It’s not your average rink plopped in a car park. Hampton Court Palace has a vibe that’s part fairy tale, part history lesson, and part “why am I eating a hot dog in 30-degree weather?” The rink is open from early November to early January, so you get that full festive spirit—minus the stress of wrapping presents.
There’s also a sparkly, twinkling Christmas market right next to the ice. You can grab mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and a terrifyingly large bar of chocolate that you’ll finish before your skate session ends. I recommend the mulled wine—it’s the perfect excuse to blame your shaky ice skating on “the holiday cheer.”
The Skating Experience (And Your Dignity)
If you’re a pro, you’ll love the smooth, wide-open space for showing off your triple axel—or, let’s be real, your “graceful shuffle.” If you’re a newbie, don’t worry: penguin-shaped skate aids are available. Yes, you can hold onto a plastic penguin and pretend you’re on an Arctic safari. No one judges you. I held one for an hour and named it Sebastian.
The music is a delightful mix of Christmas classics and modern pop. You’ll find yourself humming “All I Want for Christmas Is You” while trying not to collide with a family of five. It’s chaotic, joyful, and impossible to be grumpy while doing it. Try it—I dare you.
One pro tip: book your tickets well in advance. This isn’t a secret. Everyone and their Tudor-crazed grandmother wants to skate here. Tickets sell out faster than Henry VIII’s wives, and trust me, that’s saying something—poor Anne of Cleves never stood a chance.
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