With the countdown to the festive season upon us, London is set to see the return of many of its best loved ice rinks.
One of its most popular ice rinks hosted at Hampton Court Palace will be returning from November 21 for six weeks up until January 4, 2026, offering the chance to ice skate within the opulent surroundings of this iconic palace that has appeared in TV and films like Bridgerton and Wolfe Hall.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of King Henry VIII’s historic Tudor palace, the rink, inspired by the Palace’s classic Orangery, is adorned with twinkling lights, rustic wooden details and lush festive greenery.
This year, skaters will be able to glide across a newly upgraded double-layered ice surface, designed for smoother, longer-lasting sessions, along with updated lace-up skates, with sessions lasting for 45 minutes.
This year the rink will also be offering reduced capacity sessions, to ensure skaters can skate more comfortably on the ice, with quiet sessions running at 10am daily.
Tickets start from £18 for adults, £16.50 for students, £13.50 for children and £12 for wheelchair users, with free carer tickets available.
Weekend sessions offer a more lively skating experience with ice sculpting, a festive art exhibition, live music and DJ nights to ramp up the festive spirit.
Little ones can also see the man in red himself, with the rink hosting Skating Santa Sessions, and guests can also enter competitions to win special prizes, including a “golden ticket” to London’s newest immersive ice experience.
Afterwards skaters can stop off for a festive hot drink or food at two of Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink’s festive foodie partners – Deelight Bakery with their range of homemade pastries, sausage rolls and cakes, and Department of Coffee & Social Affairs for a festive mulled wine, cocktails and hot drinks.
The rink is easily reached in just 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo, arriving at Hampton Court station.
Buses run from Kingston (111, 216, 411, 461, 513) and Richmond (R68), while drivers can access via the A3, M25 and A308.
