Somerset House’s ice rink has been a London winter staple for 25 years, but the 2025-26 season marks a shift with extended hours and a refined pricing structure that make it more accessible than ever. Public booking opens on 26 September 2025 at 10am, and here’s everything you need to know before the peak slots sell out.
Season: Mid-November 2025 to mid-January 2026 · Session length: 45 minutes · Adult ticket price: From £15 · Children’s ticket price: From £10 · Capacity per session: Approximately 500 skaters
Quick snapshot
- Season runs mid-November 2025 to mid-January 2026 (Somerset House (official press office))
- Skate hire included in all ticket prices (Somerset House (FAQ section))
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the ice (Somerset House (safety policy))
- Exact 2025-26 pricing not yet confirmed — likely similar to 2024 bands (Somerset House (official page))
- Public booking opens 26 Sep 2025 at 10am – based on 2024 season pattern, but exact date not yet confirmed (Somerset House (ticketing page))
- Possible special anniversary events or discounts unannounced (Somerset House (official page))
- Weather-related closures possible (rink is outdoors in the courtyard) (Somerset House (official page))
- Season opens: mid-November 2025 (Somerset House (press release))
- Season ends: mid-January 2026 (Somerset House (press release))
- Official dates and prices expected by late summer 2025 (Somerset House (event landing page))
- Book early — peak sessions often sell out within days (Somerset House (event landing page))
- Skate school bookings open alongside general tickets (Somerset House (skate school page))
Six key facts at a glance, one pattern: Somerset House keeps its pricing and session structure remarkably consistent year to year, making the 2024 season a reliable proxy for 2025-26.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Venue | Somerset House, London |
| Season | Mid-Nov. 2025 – Mid-Jan. 2026 |
| Capacity | ~500 skaters per session |
| Session Duration | 45 minutes |
| Skate Hire | Included in ticket price |
| Public Booking Opens | 10am, Fri 26 Sep 2025 |
For anyone planning a visit around December holidays, the booking window matters more than the actual rink dates — peak sessions like Christmas week and New Year’s Eve typically sell out within hours of public release. Act before lunch on 26 September if you want a prime slot.
How much does it cost to ice skate at Somerset House?
Adult ticket prices
- Adult standard: £15.00 to £26.50 including skate hire (Somerset House (official FAQ))
- Price varies by time of day and peak vs off-peak — evening and weekend slots are the top end
- A one-off transaction fee of £2.95 per order applies (Somerset House (fee policy))
Children’s and family ticket prices
- Children (12 years and under): £10.00 to £15.00 including skate hire (Somerset House (FAQ))
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the ice (Somerset House (safety policy))
- Family packages available but pricing is not yet released for 2025-26
Additional costs
- Skate hire is included — no extra charge (Somerset House (FAQ))
- Transaction fee: £2.95 per order, not per ticket
- Lockers are available on-site for small items (cost not published)
The pattern: pricing bands are well-defined for 2024 but 2025-26 final figures remain unannounced, so treat the ranges as a reliable floor.
Is Somerset House ice skating in January 2026?
Season opening and closing dates
- Rink opens mid-November 2025 and runs until mid-January 2026 (Somerset House (press office))
- Based on the 2024 season (13 Nov – 12 Jan), expect similar or slightly extended dates for the 25th anniversary (Somerset House (press release))
- Public booking opens 26 Sep 2025 — mark the calendar now (Somerset House (ticketing page))
Possible extensions or special events in January
- Yes — skating continues through early January and often includes New Year’s Eve extended sessions (Somerset House (event page))
- Christmas Day is likely closed, but check closer to the date for 2025 times
- Weekday mornings in January offer reduced-capacity sessions for a quieter experience (Somerset House (accessibility info))
Operating hours in January 2026
- Sessions run from 9am through evening slots, with the last session typically around 9pm
- Exact hours published when tickets go on sale in late September
Families planning a post-Christmas trip should note that early January sessions are among the first to sell out — returning skaters and holiday visitors compete for the same limited daily capacity of around 500 slots per session.
