9 Tips for Ice Skating at Hampton Court Palace

You’ll want to book tickets online early through the Historic Royal Palaces website since they’re not sold on-site. Arrive 30-40 minutes before your session for skate fitting and preparation. Choose the morning Quiet & Calm sessions for a peaceful experience, or try Friday evening adult sessions with cocktails and DJ music. Take the direct train from London Waterloo (30 minutes), dress in waterproof layers, and warm up afterward with hot chocolate at the cozy café. There’s much more to discover about making your palace skating adventure truly magical.

Book Your Tickets Online in Advance to Secure Your Spot

Since ice skating at Hampton Court Palace is super popular, you’ll want to grab your tickets online before they sell out! You can only buy tickets through the official Historic Royal Palaces website – nowhere else sells them.

It’s smart to book early so you can pick your favorite time slot.

When you buy online, there’s a small booking fee, but it’s totally worth it to guarantee your spot. After purchasing, you’ll get an email with either a QR code or PDF ticket that you’ll need to show at the rink entrance.

Don’t worry if you lose the email – there’s a way to get it back! Remember, you can’t just show up and buy tickets there, so planning ahead is key. The Palace Ice Rink operates in partnership with Icebox Live and Historic Royal Palaces to create this magical winter experience.

Arrive 30-40 Minutes Early for Skate Fitting and Preparation

When you arrive at Hampton Court Palace for ice skating, plan to get there 30-40 minutes before your session starts. This extra time isn’t wasted – you’ll need it for your 45-minute skating adventure!

First, you’ll get fitted with fresh, comfortable skates by helpful staff who’ll make sure they’re the perfect size.

If you’re under 120cm tall, you can hire skate aids for £6 to help you balance better on the ice.

Use this time to change into warm clothes, store your belongings in lockers, and visit the toilets. The venue is cashless, so make sure you have your card or contactless payment ready for any purchases.

Staff will also explain the rink rules and safety tips.

Arriving early means you won’t miss precious skating time because you’re rushing to get ready!

Take Advantage of Quiet & Calm Sessions for a Peaceful Experience

If you prefer a quieter skating experience, book the daily Quiet & Calm session that runs as the first slot of the day (usually 9-10am). These special sessions have fewer skaters on the ice, creating more space to move around and practice your skills without feeling crowded.

The rink uses steady lighting instead of flashing effects, and they turn down the music volume to create a peaceful atmosphere. This makes it perfect for beginners, little kids, or anyone who finds busy, noisy environments overwhelming.

Since it’s the first session, you’ll skate in gentle morning light with fewer palace visitors around. The calmer setting lets you enjoy slow laps around the historic backdrop while building confidence on the ice at your own pace. These sessions are also particularly suitable for people with disabilities, parents with toddlers, and anyone seeking a more inclusive skating environment.

Consider Adult-Only Friday Sessions for Themed Cocktails and Atmosphere

While most ice skating sessions welcome families, Hampton Court Palace offers adult-only Friday evenings every second Friday that transform the rink into a sophisticated winter wonderland. You’ll need to be 18+ to join these premium sessions, which run during evening hours with curated DJ playlists and intimate lighting against the palace’s historic backdrop.

After skating, head to the Rink Café & Bar for themed cocktails, mulled wine, and Baileys hot chocolate. The bar creates a destination feel that encourages lingering rather than rushing off.

These evenings work perfectly for date nights, work socials, or friend groups wanting a child-free festive experience. The intimate setting allows for fewer skaters on the ice, creating a more relaxed and personal atmosphere.

Book online in advance since limited dates create higher demand. Arrive 30-40 minutes early for skate collection, and expect peak-time pricing around £18.

Plan Your Transportation Using the Direct Train From London Waterloo

Getting to Hampton Court Palace couldn’t be easier thanks to the direct train service from London Waterloo that whisks you there in just 30-37 minutes. You’ll find trains departing every 30 minutes throughout the day, starting as early as 4:50 AM and running until late evening.

Your tickets start at just £9.40, but book in advance for the best deals. Don’t forget your Oyster card works at Hampton Court station since it’s in zone 6! South Western Railway operates all direct services, so you won’t need any complicated transfers.

Once you arrive, the palace is only a 5-minute walk from the station. The journey offers beautiful scenic views of the River Thames and surrounding suburban landscapes along the way.

For your return journey, trains depart at 24 and 54 minutes past each hour Monday through Saturday.

Bring Extra Layers and Waterproof Gloves for Comfort on the Ice

Now that you’ve sorted your journey, let’s talk about staying warm and cozy during your ice skating adventure! The outdoor rink at Hampton Court Palace gets pretty chilly, so you’ll want to dress smart.

Layer up with thermal underwear, a fleece or wool jumper, and a wind-resistant jacket on top. This works much better than one thick coat!

Don’t forget waterproof gloves – your hands will thank you when you’re gripping the barriers or if you take a tumble on the ice. Wet gloves are miserable gloves!

Pack spare socks and an extra jumper in case you get wet from falls or melting ice. The rink even sells extra gloves and socks on-site, which shows how important they’re for a comfy skating session!

Weather conditions may create a thin layer of water on the ice surface, but the rink remains safe for skating unless extreme circumstances occur.

Explore the Festive Fayre and Palace Grounds During Your Visit

After you’ve laced up your skates and glided around the rink, there’s so much more to discover at Hampton Court Palace! During the Festive Fayre weekends (05-07 December and 12-14 December), the palace transforms into a magical food lover’s wonderland.

You’ll need separate admission tickets for the palace, but it’s worth exploring where Henry VIII once walked!

The rink itself sits surrounded by twinkling fairy lights, beautiful greenery, and stunning historical architecture. Watch live ice sculptors create amazing artwork on weekends, or catch Skating Santa who might give you a golden ticket prize!

There’s live music, DJ nights, and themed cocktails for older visitors. The ice rink is conveniently located within the historic Royal Palace estate, making it easy to combine your skating experience with a visit to one of Britain’s most famous royal residences. The seasonally themed art exhibition adds extra festive magic to your winter adventure.

Request Skate Aids for Children Under 120cm at the Rink

If your little one is under 120cm tall and new to ice skating, you can request special skate aids right at the rink to help them feel more confident on the ice! These helpful tools cost £6 per session and work on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive 30-40 minutes early to snag one.

Head to the skate exchange or skate aid desk when you arrive, and staff will measure your child to confirm they’re under the height limit.

Remember, you can’t book these online or guarantee availability, especially during busy times.

For the calmest experience, try the 10:00 daily Quiet & Calm sessions. The historic palace backdrop creates a magical atmosphere as your family enjoys skating together in this upgraded venue.

Don’t forget to bring your card for payment since the venue is completely cashless!

Warm up With Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine at the Café and Bar

What could be better than warming up with a steaming hot chocolate or perfectly spiced mulled wine after gliding around the ice? The Rink Café & Bar offers the perfect spot to thaw out between skating sessions. You’ll find hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and sweets on sticks, plus mulled wine and hot toddies for grown-ups.

The newly redesigned café takes inspiration from Hampton Court’s historic Orangery, featuring rustic woods and festive greenery that create a cozy atmosphere.

You can pair your warming drinks with fresh pastries, sausage rolls, and croissants from local Deelight Bakery. The venue also offers themed cocktails that perfectly match the holiday spirit for those looking for something extra special.

Arrive 30-40 minutes early to grab hot drinks while you wait. The magical setting combines palace illumination with fairy lights, letting you sip under the stars by the rink.

The Sum Up

You’re all set for an amazing ice skating adventure at Hampton Court Palace! Remember to book early, dress warmly, and arrive with plenty of time to spare. Don’t forget to explore the festive activities and treat yourself to some hot chocolate afterward. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, you’ll create wonderful memories gliding across the ice in this magical, historic setting. Have fun and skate safely!