If “Somerset House ice skating 2025” is on your winter wishlist, you’re in the right place. The neoclassical courtyard, a towering Christmas tree and DJ nights make Skate at Somerset House the city’s most atmospheric rink. Below you’ll find the confirmed 2025–26 season dates, when tickets go on sale, typical prices, opening hours, Skate Lates, family sessions, accessibility, how to get there and dozens of practical tips so you can book the perfect glide.
Quick-glance essentials (Somerset House ice skating 2025)
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Season dates (confirmed): 12th November 2025 – 11th January 2026 (Somerset House’s official 25th‑anniversary programme). Special events and tickets go on sale in September 2025.
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Typical session length: 45 minutes on the ice; arrive ~20 minutes early for skate fitting.
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Typical opening hours (past seasons): First and last sessions commonly fall between 09:00 and 22:00–22:45 (no skating on 25th December). Expect a similar pattern in 2025.
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Indicative price range (past season): Dynamic pricing, ~£18.50–£26.50 for adults, ~£12.50–£15 for children (12 and under); limited same‑day tickets sometimes released. 2025 pricing TBC.
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Where: Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA.
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How to book: Via Somerset House’s official site once sales open in September.
Reality check for 2025: Dates are confirmed by Somerset House; specific partners, line‑ups, prices and extras (e.g., lounge brand, DJ programme) will be announced closer to September. Where we reference features below, we note when they’re based on the 2024–25 season so you know what’s likely to return.
Somerset House ice rink dates 2025 & when tickets go on sale
Somerset House has confirmed Skate 2025–26 runs from 12th Nov 2025 to 11th Jan 2026, with special events and tickets announced in September 2025. Mark your calendar and join the mailing list to grab preferred slots as soon as they drop.
Pro tip (tickets): In past years, the best‑selling sessions were early evenings, weekends in December, and the week between Christmas and New Year. Subscribe to the Somerset House newsletter and be ready to book as soon as sales open.
Skate at Somerset House tickets 2025: prices, peak times, deals
What to expect (based on 2024–25):
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Dynamic pricing: Adult tickets often ranged ~£18.50–£26.50 depending on time/day; child (12 & under) ~£12.50–£15.
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Limited on‑the‑day tickets: A small allocation has sometimes been released on the day for sold‑out sessions—worth checking if you missed out.
2025 tip: Expect a similar band, but final 2025 prices appear when tickets go live in September. Book super off‑peak (weekday mornings/late afternoons outside school holidays) for the best value.
Somerset House opening hours 2025 & how long you skate
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Session length: Plan for ~45 minutes on the ice, with marshals clearing the rink between sessions. Arrive ~20 minutes early to collect skates and stash bags.
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Daily start/finish (pattern from 2024–25): Sessions typically ran from morning to late evening (≈09:00–22:00/22:45); 25 December is closed. Expect a broadly similar pattern for 2025.
Somerset House Skate Lates 2025 (DJ nights) & evening experiences
Skate Lates are the rink’s nightlife moment—DJ takeovers with an open‑air party vibe. In 2024–25 these ran with branded partners and guest collectives; we expect DJ‑led nights to return for 2025, with the exact line‑up and partner to be announced in September.
How to choose a Skate Lates slot:
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Book 20:00 or later if you want that “dance‑floor on ice” energy.
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If you prefer calmer conditions, pick daytime sessions or Chilled Out sessions (see Accessibility).
Food & drink at Somerset House ice skating (lounge & après‑skate)
Recent winters featured a rink‑side lounge and a cosy restaurant pop‑up (e.g., The Chalet by chef Jimmy Garcia in 2024–25), plus festive drinks overlooking the ice. Expect a comparable après‑skate set‑up in 2025, with final partners confirmed at ticket launch.
Kids’ skating at Somerset House: lessons, ages, skate aids
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Skate School & Kids’ Skate Club: In 2024–25, children aged 6–10 could join friendly lessons and Kids’ Club sessions with stabilisers and marshals—ideal for first‑timers. 2025 details TBC but these family‑friendly formats are regular fixtures.