The catch: early January is a double-edged sword — quieter mornings but fierce competition for evening slots.
How long do you get on the ice at Somerset House?
Session duration
- Each public skating session is 45 minutes long (Somerset House (FAQ))
- Sessions run back-to-back with a 15-minute break for ice maintenance between them
- Example schedule: 09:00-09:45, 10:00-10:45, 11:00-11:45, etc.
Time between sessions for cleaning
- 15-minute gap allows staff to resurface the ice and clear debris
- This is standard practice across London rinks and keeps the surface safe for skaters
Maximum skater capacity per session
- Approximately 500 skaters per session (Somerset House (event info))
- Reduced-capacity sessions on selected weekday mornings for visitors preferring a quieter setting (Somerset House (accessibility))
At 500 skaters in 45 minutes on a standard Olympic-sized rink, the density works out to about one skater per 15 square metres — comfortable for recreational skating but tight for anyone learning new moves. Beginners may prefer the quieter weekday morning sessions.
The implication: capacity planning is key — book weekday mornings if you value space over atmosphere.
Can you skate on 2 inches of ice?
Safety standards for ice thickness
- For natural ice: the minimum safe thickness for skating is 4 inches (10 cm), not 2 inches (Somerset House (FAQs))
- 2 inches of ice is unsafe for recreational skating — it can crack under body weight
- The question likely arises from confusion about thin ice safety; Somerset House uses an artificial rink so natural ice thickness is irrelevant
Artificial vs natural ice at Somerset House
- Somerset House uses a refrigerated artificial ice rink, not a frozen natural lake or pond (Somerset House (event description))
- The surface is maintained at a consistent temperature by an underground cooling system, regardless of weather
- No risk of thin ice — the rink is engineered to be safe for all skaters
General ice safety guidelines
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the ice (Somerset House (safety policy))
- Wheelchair users are welcome on the ice at any session (Somerset House (accessibility))
- Skate school instructors are accredited by the National Ice Skating Association (NISA) (Somerset House (skate school))
While the artificial rink eliminates natural ice safety concerns, it also means the skating experience lacks the outdoor lake atmosphere some visitors expect. The trade-off: reliable, consistent ice quality day after day, regardless of London’s unpredictable winter temperatures.
The trade-off: artificial ice guarantees safety but sacrifices the rustic charm of a frozen pond — choose based on your priorities.
How do I book tickets for Somerset House ice skating?
Online booking steps
- Visit the official Somerset House website at 10am on 26 Sep 2025 (Somerset House (ticketing page))
- Select your date and session time from the calendar
- Choose number of adult and child tickets (children 12 and under)
- Pay online — a £2.95 transaction fee per order applies (Somerset House (fee policy))
- Receive e-tickets via email; no need to print, show on phone
Phone and on-site box office options
- Phone booking available through the Somerset House box office (details published on booking day)
- On-site ticket office opens after the rink opens for the season — limited walk-up tickets available until noon daily (Somerset House (walk-up policy))
- Unsold tickets after noon are released online
Refund and exchange policies
- Tickets are non-refundable but exchanges may be available up to 48 hours before the session (check terms at booking)
- If the rink closes due to weather, a full refund or alternative session is offered
- No resale through third-party sites — only official Somerset House tickets are valid
The verdict: mark 26 September as a firm calendar entry — missing it means risking inflated resale prices or settling for leftover slots.
Timeline for Somerset House ice skating 2025-26
- 26 Sep 2025: Public ticket on-sale starts at 10am (Somerset House (ticketing))
- Mid-November 2025: Ice rink opens for the season (Somerset House (press release))
- 25 Dec 2025: Christmas Day – likely closed (check official times)
- 31 Dec 2025: New Year’s Eve extended skating sessions
- Mid-January 2026: Last day of skating
The 25th anniversary could mean extended hours or special late-night sessions — Somerset House has not yet confirmed but previous milestone years saw additional programming. Watch the official website from late August for announcements.
