Ice skating in front of Hampton Court Palace during the festive season feels like stepping into a Christmas story.

Set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's home, combined with the twinkling lights on a towering Christmas tree in the centre of the rink, Ait creates an enchanting atmosphere.

The views from the rink are breathtaking. Hampton Court Palace is something really special, especially when the palace is lit up in a range of colours.

Festive music plays in the background, making it feel like a proper seasonal celebration.

The open-air rink is a lovely size, and while the ice quality isn’t the smoothest—it’s weather-dependent, after all—it’s about what you’d expect for an outdoor Christmas rink. It’s still plenty good for a fun skate.

I did have a little stumble at one point, but the stewards were so friendly and quick to help me back on my feet

Before skating, I popped in the onsite café for drink, which was the perfect way to relax while watching others enjoy the ice.

Adult tickets start from £18 and children’s tickets (ages 3-12) from £13.

Family tickets are available from £46, and wheelchair users can skate for £12.

If you’re a Historic Royal Palaces member, you even get a 15 per cent discount on weekday sessions.

Sessions run throughout the day and evening, so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the rink.

If you’re planning a visit, make time to explore the area around Hampton Court. It’s full of charm, with lovely shops and cosy pubs to discover.

I stopped by The Albion after skating, a delightful little pub with fantastic decorations that felt like a warm hug after being out in the cold.

The rink is open until January 5 2025, making it the perfect festive day out for families, couples, or groups of friends.