Somerset House Ice Skating – Dates, Tickets, Prices & Tips
Somerset House ice skating returns for the 2025–26 winter season with a confirmed run from 12 November 2025 to 11 January 2026. The rink occupies the historic courtyard of Somerset House on the Strand, offering an open-air skating experience in one of central London’s most recognisable settings. Tickets go on general sale on Friday 26 September 2025, and prices vary by session and date. Given the open-air setting, checking the London Weather 30 Days forecast can help you plan ahead.
Skate hire is included in every ticket, and the season features special programmes such as Skate Lates, Skate School, Kids Skate Club, Relaxed Skate Sessions, and dedicated access for wheelchair users. Early booking is strongly advised, particularly for weekend and evening slots.
When Is Somerset House Ice Skating? – Dates, Times & Christmas Opening
12 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
From £15 for adults and £10 for children (off-peak); prices vary by session and date
Online via the official website or by phone on 0343 208 1497
Book early for the best prices; weekday off-peak sessions are cheapest
- The 2025–26 season runs from 12 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.
- The rink is closed on Christmas Day (25 December).
- Each skating session lasts approximately one hour.
- General sale opens on Friday 26 September 2025.
- Prices range from about £11 to £26 depending on source and ticket type.
- A £2.95 transaction fee applies per order.
- Somerset House advises early booking because lower-priced slots tend to sell quickly.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA |
| Nearest tube | Temple (District/Circle) – TfL station info, Covent Garden (Piccadilly), Charing Cross (Bakerloo/Northern) |
| Season duration | Approximately 10 weeks (mid-November to mid-January) |
| Closed dates | 25 December 2025 |
| Session length | 1 hour |
| Ticket price range (adult) | From £15 (official FAQ); from £11–£26 reported elsewhere |
| Ticket price range (child) | From £10 |
| Booking fee | £2.95 per order |
| Skate hire | Included in ticket price |
| Capacity | Approximately 300 skaters per session |
| Telephone booking | 0343 208 1497 |
How Much Are Somerset House Ice Skating Tickets?
Ticket prices at Somerset House are not fixed. They vary by date, session time, and demand. Adult tickets start from £15, as detailed on the official Skate Times, Tickets & FAQs page, while children’s tickets start from £10. Other sources, such as Time Out, report a range of roughly £11 to £26 depending on the session.
Are There Student Discounts?
Yes. Somerset House lists concession tickets for full-time students, along with recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, NHS staff, and disabled visitors claiming PIP. These concession tickets are available for selected 11am–2pm sessions on specific date blocks in November and January, and during all Relaxed Sessions.
Is There a Family Discount?
A 10% family discount is available for eligible family group bookings, as noted on the official FAQ.
Are There Discount Codes?
The availability of discount codes varies from year to year. Somerset House has not listed any specific promo codes for the 2025–26 season on its official channels. Student discount platforms such as Student Beans sometimes carry offers, though this is not officially confirmed by Somerset House.
To get cheaper tickets, book weekday off-peak sessions, consider concession eligibility if you are a full-time student or NHS staff, and look for the 10% family discount if booking as a group. Early booking is essential because the lowest-priced slots sell out quickly.
How to Book Somerset House Ice Skating Tickets
Can I Book Online?
Yes. Online booking is available through the official Somerset House website. Tickets for the 2025–26 season go on general sale on Friday 26 September 2025. The website advises early booking because prices vary and the cheapest slots tend to sell first.
Is Telephone Booking Available?
Yes. You can book by phone on 0343 208 1497. The phone lines are open during stated daytime hours, as confirmed by the official FAQ.
What Is the Booking Fee?
A transaction fee of £2.95 applies per order, regardless of how many tickets you buy in a single transaction.
Tickets are generally non-refundable. However, you may be able to exchange them for another session if you request the change at least 48 hours in advance, subject to availability.
Somerset House vs Battersea Ice Skating: Which Is Better?
The main difference between Somerset House and Battersea Power Station ice skating lies in the setting and atmosphere. Somerset House is set in a historic central-London courtyard, creating an enclosed, intimate winter experience. Battersea Power Station’s rink is positioned as a more riverside, neighbourhood-oriented attraction. Both are popular, but they serve slightly different preferences.
On price, Somerset House tickets range from about £11 to £26, or from £15 for adults per the official FAQ. No comparable 2025–26 price table for Battersea was available in the sourced materials, so a precise head-to-head cost comparison cannot be made without risking inaccuracy.
