Love ice skating and don’t want to wait for next winter to go for a spin? Fear not, as these ice rinks are open all year
Alexandra Palace
Is there no end to Alexandra Palace’s talents? As well as offering stunning views, an excellent events programme, history and a boating lake, it also has its own permanent ice rink. As well as general sessions, visitors can sign up for ice skating courses (including school holiday lessons for kids), while ice discos take place semi-regularly, and cheesy club night Club de Fromage sometimes hosts Fromage on Ice sessions. Ice hockey team the Haringey Huskies play out of Alexandra Palace — keep an eye on the schedule for upcoming matches (winter only). If you don’t fancy taking to the ice (hey, the Bambi look doesn’t work for everyone), kick back in the Ice Cafe next to the rink while your family and friends take their own lives in their hands enjoy themselves.
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY
Streatham Ice Centre
Opened in 2014, Streatham Ice Centre is a relative newbie to the London ice scene. It’s also one of the biggest, being Olympic-sized.
Regular sessions are open to the public, with lessons and coaching available for those who want to improve. Kids who are a bit wobbly can hire penguin skate aids to help them build their confidence.
Streatham’s ice hockey team plays out of this venue (check team website for upcoming fixtures), so there’s plenty of spectator seating
Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre, 390 Streatham High Road, SW16 6XH
Sobell Leisure Centre, Islington
Run by Better (the same company as the Streatham rink), Sobell Leisure Centre in Islington is home to its own ice rink, complete with music and visual effects. Public and family-friendly sessions are held regularly, alongside courses for all ages.
Sobell Leisure Centre, Hornsey Road, N7 7NY
Queens ice skating rink
Queens Ice and Bowl has been open since our parents’ childhoods, as we’re regularly reminded, and underwent a huge refurbishment in 2016. Situated in Queensway, it’s the most central of the indoor London ice rinks. There’s also a bar, but save that for after you’ve been on the ice. Curling sessions are also available to book, as are ice skating lessons, if you’re taking things really seriously.
QUEENS, 17 Queensway, W2 4QP
Slough Ice Arena
Whether it’s you first time pulling on a pair of skates, or you’re already brilliant on your blades, Slough Ice Arena provides the perfect venue for the whole family to enjoy getting active.
Slough Ice Arena open for everyone to enjoy the ice, whether you’re a beginner, or a seasoned skater. As well as the ice, there’s also a well-equipped gym for you to enjoy, alongside a brand-new climbing wall, dedicated Clip ‘n’ Climb wall and an all-new café. As well as those taking part in activities, spectators are also provided for, with new fully-glazed barriers and new spectator seating and lighting.
Montem Ln, Slough SL1 2QG
Based on materials Londonist
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