Battersea Power Station Ice Skating – The Best Family Ice Rink in London?

As a family living in London, we are pros now at trying out different London ice skating rinks over the years. For the past couple of years we have tried out, and really enjoyed, visiting Glide Ice Skating at Battersea Power Station with our 3 kids, now aged 14, 13 and 8. But is it one of the best ice skating in London options for families to consider when booking ice skating this year, and what are the pros and cons? Read on to find out what we think!

2025 to 2026 Dates, Location and What Is New

Glide returns for the 2025–2026 season, bringing what’s new this year including updated skating routes and festive features.

Glide at Battersea Power Station returns for the festive season, running from 7 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with skating sessions available throughout the day and into the evening.

This season introduces a scenic 200 metre skate trail connecting all three interlinked ice rinks, creating a flowing skating experience that feels more spacious and relaxed than many traditional London ice rinks.

Set right beside the River Thames, the rink offers stunning riverside views with the iconic four chimneys of Battersea Power Station as a dramatic backdrop, making it especially magical once the lights come on after dark.

First Impressions – What we thought

For anyone considering ice skating at Battersea Power Station, this venue definitely has the ‘wow’ factor. It’s not only beautifully atmospheric with a stunning backdrop, but being ‘new’ so to speak, it also ticks a lot of the boxes when it comes to practicalities and and accessiblity, making it a great choice for seasoned skaters and first-timers alike. 

Glide is made up of three interconnecting rinks, all framed by the iconic Battersea Power Station. With art‑deco architecture, which is beautifully lit up as dusk falls, the rink is blessed with a lovely, festive glow onto the ice. A towering 30‑foot Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights, is the ice on a very festive cake, although I would expect nothing less from such an impressive looking venue!

Overlooking the river, the location is stunning, and it’s often called ‘London’s coolest ice rink’ for a reason. The couple of times we’ve been, the children have commented how magical it is, and they’re certainly not wrong! Having skated at Somerset House before, which is also a beautiful setting, I would say that this is definitely on par with there in the festive looks department, and I’d find it very difficult to separate the two in terms of which one I prefer aesthetically. 

Key Features of Ice Skating at Battersea Power Station

• Three connected ice rinks that allow skaters to move freely between areas, making the experience feel more spacious.
• Scenic skate trail linking all rinks together for a continuous skating route.
• Large Christmas tree positioned at the centre of the rink, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Riverside setting beside the River Thames with views of Battersea Power Station.

Skating at Battersea also offers to following:

Penguin Skate Aids
A godsend! Little ones (or nervous adults and older children, ahem…!) can use these for balance – we always booked them and they’re approx £5 extra to add onto your booking. We normally book a couple of share and distribute them among us as needed!

Vintage-style Fairground Stalls & Rides
When you’re off the ice, there’s of extras to enjoy that all add to the festive feel: a vintage carousel and lots of lovely festive food stalls. Our kids loved buying some churros and classic fudge during our last trip.

The Glass House & Entertainment
Whilst we personally didn’t visit here, The Glass House offers a space to warm up pre-and post skating, and serves hot chocolates, as well as something stronger if needed! They also have live music and DJs on different days/ times.

Pros and Cons Compared to other London Family Skating Places

Gliding onto the ice at Glide at Battersea Power Station immediately has a similar feel to Somerset House, but IMO different from the scale and Christmas commercialism of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. At Glide, you have a more traditional feel when it comes to the skating, and I always think that there’s something special about those power station chimneys. Whilst it’s busy and has a great atmosphere, it’s not as jam-packed as Winter Wonderland skating, something I think we as a family prefer. We also liked the fact that the skating was well-managed and organised in terms of getting skates and putting them back, and well as feeling well-managed and safe actually on the rink too (very important to us!).

One of my only cons is that for people perhaps coming into London specifically to skate, as opposed to having it as part of a visit to London to do other must-visits, it’s perhaps not as convinient a location as some of the more central London skating rinks (but worth it!). The surrounding vintage stalls are also predictably expensive, but if you’re happy to shill a kidney to see the delight in your child’s eyes whilst they indulge in their festive fudge, then you’ll enjoy yourself immensely here. 

We certainly did, and are planning to come again this December!

Details & Booking for 2025

While full official dates haven’t yet been released, Glide is confirmed to return in 2025 according to their website.

A current listing from a booking platform (Book a Party) advertises some dates though, saying:

“Glide: Skate into Christmas 2025” experience at Battersea Power Station from Monday – Friday, 7 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with two time slots: 1 pm – 5 pm or 6 pm – 10 pm. It excludes 25 December.

I have nothing to do with the company above, but it’s the info currently available. I will update this post with official info once I have it and the main website releases it!

Ticket Prices (what we paid in 2024–2025 Season)

• Adult: from -£16

• Child (12 and under): from – £10.50

• Family (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children): from – £48

Skate hire is included, but penguin skating aids are extra, as I mentioned above.

Booking & Where to Find Tickets

The Official site is: glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk where you’ll soon be able to find session times, pricing and how to book.

How Glide at Battersea Power Station Compares With Other London Ice Rinks

London has a handful of popular seasonal ice skating rinks. Here is how Glide at Battersea Power Station compares to the others:

• Somerset House: One of the most famous ice rinks in the world with a grand central location. Somerset House has a traditional classic feel but can get very busy. Glide is more riverside and relaxed, with views of the Thames and the Power Station.
• Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park): Very large and festive, with rides, markets, and attractions beyond skating. It is usually much busier and more crowded. Glide offers a more focused ice skating experience without the scale of an amusement park.
• Canary Wharf Ice Rink: A popular choice for city centre skating with modern surroundings and good transport links. Canary Wharf tends to feel more urban and corporate, while Glide’s riverside setting feels more scenic, especially at dusk or in the evening.
• Alexandra Palace Ice Rink: A year-round rink that feels more like a traditional indoor ice centre. It is great for serious skating but does not have the festive outdoor atmosphere that Glide or Somerset House offers. 

Final Verdict

So is this the best ice skating in London for families?

Glide at Battersea Power Station is more than just ice skating, it’s definitely a whole distinctive winter experience. The combination of the stunning, lit up power station backdrop, traditional feel and charm, plus the riverside setting, makes it probably one of our favourite choices for family ice skating in London (and we’ve experienced several places!). We are poised to book again.

If you like the sound of here, then keep an eye on the official site for confirmed 2025 opening dates and book early, as it gets booked up pretty quickly. 

If you are looking for a Christmas ice rink in London that feels special without being overwhelming, this is a strong choice. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Battersea Power Station Ice Skating

When does ice skating at Battersea Power Station run?

The ice rink usually operates from early November through early January. For the 2025 to 2026 season, sessions run from 7 November to 4 January.

Is the ice rink suitable for beginners and families?

Yes. The rink is suitable for all abilities. Children must be supervised by a skating adult while on the ice.

How long is each skating session?

Most sessions last around 45 minutes, which gives plenty of time to enjoy the rink without it feeling rushed.

Is skate hire included in the ticket price?

Yes. Skate hire is usually included, although prices and details can vary depending on the session booked. 

Updated to reflect the 2025 to 2026 ice skating season at Battersea Power Station.

If you enjoyed this, make sure you read some more of my London travel posts and days out!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.