Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink returns to the grounds of Henry VIII’s palace from Friday 20 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027
As winter draws in and the grounds of Hampton Court Palace begin to take on a festive glow, the much loved Ice Rink is set to return for another season beneath the towers of Henry VIII’s former home. From Friday 20 November, skaters will take to the ice for an evening fuelled with festivities.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink sits within 60 acres of gardens and was once home of Henry VIII and the spectacular baroque palace of William III and Mary II, in East Molesey, Surrey.
This year, the ice rink has been expanded by eight metres in length and the entrance has been relocated to improve the arrival and flow around the site as up to 100,000 skaters are expected to immerse themselves in this wonderfully wintry escape.
At the centre of the ice and after being away last year, the stunning Christmas tree is also making a return while a canopy of 18,000 fairy lights will create a festive setting, elevating the magical experience of the outdoor rink. The lights and palace provide a picturesque backdrop as skaters glide across a double-layered ice design which makes for a smoother, longer-lasting surface.
Away from the ice, there is a busy live events programme across the season including live ice sculpting from Icebox’s own carvers, Skating Santa, live DJs, themed cocktails, and more, all while the Palace and its gardens remain open for exploring.
Visitors can also enjoy the on-site café and bar with a selection of seasonal food and drinks available throughout the day. The menu will include mulled wine, hot chocolate, boozy hot chocolate and cocktails, alongside food such as soup, hot dogs and brownies, all run in-house in partnership with the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs.
“It’s a genuine privilege to be presenting the Ice Rink at Hampton Court Palace for a second year – there is nowhere else in the country where you can skate in front of 500 years of history. We’ve grown it for this season with a longer rink, an elevated light experience including a fairy light canopy of 18,000 lights, the Christmas tree back at the heart of the ice and our own carvers on site throughout. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back from 20 November” says Richard Elme from Icebox Live Ltd.
Hampton Court station is a direct 35-minute train journey from London Waterloo, followed by a two-minute walk to the rink, which will be open daily (excluding Christmas Day) from 9am to 9pm, with the last skate at 8pm throughout the skate hire included.
Tickets are on sale now at hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Tickets start from £13.50 with group tickets available.
