Many of London’s best ice rinks are silhouetted against stunning historic attractions, so why not make the most of your visit and hang up your skates to explore them?
Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House’s sweeping courtyard feels as if it was tailor-made for an ice rink. And what better way to wrap up the cultural destination’s 25th birthday year than with Skate at Somerset House (to 11 January), a dazzling daily party on the ice?
Featuring DJ nights, chalet-style dining and drinking and a Shelter Boutique selling pre-loved clothes, all illuminated by the glow of the 40ft Christmas tree, there’s plenty to do – both outside and in.
At Somerset House, see the striking photographic portraits of pioneering Black British photographer Jennie Baptiste in Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots (to 4 January).
A powerful look at British Black music and youth culture, the exhibition features street photography from the early ’90s alongside portraits of Roots Manuva, Ms. Dynamite, and Nas, with an accompanying DJ-curated soundtrack.
Still got some steam? Nip over to the Courtauld Gallery in the North Wing to see vibrant still-life paintings by American artist Wayne Thiebaud (to 18 January).
The Queen’s House Ice Rink Greenwich
Another spectacular setting for a twirl on the ice (to 4 January), The Queen’s House in Greenwich is a marvel of 17th-century architecture by Inigo Jones. After warming up with a hot toddy at the Zero Degrees Café, head inside to see the famed Tulip Stairs, the Great Hall and iconic artworks such as the Armada portrait of Elizabeth I.
At the nearby National Maritime Museum, marvel at the glittering ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition (until August 2026) or delve into the myths and truths of swashbuckling scoundrels at Pirates (to 4 January).
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Soak up the regal history of another once-royal residency at Hampton Court Palace as you glide around where Henry VIII once walked (until 4 January). The Palace Ice Rink features DJ nights, ice sculpting, themed cocktails and even a skating Santa.
Inside, explore Henry’s Great Hall, the vast Tudor kitchens and The Indian Army at the Palace exhibition (to 1 February), revealing the stories of soldiers who camped there in the early 20th century.
So, why not combine a festive day out with a dose of culture? It’d be a shame not to.
