Never skated before? You are in very good company. Every winter, thousands of people step onto the ice for the very first time, and most of them leave grinning. This guide to ice skating for beginners in London covers everything you need to feel confident before your first session: what to wear, what to expect on arrival, simple tips to find your balance, and when to visit for a calmer skate at The Queen’s House Ice Rink in Greenwich.
Why Greenwich is the best ice rink for beginners in London
The hardest part of learning to skate is not the ice. It is the crowd. Wobbling while confident skaters whizz past is what puts most first timers off.
This season we have made the ice bigger while keeping the same number of skaters in each session. That means more room to stop, start, wobble and try again without feeling rushed. Skate aids are available to help you find your balance, and our team on the ice are always happy to help a nervous skater find their feet.
Then there is the setting. The rink sits in the grounds of the Queen’s House at Royal Museums Greenwich, within the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, with views across Greenwich Park and the London skyline. It is also currently London’s highest Google rated ice rink, so your first skate is in very good hands.
What to wear ice skating
Dress for a winter walk, then add a little extra protection for your hands.
- Gloves are a must. Hands touch the ice when you fall, and cold fingers make balancing harder.
- Layers you can move in. A warm top under a light jacket works better than one bulky coat.
- Comfortable trousers. Leggings or joggers give you more freedom than stiff jeans, and something water resistant helps if you sit down unexpectedly.
- One pair of warm socks. Thick enough for comfort, thin enough that your skate boot still fits snugly. Avoid tucking trousers into your boots.
- Leave long scarves at home or tuck them in, so nothing trails near your blades.
Skate hire is included with your ticket, so there is no need to bring your own.
Before you step on the ice
Arrive 30 to 40 minutes before your session. That gives you time to collect your skates, store your bag and settle your nerves without rushing.
When you put your skates on, lace them firmly around the ankle. Your heel should sit snugly at the back of the boot and your ankle should feel supported, not wobbly. A loose boot is the most common reason beginners struggle, so if it does not feel right, ask for a different size.
Sessions last up to 45 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time for a first go. Long enough to make real progress, short enough that your legs will not give up on you.
First time ice skating tips
- Bend your knees. Stand like you are about to sit on a stool. Straight legs are the fastest way to lose your balance.
- Look ahead, not down. Your body follows your eyes. Pick a point across the rink and aim for it.
- Start with little penguin steps. Walk on the ice with small steps and your toes slightly turned out, then let each step become a short glide.
- Keep your arms out in front. Hold them low and wide, as if resting on an invisible table.
- Use the barrier as a friend, not a crutch. Hold on to start, then let go for a few metres at a time.
- Learn to fall well. If you feel yourself going, bend your knees and lean to the side. To get up, roll onto your hands and knees, place one foot flat on the ice, then the other, and push up.
- Skate with the flow. Everyone moves in the same direction around the rink. Stay near the edge while you build confidence.
Most beginners notice a real difference by the end of their first session. By your second visit, you might even be gliding.
When to go for a quieter skate
If you want the calmest experience, choose a weekday morning or early afternoon. Weekends and evenings in December are our busiest times, while weekday daytime sessions tend to be more relaxed.
We also run Quiet Skates for anyone who prefers a gentler atmosphere, plus Parent and Mini Skater sessions on weekday afternoons, designed for little ones taking their very first steps on the ice. Find details on our Concessions and Discounts page.
Plans change? You can move your booking to a different date and time up to 24 hours before your visit.
Ice skating with kids in London
Children often learn faster than adults because they are closer to the ice and less afraid to fall. Make sure they wear gloves, keep sessions fun rather than focused, and celebrate every small win. Skate aids are a brilliant confidence boost for younger skaters. Kids skate free on Tuesdays between 4pm and 6pm when an adult books a session, until 18 December.
Make your first skate extra special
Want a smoother start? Our VIP ticket gives you a dedicated boot hire desk, fast lane entry to the ice and free bag check, plus a complimentary hot chocolate, coffee or mulled wine. It takes the stress out of arriving and gives you more time on the ice.
Afterwards, warm up at the Après Skate Café beside the rink with soup, mac and cheese or a hot drink, and swap stories about who fell over the most.
Book your first session
The Queen’s House Ice Rink is open from 18 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, daily from 11am to 9pm, closed only on Christmas Day. Tickets start from £19 for adults and £16.50 for children.
Book your tickets now and make this the winter you finally learn to skate.
Frequently asked questions
Is ice skating hard for beginners? Most people find their balance within the first 15 to 20 minutes. Bending your knees, looking ahead and taking small steps make the biggest difference.
What should I wear for ice skating? Gloves, warm layers you can move in, comfortable trousers and one pair of warm socks. Avoid long scarves and anything that trails.
Do I need my own skates? No. Skate hire is included with every ticket.
Can complete beginners skate at The Queen’s House Ice Rink? Yes. Our bigger ice with the same number of skaters per session gives beginners more space, and skate aids are available.
When is the quietest time to go ice skating in London? Weekday mornings and early afternoons are usually calmest. Weekend and December evening sessions are the busiest.
How long is an ice skating session? Sessions last up to 45 minutes. Arrive 30 to 40 minutes early to collect your skates.
Can kids learn to skate here? Yes. Skate aids help younger skaters, and our Parent and Mini Skater sessions are designed for little ones on the ice for the first time.
Where is The Queen’s House Ice Rink? In the grounds of the Queen’s House at Royal Museums Greenwich, Romney Road, SE10 9NF, within the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is currently London’s highest Google rated ice rink.