Somerset House Ice Rink Returns This Winter: Your Local Guide
The Rink Is Back in Fountain Court
If you live anywhere near central London, you’ll already know that the ice rink at Somerset House is the winter fixture to beat. From Wednesday 11 November 2026, the rink returns to the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, the grand courtyard that has long been one of the city’s most photogenic spots. A towering Christmas tree stands alongside it, and the surrounding stalls turn the whole square into a festive shopping destination.
For those of us who live locally, the setting is a big part of the appeal. The courtyard sits on the Strand, a short stroll from Trafalgar Square, so it’s easy to combine a skate with a wander past the Christmas lights on the way home. Commuters heading into Charing Cross or Waterloo can drop in after work without much detour, which makes a weeknight visit far more practical than it might sound.
The rink runs until Sunday 10 January 2027, giving the season a long run. Expect the busiest crowds at weekends and during school holidays. If you want a quieter experience, plan a weekday visit, ideally in the early evening once the courtyard lights are fully on. Doing so means you won’t spend your whole visit queuing for skates or shuffling around the ice.
The Local Voices Behind the Soundtrack
One of the things that sets this year’s programme apart is the line-up of local and community names providing the music. Skate Lates, running every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until 11pm, features DJs and collectives from across the city. South Asian collective Daytimers, community station Netil Radio, youth culture platform Gauchoworld, BUMPAH and Latinx queer party 2CPERREA all bring their own crowds and sounds to the ice, which gives a real sense of the city’s neighbourhood scenes.
For the artists and organisations involved, these nights offer a visible stage that many would struggle to secure alone. Netil Radio, for instance, is rooted in the East London community it serves, so hearing its sets reach a central London crowd is a meaningful step. Matti Aikio, co-curator of the free Sámi exhibition inside the courtyard, is also performing an evening of contemporary Sámi music, bringing a lesser-heard culture to a wide audience.
The 23 November K-Pop Party, run with the Korean Cultural Centre UK, is a particular highlight, with DJ EMKAY spinning everything from BTS and BLACKPINK to emerging acts. Behind the scenes, the rink’s coaching team also deserves a mention: they train Team GB’s future skaters, so the Skate School lessons on weekend mornings are taught by people with serious performance pedigree.
What to Know Before You Lace Up
Tickets range from £11 to £28.50 and are priced by demand, so booking early can save you money on busy evenings. If an hour isn’t enough, extended sessions at off-peak times are now available for the first time in November, which suits anyone who wants to properly settle into the ice. There are also reduced-capacity relaxed sessions and dedicated wheelchair hours, so everyone can enjoy the rink at a pace that works for them.
Beginners and nervous skaters should consider the Skate School. Lessons for adults, teens and children run every weekend morning, a low-pressure way to build confidence before you try the busier evening sessions. Parents with younger children will find the morning slots especially useful.
You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the courtyard. The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia serves raclette scraped straight from the wheel, a warming treat on a cold evening. The Shelter Boutique pop-up sells donated stock from big-name brands, and every purchase supports the housing charity, so a bit of shopping can do some good locally.
Keep an eye on somersethouse.org.uk for updated times and any changes to the programme. Given how quickly midweek Late sessions fill up, booking ahead is the best advice we can offer.
Source: The Ice Rink Is Returning To Somerset House This Winter
Whether you’re a Londoner or planning to visit London this winter, Somerset House’s rink offers a magical skating experience against a stunning historic backdrop.
Visitors looking to pair a skating session with some culture can stroll over to the british museum, which is just a short journey away from central London.
Just a short stroll from Somerset House, visitors can also reach the grandeur of buckingham palace along the Mall, making it easy to combine skating with a royal sightseeing day.
