Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Mel Randle
Yesterday, we dug out the Christmas jumpers for their first outing of the year, layered up and crowned ourselves with a big fluffy hat for a right royal evening at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink. It is now officially open for the festive season every day (except Christmas Day) until 4th January 2026.
The rink is located at the front of the Palace to the side of the drive, so you have the wonderful backdrop of the Palace whilst on the ice (lit at night) but a ticket to the Palace is not needed to skate, although I would highly recommend a visit there too! The ice rink itself is outdoors but there is a large indoor space to change into skates and a lovely cafe/bar with everything you need to warm-up and refuel after a skate session. Although the evening was busy, I didn’t at any point in the evening feel overcrowded or rushed. The Christmas vibes kicked in straight away with beautiful decoration and twinkling lights, perfect for a selfie or two!
We went as a family of 3, Mum (me), Dad and 9 year old daughter. Myself and my daughter took to the ice whilst my husband spent the session on photography duty from the ample viewing area. Skate hire is included and I was really impressed with the quality and comfort of skates. Penguins are available to hire for younger children and there are plenty of sides to hang on to for the not so upright skater!! The rink operates a one-way skate system for safety and there are Skate Marshalls on the ice at all times. Whenever my daughter had a fall, they appeared immediately as if from nowhere to check we were ok and offer assistance if needed. There were skaters of all abilities at our session and everyone was respectful of each other and the space allows for everybody to have an enjoyable time regardless of whether you are skating the Bolero or spending more time on your bum!
The rink is open from 10am to 9pm daily and they have a full programme of events planned throughout the season, from skating Santa to singles night, DJ sessions, which if the music playlist from last night is anything to go by will be fab (who doesn’t love a bit of Barry White!) and adult only nights. There will also be face painting and live ice carving at some sessions. We got to witness this last night and they are fab!! Details of all events are available on the website.
Once you come off the ice, you must pay a visit to the cafe with treats for every pallet from Deelight Bakery, whether you’ve worked up an appetite for a hot sausage roll or a sandwich, or just want to warm up with a chocolate waffle. Partner that with a barista coffee or hot mulled wine ( I can vouch for that!) or you can make an evening of it and indulge in a cocktail or two!
All in all, this was a fantastic family fun occasion that really kicked off our Christmas season – young or old, skater or not, we all had a great few hours away from the stresses of everyday life. The rink has easy transport links with TFL or parking on-site or close by for those wishing to travel by car. Christmas jumpers not essential, but why not, it only comes round once a year!
Rating: 5/5
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is open now until January 4th 2026
For ticket prices, event details and booking, please visit https://hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk/