Skating Through the Season: London’s Ice Rinks and the Elegance of Winter Style
There’s something undeniably magical about ice skating in London during the holiday season. As the city glows with festive lights and the scent of roasted chestnuts drifts through the air, skating becomes more than a pastime it’s a ritual of joy, nostalgia, and quiet glamour. Whether you're gliding beneath the grandeur of Somerset House or twirling riverside at Battersea Power Station, each rink offers a unique experience that blends tradition with modern luxury.
And of course, what you wear matters. Because in London, even a moment on the ice is a moment to express your style.
Somerset House: Elegance in Motion
Somerset House open 12 Nov 2025–11 Jan 2026
Skating at Somerset House is less an activity and more a cinematic escape a moment suspended in time. As you step into the neoclassical courtyard, framed by twinkling lights and the soft strains of festive music, it feels as though you’ve entered a snow globe brought to life. The ice rink shimmers beneath the winter sky, and every glide, every laugh, every turn becomes part of a larger, glittering tableau.
Couples move hand-in-hand, children weave through the crowd in joyful clusters, and fashion lovers transform the rink into a runway. It’s a scene where elegance meets enchantment where the romance of the season is matched only by the style on display.
This year, tonal dressing takes centre stage. Think ivory cashmere turtlenecks, crisp white denim, and structured wool coats in shades of cream and stone silhouettes that echo the classical lines of the architecture around you. Accessories are equally refined: shearling-lined gloves, pearl-studded headbands, and softly tinted sunglasses that catch the winter light. It’s not just about staying warm it’s about dressing with intention, embracing the quiet luxury of a monochrome palette that mirrors the serenity of the setting.
Whether you’re skating beneath the stars or sipping hot chocolate rink-side, Somerset House offers a timeless winter experience — one that blends tradition, style, and a touch of magic in the heart of the city.
Glide at Battersea Power Station: Urban Energy Meets Holiday Spirit
Battersea Power Station open 7 Nov 2025- 4 Jan 2026
For those seeking a festive experience with a distinctly modern edge, Glide at Battersea Power Station delivers holiday magic wrapped in industrial chic. Set against the dramatic backdrop of one of London’s most iconic landmarks, this triple-rink ice skating destination offers more than just a seasonal pastime it’s a celebration of style, energy, and urban sophistication.
The layout is striking: three interconnected rinks encircle a towering Christmas tree, its lights casting a warm glow across the polished ice. Just beyond, the Thames shimmers in the winter dusk, adding a touch of romance to the city’s electric pulse. It’s a place where tradition meets transformation where skaters glide beneath the architectural grandeur of Battersea’s restored façade, and festive spirit finds its footing in a contemporary setting.
Fashion here is as bold as the skyline. Think oversized puffers in high-shine finishes, metallic knits layered with attitude, and shearling-lined boots that blend comfort with cool. It’s après-skate meets street style playful, expressive, and unmistakably London.
Beyond the rink, the experience continues. Fireside lounges invite you to sip spiced cocktails and warm mulled wine, while curated holiday stalls offer everything from artisanal gifts to gourmet treats. Whether you’re skating with friends, shopping for loved ones, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Glide at Battersea feels like a love letter to the season vibrant, stylish, and full of heart.
Hampton Court Palace: A Regal Escape
Hampton Court Palace open 21 Nov 2025–04 Jan 2026
Skating at Hampton Court Palace is a transportive experience a moment where history, romance, and winter magic converge. Nestled within the grounds of one of Britain’s most storied royal residences, the rink offers more than just seasonal charm. It’s an invitation to slow down, to glide with grace, and to immerse yourself in the quiet grandeur of Tudor architecture and frost-kissed gardens.
Morning sessions are especially serene. The soft hush of early light, the silhouette of ancient chimneys against a pale sky, and the gentle rhythm of blades on ice create a contemplative atmosphere. It’s ideal for those who seek elegance over energy a regal pause in the rush of the festive season.
Fashion here leans into heritage. Think sweeping wool capes, velvet trousers, and vintage brooches that catch the winter sun. Structured coats in earthy tones, leather gloves, and heirloom-inspired accessories complete the look. It’s less about chasing trends and more about embracing timelessness a sartorial nod to British tradition and the art of winter storytelling.
Whether you’re skating solo or strolling through the palace grounds post-session, Hampton Court offers a rare kind of festive escape. One that blends cultural richness with seasonal beauty, inviting you to experience the holidays with poise, nostalgia, and a touch of royal flair.
The Experience: More Than Just Skating
What makes London’s ice rinks so special isn’t just the setting or the style it’s the feeling. The crisp air, the soft hum of holiday music, the shared laughter of strangers. It’s the moment your cheeks flush from the cold and your coat billows behind you as you pick up speed. It’s the pause for hot chocolate, the sparkle of fairy lights, the quiet pride in dressing beautifully for a fleeting moment.
And it’s deeply London. A city that knows how to celebrate tradition while embracing the new. A city where fashion and experience are never separate.
Choose pieces that move with you, that photograph well against the frost, that make you feel like the main character in your own winter story. Because in London, even a spin on the ice is a chance to express who you are.