUEENS is close to Bayswater and Queensway stations.

Which is London's largest ice-skating venue?

Lee Valley has two Olympic-sized ice pads and is one of the largest facilities in southern England.

Can children aged under five skate?

Some rinks accept children from age three, but rules and skate sizes vary. Check the session terms.

Is skate hire included?

It is included at Alexandra Palace. Lee Valley and QUEENS currently charge £3 separately. Streatham and Sapphire should be checked against the selected booking.

Is Canary Wharf ice rink open in winter 2026?

No. The operator has confirmed that it will not run during the 2026 winter season.

Choosing with confidence

London's permanent ice-skating options provide more variety than the annual winter headlines suggest.

Lee Valley is the most extensive facility, Alexandra Palace combines year-round skating with a memorable historic setting, QUEENS is the most convenient central social rink, Streatham provides a strong permanent option in south London, and Sapphire serves Romford and the outer east.

Check the live timetable before every visit. Public ice can change around hockey, lessons, maintenance and events even when the leisure centre itself remains open all day.

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