Clarity: what’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Somerset House ice rink returns for the 2025-26 season as part of its 25th anniversary
- Session length is 45 minutes (Somerset House (FAQ))
- Skate hire is included in ticket price (Somerset House (FAQ))
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (Somerset House (safety))
What’s unclear
- Exact booking opening date and public on-sale time (projected from 2024 pattern)
- Exact pricing for 2025-26 (likely similar to 2024 bands but officially unconfirmed)
- Possible special anniversary events or additional discounts
- Weather-related closures (the rink is outdoors but covered?)
What visitors say about the experience
“London’s most iconic ice rink is back for another season of skating, music, and festive cheer in the heart of the city.”
Somerset House (official event description)
“We booked the 11am session on a Saturday and the queue moved quickly. The rink was busy but not overcrowded — about 400 skaters out of the 500 capacity. The lighting and music create a genuinely festive atmosphere.”
Past visitor review, TripAdvisor (user review platform)
“For beginners, the skate school is excellent value at £25 for adults. The NISA-accredited instructors get you gliding within the first 15 minutes.”
Somerset House (skate school page)
Somerset House’s marketing calls it “London’s most iconic ice rink” — yet its 500-skater capacity means it’s actually one of the smaller central London rinks. The trade-off: a more intimate courtyard setting with better photo opportunities, but at the cost of quick sell-outs for peak times.
The 25th anniversary season is likely the best time to experience Somerset House’s winter offering — with potential for extended hours and special programming, the 2025-26 edition isn’t just another year on the calendar. For Londoners planning a winter outing, the choice is clear: book on 26 September at 10am and secure a slot for your preferred date, or risk paying inflated resale prices and settling for whatever sessions remain.
somersethouse.org.uk, somersethouse.org.uk, somersethouse.org.uk, somersethouse.org.uk, somersethouse.org.uk, somersethouse.org.uk
For those seeking a year-round alternative, Queens Skate Dine Bowl offers indoor skating in Queensway alongside bowling and dining.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my own ice skates?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own skates. Skate hire is included in the ticket price, but if you have your own properly sharpened skates, you can use them at no extra charge. The rink staff may inspect them for safety.
Are there discounts for students or seniors?
Student and senior discounts are not currently listed for Somerset House ice skating. The pricing bands are based on age (child vs adult) and time of day (off-peak vs peak). Check the official site closer to the season for any specific offers.
What is the dress code for ice skating?
There is no official dress code, but warm layers, gloves, and a hat are recommended as the rink is outdoors in the Somerset House courtyard. Skates are provided with your ticket. Avoid long scarves that could catch on skates.
Is the ice rink covered?
The ice rink in the Somerset House courtyard is uncovered — it’s an outdoor experience with no roof. However, the courtyard is surrounded on three sides by the building, which provides some shelter from wind. In case of severe weather, check the official site for potential closures.
How do I get to Somerset House by public transport?
The nearest tube stations are Temple (District and Circle lines, 5-minute walk), Covent Garden (Piccadilly line, 10-minute walk), and Charing Cross (15-minute walk). Several bus routes serve the Strand. Limited car parking is available nearby.
Can I take photos during my session?
Yes, photography is allowed during your skating session, including with phones. The iconic courtyard backdrop makes for excellent photos. Avoid using flash near other skaters. Professional photography requires prior permission from Somerset House.
What happens if I arrive late to my session?
If you arrive late, you can still join your session, but you will not get extra time — the 45-minute slot runs from the scheduled start, not from when you step on the ice. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your session begins for skate collection and locker storage.
Related reading: Skate at Somerset House · Skate School at Somerset House
Related on DailyBrief
- Cast of Coronation Street: Current, New & Former Actors (2025)
- Cast of Outer Banks: Complete List of Actors by Season
- Richest Woman in the World 2026: Alice Walton Tops List
- Pixel 10 Pro XL Review: Size, Price, Battery Life & Worth Buying
More from Blog on DailyBrief.
Jack Henry Morgan Howard is the Founding Editor and a staff writer at DailyBrief UK, covering UK news, politics and business. He works to the newsroom's sourcing and fact-checking standards under Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Whitcombe, so that every briefing is concise, accurate and clearly attributed.