Natural History Museum Ice Rink
London's iconic Natural History Museum Ice Rink offers a magical festive skate against a stunning architectural backdrop. A beloved seasonal tradition...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Magical festive lights
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Best Time
Magical festive lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
London's iconic Natural History Museum Ice Rink offers a magical festive skate against a stunning architectural backdrop. A beloved seasonal tradition.
"A beautiful experience to do around Christmas time, good sized ice Rink."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Pre-booking online is cheaper and saves you hassle on the day. :ticket:
⏰ Arrive 30-40 Mins Early
Beat the queues and maximize your ice time. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Skating Under the Museum's Grandeur
Natural History Museum Courtyard
Glide across the ice with the magnificent museum facade as your backdrop. A truly magical and festive experience.
Festive Atmosphere
Ice Rink Area
Enjoy the twinkling lights, Christmas tree, and carousel that create an unforgettable holiday ambiance.
Dinosaur Exhibit
Museum Interior
While not part of the rink, the museum's famous dinosaur exhibits, including the T-Rex, are a must-see for families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Last Chance for a Magical Skate
+1Arrive Early for Smooth Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Pre-booking online is cheaper and saves you hassle on the day. :ticket:
⏰ Arrive 30-40 Mins Early
Beat the queues and maximize your ice time.
⛸️ First-Time Skaters
Don't worry! Many first-timers enjoy it. Hold onto the sides if needed. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Booth Fun
Capture memories at the on-site photo booth. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Pre-booking online is cheaper and saves you hassle on the day. :ticket:
⏰ Arrive 30-40 Mins Early
Beat the queues and maximize your ice time.
⛸️ First-Time Skaters
Don't worry! Many first-timers enjoy it. Hold onto the sides if needed. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Booth Fun
Capture memories at the on-site photo booth. :camera:
🧥 Dress Warmly
It's an outdoor rink, so layers are essential. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Natural History Museum Ice Rink for its iconic location and magical festive atmosphere, calling it a beautiful Christmas experience. However, some reviews note issues with ice quality and a lack of staff supervision, suggesting that arriving early is crucial to avoid long queues and maximize enjoyment.
"Very nice and iconic ice rink however it leaves something to be desired.
The ice was far from good with big chunks all over which is a severe safety issue. There is also no staff monitoring skaters and that leaves many impeding other's safety.
The photo booth and photographer is very good tho. Recommend coming 30 mins early minimum in order to not be rushed.
If you liked my review feel free to give it a 👍 and follow me on Google Maps for more reviews!"
Chad Greenblatt
"Didn't take long to get in, especially when you pre book. Plenty to see for the kids. The dinosaur exhibit was certainly the highlight of the day, especially with the T-Rex and his Xmas day jumper. We'll sign posted. Only gave 4 stars as I thought there would of been more interaction between the kids and parts of the exhibition. We managed to see majority of what we wanted within the time frame given. 😀"
Warren Newton
"Very beautiful experience to do around Christmas time, good sized ice Rink - I'd recommend booking online as tickets are slightly cheaper plus you skip the hassle of having to worry about it on the day. You get 50 minutes on the ice and it's the last year they will be doing it - doing it after sunset with all the lights on will have you feeling really Christmasy"
Lucy Dominey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Natural History Museum is easily accessible by London Underground. The nearest stations are South Kensington (Circle, District, and Piccadilly lines) and Gloucester Road (Circle and District lines). Numerous bus routes also serve the area.
On-site parking is very limited. It's best to use public transport. The nearest car parks are typically paid and can be expensive.
Yes, the ice rink is a separate ticketed event and can be accessed independently of the museum's main exhibits.
Opening hours vary, but generally, the rink is open from late morning to evening. It's crucial to check the official Natural History Museum website for the most up-to-date times for your visit.
While the rink itself is for skating, the surrounding areas and viewing platforms are generally accessible. Check with the venue for specific accessibility details for skaters with disabilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but booking online in advance is generally cheaper than purchasing on the day. Expect to pay around £15-£20 for adults, with concessions available.
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays. This guarantees your entry and often secures a better price.
Each skating session typically lasts for 50 minutes, allowing ample time to enjoy the experience.