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Skate sizes: Past guidance listed smallest hire skates at EU 25 (approx. UK child 7) and up to UK adult 15—handy for families and big‑footed skaters alike.
Parent tip: If your child is brand new to skating, consider booking a Kids’ Club session first, then a regular session later that day while confidence is high.
Accessibility & Chilled Out Sessions at Somerset House ice rink
Somerset House works to make Skate welcoming for everyone:
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Wheelchair users: Welcome on all public sessions (manual chairs on ice), with dedicated reduced‑capacity wheelchair sessions scheduled during the season. A free companion ticket has previously been available. For specific 2025 times and booking, check the official announcement in September.
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Chilled Out sessions: Reduced capacity and lower music levels have been offered in recent years—great for a calmer experience.
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Getting here access info: See Somerset House’s accessibility page for step‑free routes and facilities.
How to get to Somerset House ice rink (best transport & entrances)
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Tube: Temple (Circle & District) is ~5–10 minutes; Embankment, Covent Garden and Charing Cross are also walkable. Note that Temple is not step‑free; Blackfriars offers step‑free access.
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Entrances: Main arrivals are via the Strand or Embankment entrances. Follow on‑site signs to the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court.
Tip: On busy December weekends, allow extra time from the station—Covent Garden and the Strand can be crowded.
What to wear for Somerset House ice skating (and what to bring)
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Dress warm & layered: Gloves, warm socks, and a hat you don’t mind stowing.
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Footwear: Skate hire is included; if you bring your own, staff may check suitability. (Sizes typically range from EU 25 to UK 15.)
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Bags & cloakroom: Bags aren’t allowed on the ice. A temporary event cloakroom operates for Skate (fee per item). Prices have varied (£1–£2 in 2024 across different notices); bring a small bag or share a locker/rail to save time.
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Phones on ice: Policies can vary; check on the day and consider leaving your phone with a non‑skating friend for photos from the sidelines.
Best time to visit Somerset House ice skating (for photos, value & vibes)
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For fairy‑lit photos: Book blue hour (just after sunset) so you catch the sky’s deep blue plus the lit tree and facade.
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For quieter ice: Weekday mornings outside school holidays.
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For party energy: Skate Lates after 20:00.
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For families: Daytime or Chilled Out sessions (reduced capacity).
Insider booking strategy for Somerset House ice rink 2025
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Set a reminder for early September (ticket announcements) and on‑sale day (September; exact date TBC).
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Shortlist 2–3 time slots (Plan A/B/C). Have card details ready—prime dates can sell out fast.
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Check back on the day: A small same‑day ticket release sometimes happens for popular sessions.
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Layer activities: Book Skate School/Kids’ Club + a later regular session for families.
What’s new for Skate 2025 (Somerset House at 25)
Somerset House’s 25th anniversary year features a special 2025 Skate commission by artist Harold Offeh and confirms the Skate 2025–26 season dates above. Full programme and partners—like the 2024–25 DJ “Skate Lates,” lounge and dining pop‑ups—will be announced in September alongside ticket release.
Getting more from your visit: nearby festive stops
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Covent Garden for decorations and markets (10–12 minutes’ walk).
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The Courtauld Gallery (on site) for Monet to Van Gogh—great before a midday skate.
One last checklist before you book
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Pick off‑peak for value or Skate Lates for nightlife.
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Allow ~20 minutes pre‑session for skates & cloakroom.
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Bring gloves & warm socks; skate hire is included (sizes typically EU 25 to UK 15).
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If accessibility or sensory needs apply, look for Chilled Out and dedicated wheelchair sessions in the schedule.
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Set your September reminder for tickets and special event announcements.
Final thought
With confirmed 2025 dates, a proven formula of 45‑minute sessions, late‑night DJ sets, and one of the most photogenic courtyards in London, Somerset House ice skating 2025 is set to be a highlight of the season. Lock in your ideal slot in September, dress warm, and enjoy that first glide under the lights.
