London’s Best Indoor Ice Rinks: Skate All Year Round
London boasts several permanent, indoor ice rinks that offer year-round skating, providing a refreshing activity even in summer. These venues cater to all skill levels, from beginners to Olympians, and offer a variety of experiences beyond general public sessions.
Alexandra Palace’s ice rink, open 364 days a year, is a hub for Olympians and “Dancing on Ice” rehearsals, but also welcomes the public with general sessions, skating courses for all ages (including school holiday lessons), and semi-regular ice discos. It’s also home to the Haringey Huskies ice hockey team. Queens Ice and Bowl, centrally located in Queensway, offers daily public sessions, discounted rates on select weekdays, and skate aids like ‘penguins’ for beginners. Beyond skating, Queens has bowling, a bar, and has previously featured ice karting, currently offering the Olympic sport of curling on specific evenings (18+).
Opened in June 2023, the new Lee Valley Ice Centre in Leyton features two Olympic-sized rinks for public skating and discos, with ‘polar bear’ skate aids. It hosts the Lee Valley London Skating Club and the Lee Valley Lions ice hockey team, alongside a gym and dance studios. Streatham Ice Centre, an Olympic-sized rink since 2014, offers regular 60-minute public sessions and is a base for ice dance and figure skating clubs, as well as Streatham’s ice hockey teams, with seating for 900 spectators. Lastly, Sapphire Ice & Leisure in Romford provides a full-sized rink for public sessions, ice skating lessons, and ice hockey, being home to the Romford Raiders, complemented by a pool, sauna, and steam room.
These facilities highlight the benefit of accessible ice skating throughout the year, offering diverse activities from leisure to competitive sports. While the article light-heartedly alludes to the challenge of skating (e.g., the “Bambi look”), the primary focus is on the availability of fun, skill development, and social opportunities at these well-equipped indoor rinks.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/things-to-do/ice-rinks-skating-lessons-indoor-all-year-summer-london)
