Skate at Somerset House

Skate at Somerset House returns to the courtyard of Somerset House on the Strand from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. It's a London festive tradition that's worked its way into the city's winter scenery, appearing in Love, Actually and Strictly Come Dancing. The rink sits in the grand 18th-century courtyard, framed by a 40ft Christmas tree and The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia, a ski-lodge pop-up serving raclette, pot-au-feu and mulled wine sorbet. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is back rinkside with warm drinks, and the Shelter Boutique pop-up, brought by HSBC UK, donates its proceeds to Shelter's work with people facing homelessness.

There's more to it than just skating. Skate Lates are open-air winter parties with DJ sets every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night, and on Monday 23 November there's a K-Pop Party with the Korean Cultural Centre UK and a live set by DJ EMKAY. If you're not yet on your feet, Skate School runs for adults and teens on weekend mornings, and there's a Kids' Club for children aged 6-12. For those who need a bit more time, extended 90-minute sessions run on 11, 17 and 23 November, and there are relaxed, dedicated wheelchair skating sessions too.

The rink runs alongside the free exhibition Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture, featuring sets by Sámi artist Matti Aikio, and is followed in February 2027 by WONDER: Why We Believe in Magic. Entry to the site is free, so you can wander in and see the tree and the chalet without a ticket; you only pay if you want to get on the ice. Adults start from £13.00 and children aged 12 or under from £11.00, with skate boot hire included in the price. There's a 10% Family Ticket discount for up to three children per adult, and a 20% concession for eligible visitors.