Ice skating is just one of those quintessential Christmas activities that must be done during the festive period so we’re glad to know that yet another ice rink in London is popping up, and in a palace no less.
An ice rink and fairground will be opening on the grounds of Kensington Palace for this upcoming Christmas 2023 season just in time for a festive royal skate after Kensington and Chelsea Council’s planning committee approved plans for the UK’s largest-ever single ice rink. And as of today, the tickets have been released, with the super early bird set out in the wild.
The 2,800 sqm ice rink will take over Perks Field, a long strip of field used by the royals as a helipad, and is said to be large enough to have the capacity for 750 skaters – and a giant Christmas tree piece at the heart of the rink. The northern end of the field which is currently being used by the Royal Household as a football pitch will be turned into a funfair and food hall for some much-deserved post-skating mulled wine and festive grub.
Ice @ Kensington Park will open on November 30 until January 7, 2024 with super early bird tickets on sale today, which lasts until September 19 and nabs you a sweet 15% off. Booking in advance to nab your spot is recommended, as up to 10,350 visitors a day are expected to flock to the Christmas Fair. Each skating session will last for 45 minutes with the rink being open during three sessions a day; 9.30am to 1.30pm; 1.30pm to 5.30pm and 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
Kensington Palace is the official London residence of Prince William and Kate among other members of the Royal Family, and is right next to London’s most expensive street, Kensington Palace Gardens, which is home to numerous foreign ambassadors. Concerns had been raised by the neighbouring Ambassador of Finland over security, with James Husband, chairman of the planning committee, commenting that conditions will be put in place “to ensure the safety and security of members of the Royal family and diplomats living nearby”.
This won’t be the first time that the palace has rented out the space as they first did so a decade ago in order to supplement the Royal Household income. Previous events on Perks Field include a design festival and Burberry fashion shows.
Cllr Josh Rendall, Kensington and Chelsea’s lead member for local economy and employment, said: “It’s brilliant to have another amazing space in our borough with this new winter ice rink for everyone to enjoy. My hope is that this will be a real boon for local business in the lead-up to Christmas and the festive season.”
Adult tickets at ICE start at £19, tickets for children under 14 can be purchased for £16. Head to Ice @ Kensington Palace’s official site to book your spot.