It is almost the festive period and for most young Londoners this means ice rinks in iconic locations throughout the capital. This year things may be a bit different but there are still plenty of opportunities to get on the ice.
So, what Ice rinks are open in London October 2020?
Ice Rink Alexandra Palace
The ice-rink at Ally Pally reopened from October 1st and now allows pre-booked 60 minute socially distanced sessions for all ages. You will have to wear a facemask and skate aids are currently not available but the sessions will still be lots of fun. It’s perfect for friends, families, a bit of fitness or a day out. Skating has even been described as the closest you can get to the feeling of flying, without leaving the ground!
When: Open daily with weekday sessions from 11am until 17:30pm and weekend sessions from 11am until 18pm
How much: Adults £9 and children under five £6 more info and booking here.
Queens Ice Rink
Queens Skate Dine and Bowl, which houses an ice skating rink, a bowling alley and the only West London outpost of MeatLiquor. It is really close to Hyde Park so you can make a day of your visit by taking a wander through Hyde Park followed by an afternoon of ice skating. If you like, you can then have dinner and a game or two of bowling. Gloves and face masks must be worn at all times when skating
When: Open daily with various sessions available.
How much: £11.95 for over 12s, £10.50 for under 12s and £2.75 skate hire. More info and booking here. They also have other offers throughout the week for skate and bowl. More info here.
Lee Valley Ice Centre
Lee Valley Ice Centre is open and running children’s and adults lessons as well 60minute long skate sessions. Maska have to be worn when you are not on the ice, skates are available for hire but skate aids are not currently available. Enjoy a glide to pumping tunes and perfect your pirouettes.
When: Open daily with various sessions available.
How much: £10 for an adult and child slot which includes skate hire.
Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre sits in the heart of Streatham and is a hub for the local community. It boasts the only Olympic sized ice skating rink in London and is a multi facility Leisure Centre.People on the ice rink don’t have to wear face masks but those spectating do.
When: Open daily with various sessions available
How much: Adult £8 and a Child is £7.50 More info and booking via the website here (you have to make an account if you are not a member)
Ice Rinks opening in London in November 2020
Queen’s House Greenwich
Set against the striking backdrop of the Queen’s House, visitors will have the opportunity to skate in the beautiful surrounds of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and this year the rink is even bigger. New measures for 2020 to make sure that everybody can enjoy the ice rink safely include enhanced cleaning regimes and hand washing sanitation facilities as well as staggered skate sessions will ensure fewer people on the ice at any one time.
When: From 20 November 2020 – 10 January 2021
How much: Child: £7.25, Adult: £14.50, U25/student: £9.00. More info and booking via their website here
Hampton Court Palace
Families can skate against a backdrop of Henry VIII’s historic home. The open-air ice rink at Hampton Court Palace epitomises the very best in festive fun and can be combined with a visit to the palace or an ambient skating session in the evening. The ice rink is bigger than ever this year, allowing for extra space for you to skate safely.
When: 20 November 2020 – 3rd January 2021
How much: Adult from £16 and children 3-12 from £11:50. More info and booking via their website here.
Natural History Museum
Natural history Museum Ice rink is returning for 2020 in a covid-secure manner and opening in November (although the exact date is TBC). You can expect the usual array of festive fun against the backdrop of this iconic museum. There is plenty to do around South Kensington so a mid-day skate is perfectly combined with afternoon tea at the Ampersand or in neighbouring Knightsbride. There are also a lot of museums and art galleries to keep little Londoners entertained.
When: TBC
How much: From £10 more info here.
Skylight at Tobacco Dock
Skate with a glorious view as Skylight’s sunny terraces will be transformed into an Autumnal haven of warm igloo-bubbles, designed to keep out the cold and keep people safe as they enjoy the stunning views and unique atmosphere of this hugely popular rooftop destination venue. Expect socially isolated igloos where groups of six can enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate before or after skate sessions. More info via their website here.
When: TBC
How much: TBC
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Get your skates on in the city as Canary Wharf is rumoured to be returning again for this year. The finer details are still very hazy but keen an eye out via their website to find out the exact date.
When: TBC
How much: TBC