Skate at Somerset House runs from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Prices from £13, 45-minute sessions, Skate Lates and how to pick a quieter slot.
Skate at Somerset House 2026: dates, prices and tips for the best session
The short version: Skate at Somerset House runs from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, closed on Christmas Day. Off-peak adult tickets start at £13 and children’s at £11, plus a £1.50 booking fee. Sessions last 45 minutes and start every hour from 11am to 9pm. For a calmer skate, book a weekday daytime session in November.
It’s London’s most photographed rink, set in the 18th-century courtyard of Somerset House on the Strand. Here’s what you need to know before you book.
Skate at Somerset House at a glance
| Dates | 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027 |
| Closed | 25 December |
| Sessions | 45 minutes, every hour from 11am to 9pm |
| Off-peak prices | Adults from £13, children (12 and under) from £11 |
| Peak prices | Adults up to £28.50 |
| Booking fee | £1.50 per ticket |
| Skate Lates | From 12 November |
| Nearest stations | Temple, Covent Garden, Charing Cross |
Tickets and prices
Prices depend on the time and date. Weekday daytime sessions are the cheapest, and evenings, weekends and the run-up to Christmas are the most expensive. Off-peak tickets start at £13 for adults and £11 for children aged 12 and under. Peak adult tickets go up to £28.50. Every ticket has a £1.50 booking fee on top.
Skate hire is included, and tickets are for a set 45-minute session, so arrive a little early to collect your skates.
Skate Lates
The evening Skate Lates start on 12 November, with DJs and a club feel. They’re popular with groups and couples and among the first sessions to sell out, so book early if you want a Friday or Saturday.
The ski chalet
This year there’s a ski chalet-style bar and restaurant at the rink, so you can warm up with a drink after your session without leaving the courtyard.
How to get a quieter session
- Book a weekday morning or early afternoon, especially in November
- Avoid the week before Christmas and Saturday evenings
- The first week of January is quieter, and the rink stays open until 10 January
- Beginners do better in daytime sessions, when there’s more space on the ice
Tips for first-timers
- Wear thick socks and gloves. Gloves help if you fall
- Rinks are cold. Layers are better than one big coat
- If it’s your first time, hold the barrier for the first few laps
- Leave bags in the lockers so your hands are free
Make an evening of it
Somerset House is a short walk from Covent Garden, where the Christmas lights switch on on 12 November and Miracle on Russell Street opens its Christmas bar on 9 November. See Covent Garden at Christmas and Christmas bars in London. The South Bank’s Winter Market is just across Waterloo Bridge.
Other rinks to compare
Leicester Square opens first on 31 October, Glide at Battersea Power Station on 6 November, the Queen’s House in Greenwich on 18 November, and Winter Wonderland and Hampton Court a day or two later. Our ice skating in London guide compares them all.
Frequently asked questions
When does Skate at Somerset House open in 2026?
11 November 2026. It runs until 10 January 2027 and is closed on Christmas Day.
How much is ice skating at Somerset House?
Off-peak adult tickets start at £13 and children’s at £11, plus a £1.50 booking fee. Peak adult tickets are up to £28.50.
How long is a session at Somerset House?
45 minutes, with sessions starting every hour from 11am to 9pm.
Is skate hire included at Somerset House?
Yes, skates are included in the ticket.
Sources
- Time Out: winter pop-ups including Somerset House
- Londonist: Christmas 2026 dates
- London Drum: December 2026 listings
- London Lately: ice skating in London 2026 (with official sources)
Last checked: 1 November 2026. Prices and times can change, so check the official Somerset House site before booking. Image: Editor5807, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