This is the final year for the ice rink, as it is closing permanently after 16 years to make way for a green space as part of the museum's Urban Nature Project.
Refund policies can vary. It's best to check the terms and conditions at the time of booking on the official website.
🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience
Reviews suggest the ice condition can be variable, with some mentioning chunks and imperfections. It's advisable to be cautious.
Some reviews indicate a lack of staff monitoring skaters, which can be a safety concern.
Skate aids, often in the form of penguins or seals, are usually available for hire to help younger or less confident skaters.
The museum itself offers incredible exhibits, including dinosaurs, mammals, and human biology. The T-Rex exhibit is a major highlight.
Yes, photography is encouraged! There's also a dedicated photo booth to capture your skating memories.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour just before sunset offers beautiful lighting, while evenings with the rink illuminated by festive lights are also stunning.
Absolutely! The museum's architecture provides a dramatic backdrop. Capture shots of skaters, the carousel, and the overall festive atmosphere.
Yes, your phone is perfect for capturing the magic. Many TikTok and Instagram creators use their phones to document their visits.
Generally, personal photography is fine. For professional shoots, it's best to contact the museum's press or events team in advance.
Try capturing action shots of skaters, wide shots of the rink with the museum, and close-ups of the festive decorations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Book early: Secure your skating slots and consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds.
* Utilize skate aids: Penguin or seal-shaped aids are available for younger children to help them stay upright.
* Combine with museum visit: Allocate time to explore the museum's child-friendly exhibits, like the T-Rex and the human biology section.
* Warm clothing: Dress children in layers to ensure they stay comfortable in the cold outdoor air.
✨ Couples & Romantic Visits
+1Romantic tips:
* Evening skate: Opt for an evening session to witness the rink illuminated by festive lights and the museum's grandeur.
* Capture the moment: Take advantage of the photo booth or simply snap some memorable selfies together.
* Post-skate warmth: After your skate, consider a warm drink at a nearby cafe or explore the museum's more serene galleries.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Photography advice:
* Golden Hour: Aim for the hour before sunset for soft, warm light that bathes the museum and rink.
* Night Shots: Capture the magic of the illuminated rink and the museum after dark. Long exposures can create beautiful light trails from skaters.
* Angles: Experiment with different angles – low shots to emphasize the museum's height, or eye-level shots to capture the skaters' expressions.
* Details: Don't forget to photograph the festive decorations, the carousel, and the people enjoying the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The End of an Era: The Natural History Museum Ice Rink
+2The decision to close the rink marks the end of an era, with the museum planning to transform the area into a green space as part of its Urban Nature Project. This initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and create a more sustainable environment. While the rink will be missed by many, the museum's commitment to nature and education continues.
+1This final season offers a poignant opportunity for Londoners and visitors alike to experience the rink one last time. It's a chance to soak in the festive atmosphere, enjoy a skate, and bid farewell to a cherished London tradition.
+1Navigating the Ice: Tips for First-Time Skaters
Practical advice for first-timers:
* Hold On: Don't hesitate to use the rink's barriers for support. They are there to help you find your balance.
* Skate Aids: If available, consider renting a skate aid (often shaped like animals) to help you glide more steadily.
* Footwear: Wear comfortable, warm socks. Ensure your skates fit snugly but aren't too tight.
* Falling Safely: If you feel yourself losing balance, try to fall onto your side or bottom rather than backward to minimize the risk of injury.
Remember, the goal is to have fun! Even if you wobble a bit, the festive atmosphere and the beautiful surroundings will make it a memorable experience.
Beyond the Ice: Exploring the Natural History Museum
The museum is renowned for its impressive architecture and iconic exhibits. The Hintze Hall, with its soaring ceiling and the magnificent blue whale skeleton (Hope), is a breathtaking sight. The Dinosaur Gallery is a perennial favorite, featuring realistic models and interactive displays, including the much-loved T-Rex.
Other popular sections include the Mammals Gallery, the Human Biology Gallery, and the Earth Galleries, which explore volcanoes, earthquakes, and the planet's formation. The museum offers a wealth of educational and engaging content for all ages, making it a perfect complement to a visit to the ice rink.
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