Looking for things to do in London in winter? Start with ice skating. The city’s seasonal rinks offer a festive outing with friends or family, while indoor venues keep skating on the agenda beyond Christmas.
There is plenty to enjoy off the ice too. Browse winter markets, follow illuminated trails, catch a theatre performance or plan a crisp walk followed by a pub lunch.
Below are ten ideas for making the most of the colder months, with ice skating first and a checked guide to London’s winter rinks.
1. Go Ice Skating at London’s Winter Rinks
Ice skating deserves a place near the top of any London winter itinerary. You can choose a grand courtyard, a riverside setting or a palace backdrop, then build the rest of your day around it.
However, seasonal rinks have different opening dates and booking rules. Some also close well before winter ends, so check the session you want before making travel plans.
Confirmed Seasonal Ice Rinks in London
The dates below cover the 2026–27 winter season. Follow each venue’s link for live prices, availability, age requirements and accessibility information.
| Ice rink | Season dates | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Skate at Somerset House | 11 November 2026–10 January 2027 | Historic courtyard on the Strand |
| Glide at Battersea Power Station | 6 November 2026–3 January 2027 | Riverside skating beside the power station |
| Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink | 20 November 2026–3 January 2027 | Palace backdrop in south-west London |
| Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | 19 November 2026–3 January 2027 | Skating around the park’s bandstand |
| Queen’s House Ice Rink | 18 November 2026–3 January 2027 | Historic Greenwich setting |
Which London Ice Rink Should You Choose?
Somerset House is a convenient central option, especially if you want to combine skating with dinner or a theatre visit. Meanwhile, Battersea works well for a longer outing with shops and restaurants nearby.
For a palace setting, choose Hampton Court, allowing extra travel time from central London. Note that skating tickets do not include palace admission.
Winter Wonderland makes sense if you also want rides and other festive attractions. However, check both event-entry and skating requirements when booking.
Alternatively, head to Queen’s House in Greenwich and combine your session with a walk around the surrounding area.
Indoor Ice Skating Beyond Christmas
For a winter outing that does not depend on a temporary Christmas rink, explore QUEENS in Queensway or Alexandra Palace Ice Rink.
Both offer indoor skating. Check their public-session timetables before visiting, as lessons, events and private bookings can affect availability.
London Ice Rink Closures to Know About
The Natural History Museum ice rink has closed permanently; its former site now forms part of the museum’s wildlife gardens. In addition, Canary Wharf’s rink is not operating for the 2026 winter season.
Older guides may list other temporary rinks that no longer run. Therefore, use current organiser pages rather than assuming a previous Christmas attraction will return.
Before you skate: check skate-hire arrangements, session length, child-supervision rules and whether lockers or skating aids cost extra. Dress for the conditions and follow the rink’s guidance.
2. Browse London’s Winter Markets
Winter markets offer an easy way to combine gift shopping with seasonal food and drink. Start with the Southbank Centre Winter Market, then continue along the river if the weather allows.
Meanwhile, Borough Market provides another option for food shopping and a warming lunch. Check individual trading days rather than assuming every stall opens daily.
For more places to explore, browse our guide to the best markets in London.
3. Take a Winter Walk Through London’s Parks
A clear winter morning can be a good time for a park walk. Hampstead Heath offers open space and views from Parliament Hill, while Richmond Park suits a longer outing.
However, daylight fades early and paths can become muddy or slippery. Choose suitable footwear, check park access and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Afterwards, build in time for a café stop or pub lunch rather than planning an overambitious route.
4. Visit Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew turns an evening walk into an illuminated seasonal outing. The trail combines light installations and music within the gardens, with a programme that changes between editions.
Book for a suitable entry time and check the correct gate before travelling. In addition, read the ticket conditions: the evening event has its own booking arrangements.
This is an outdoor activity, so dress for rain and allow enough time to enjoy the route without rushing.
5. Enjoy a Winter Rooftop Drink
A rooftop can still appeal in colder weather, particularly when a venue offers sheltered seating or indoor space with a view. Start with our guide to London rooftop bars and check each venue’s current winter arrangements.
However, do not assume every terrace is heated or covered. Confirm seating, minimum spends and cancellation terms before booking, especially for a group.
For a simpler evening, choose a rooftop restaurant or indoor bar where the skyline remains part of the experience.
6. Explore Christmas Windows and Shopping Streets
London’s festive displays make window-shopping an outing in its own right. Explore the areas around Selfridges, Liberty, Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols and Harrods, choosing a manageable route rather than crossing the city repeatedly.
Our guide to London department stores provides a starting point. Meanwhile, Carnaby Street offers nearby shops and places to stop for food.
For fewer crowds, consider a weekday visit outside the busiest shopping hours.
7. Settle into a Cosy London Pub
A pub lunch or early evening drink provides a welcome pause between outdoor activities. Choose somewhere close to your walking route, rink or shopping destination so the journey stays straightforward.
For example, combine a Hampstead Heath walk with a nearby pub, or look for a central option after visiting the West End.
If a fireplace or particular menu matters to you, confirm it directly. Likewise, reserve a table for busy weekends and festive group meals.
8. Book a Winter Theatre Performance
A theatre visit is one of the more weatherproof things to do in London in winter. The West End offers a broad choice, while seasonal programmes can include pantomime, ballet, concerts and family performances.
Check the live listings at venues such as the London Coliseum and Royal Albert Hall. Productions and dates change, so book the performance rather than relying on an old seasonal recommendation.
In addition, check age guidance, running time and the view from your chosen seats.
9. Plan a Christmas Shopping Day
Choose one neighbourhood and make a day of it. For example, combine Regent Street shopping with nearby Soho, or explore Covent Garden’s shops and cafés.
For inspiration before you leave, browse our Christmas gift guide for her and Christmas gift guide for him.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on return deadlines and avoid leaving time-sensitive purchases until the end of the day.
10. Take Time Out at a London Spa
If busy shops and cold pavements lose their appeal, a spa visit offers a quieter alternative. Compare our selection of luxury London spas, then check the treatment menus directly.
Some packages focus on treatments, while others include access to pools or thermal facilities. Therefore, confirm exactly what your booking covers, including any time limits.
Rather than relying on an old festive promotion, choose a current treatment or day package that suits your plans.
FAQs About Things to Do in London in Winter
Where can I go ice skating in London this winter?
Confirmed seasonal options include Somerset House, Battersea Power Station, Hampton Court Palace, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Queen’s House in Greenwich. Alternatively, check indoor sessions at QUEENS and Alexandra Palace.
Is the Natural History Museum ice rink still open?
No. The museum has permanently closed its rink and transformed the former site into wildlife gardens.
Can I go ice skating in London after Christmas?
Yes, but check closing dates carefully. Some seasonal rinks continue into early January, while indoor venues provide options beyond the festive period.
What can I do in London in winter for free?
Try a park walk, explore shopping streets and window displays, or browse markets without making a purchase. However, check entry requirements for organised attractions rather than assuming they are free.
Is Winter Wonderland free to enter?
You need an entry ticket, and costs depend on the session and booking arrangements. Skating and other attractions have their own requirements, so review the full booking before paying.
What are good London winter activities after Christmas?
Indoor skating, theatre trips, park walks, department-store visits and spa days can all work beyond December. Meanwhile, check the individual closing dates of markets and light trails.