Somerset House is one of the smaller rinks in London, with a capacity of about 300 skaters per session. This contributes to higher demand and quicker sell-outs compared to larger venues. If you are flexible, consider weekday off-peak visits for the best availability.
Somerset House Ice Skating Reviews: Is It Worth It?
Visitor reviews on TripAdvisor are mixed but generally positive. Many guests praise the atmosphere and the unique experience of skating in the historic courtyard. Others, however, express disappointment with the cost — one review specifically described the ticket price of £28.50 per person as poor value compared with other London rinks. The rink is very popular, and advance booking is commonly recommended by reviewers.
For those who attend, on-site food and drink offers are available for ticket holders, including discounts at several venues within Somerset House.
When Does the Somerset House Ice Skating Season Begin and End?
- 26 September 2025 – General on-sale of tickets at 10am.
- 12 November 2025 – Season opens.
- 25 December 2025 – Rink closed (Christmas Day).
- 11 January 2026 – Season ends.
These dates are confirmed for the 2025–26 season by Somerset House and multiple third-party sources. The schedule is subject to change in future seasons. Planning a festive trip? The How Many Fridays Until Christmas countdown is a fun way to track the season.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain for 2025?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Somerset House hosts a seasonal ice rink each winter. | Exact dates and prices for seasons beyond 2025–26 are not yet released. |
| Tickets include skate hire. | Discount code availability varies year to year and is not guaranteed. |
| Student discounts exist via official concession categories. | Battersea ice skating pricing and booking details for 2025–26 remain unsourced. |
| The rink is closed on Christmas Day. | — |
What Makes Somerset House Ice Skating Unique?
The ice rink at Somerset House is set in the venue’s historic courtyard, creating an open-air experience that blends neoclassical architecture with seasonal festivity. Compared with other London rinks such as Battersea, Canary Wharf, and the Natural History Museum, Somerset House is often regarded as the most iconic — but also one of the smallest, which drives higher demand and faster sell-outs.
The rink is part of a broader winter programme that includes a Christmas tree, silent disco sessions, and a skate school, making it a multi-faceted attraction beyond simply skating.
Where to Find Official Information and Visitor Reviews
“Skate at Somerset House is a magical winter experience in the heart of London.”
— Somerset House Official Website
“Very popular — book in advance. Some visitors find the pricing high compared to other rinks.”
— TripAdvisor reviews (summary of common themes)
Official information, including ticket prices and session times, can be found on the Skate Times, Tickets & FAQs page. The official Somerset House ice rink page provides event details, video, and promotional content. Visitor reviews are available on TripAdvisor. For transport, Temple Underground station is the nearest stop, served by the District and Circle lines.
What Should You Know Before Planning Your Visit?
If you are planning to visit Somerset House ice skating in 2025, book early — general sale opens on 26 September 2025 — and choose weekday off-peak sessions for the lowest prices. Check whether you qualify for a concession ticket if you are a full-time student, NHS staff, or a recipient of certain benefits. The London Weather 30 Days forecast can help you prepare for the open-air conditions, and the How Many Fridays Until Christmas countdown is a fun way to track the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own skates?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own skates. However, skate hire is included in the ticket price, so you may still have to pay the full ticket fee.
Is there an age limit?
Children under 4 are not permitted on the ice. Children aged 4–7 must be accompanied by a paid adult on the ice.
What is the refund policy?
Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be exchanged for another session if requested at least 48 hours in advance, subject to availability.
Are there lockers and cloakrooms?
Yes, lockers are available for a small fee (approximately £2). Cloakroom facilities may be limited; it is best to travel light.
Is the rink covered or open-air?
The rink is open-air but located in the courtyard, which provides some shelter. Dress warmly for weather conditions.
How long is each session?
Each session lasts approximately one hour, including time to put on skates.
Is it open on Christmas Day?
No, it is closed on 25 December.
Can students get discounted tickets?
Yes, full-time students are listed among concession-eligible groups. Concession tickets are available for selected 11am–2pm sessions in November and January, and during all Relaxed Sessions.
Are prices fixed?
No, prices vary by session and date. Early booking is recommended to secure lower-priced slots.
Do you need to book in advance?
Strongly recommended, especially for peak dates and lower-priced sessions. The rink is very popular and sell-outs are common.
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