Natural History Museum Ice Rink
1 / 10

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

4.2
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

London's iconic Natural History Museum Ice Rink offers a magical festive skate against a stunning architectural backdrop. A beloved seasonal tradition...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings after sunset

Magical festive lights

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Best Time

Evenings after sunset

Magical festive lights

CrowdHigh
Highlights

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.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"A beautiful experience to do around Christmas time, good sized ice Rink."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Pre-booking online is cheaper and saves you hassle on the day. 🎟️

⏰ Arrive 30-40 Mins Early

Beat the queues and maximize your ice time. :stopwatch:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.2 · 2,066 reviews

Type

Ice Skating Rink

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Skating Under the Museum's Grandeur

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

Festive Atmosphere

Ice Rink Area

Enjoy the twinkling lights, Christmas tree, and carousel that create an unforgettable holiday ambiance.

Dinosaur Exhibit

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.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Last Chance for a Magical Skate

This iconic ice rink at the Natural History Museum is closing permanently after 16 years. Don't miss your final opportunity to skate under the museum's stunning architecture. Book tickets well in advance, as it's a popular spot, especially during the festive season. Instagram+1

Arrive Early for Smooth Entry

Queues can be long, even with pre-booked tickets. Arriving at least 30-40 minutes before your slot is highly recommended to avoid feeling rushed and to maximize your ice time. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Evenings after sunset
Why
Magical festive lights
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier entry
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A dream come true…the Natural History Museum of London truly feels like walking through the halls of Hogwarts. #london #england #harrypotter #museum #naturalhistorymuseum #hogwarts #art #travel #fyp #foryou #londonlife #londontiktok #potterhead
@shadesofbrenn
2.1M likes • 10.4M views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Pre-booking online is cheaper and saves you hassle on the day. Reddit 🎟️

⏰ Arrive 30-40 Mins Early

Beat the queues and maximize your ice time. Instagram :stopwatch:

I mean it made it harder 🙄 #IceSkating #naturalhistorymuseumlondon
@im.ayeshab
450.1K likes • 2.4M views
Have you taken a last spin on the Natural History Museum’s ice rink before it closes for good? ⛸❄️ (🎥 by @dr_difilippo)
secret.london
14.6K likes • 361.1K views

⛸️ First-Time Skaters

Don't worry! Many first-timers enjoy it. Hold onto the sides if needed. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photo Booth Fun

Capture memories at the on-site photo booth. Reddit 📷

The Ice Rink at Natural History Museum is now open ⛸ 🎄| Video by: @meolafrancesco #londonvisitof
londonvisitof
8.4K likes • 380.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Pre-booking online is cheaper and saves you hassle on the day. Reddit 🎟️

⏰ Arrive 30-40 Mins Early

Beat the queues and maximize your ice time. Instagram :stopwatch:

⛸️ First-Time Skaters

Don't worry! Many first-timers enjoy it. Hold onto the sides if needed. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photo Booth Fun

Capture memories at the on-site photo booth. Reddit 📷

🧥 Dress Warmly

It's an outdoor rink, so layers are essential. Reddit ☁️

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

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

Iconic museum setting
Magical festive atmosphere
Beautiful Christmas experience

What People Dislike

Variable ice quality
Lack of staff supervision
Long queues

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. TikTok

On-site parking is very limited. It's best to use public transport. The nearest car parks are typically paid and can be expensive. TikTok

Yes, the ice rink is a separate ticketed event and can be accessed independently of the museum's main exhibits. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays. This guarantees your entry and often secures a better price. Reddit

Each skating session typically lasts for 50 minutes, allowing ample time to enjoy the experience. Reddit

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. Instagram+3

Refund policies can vary. It's best to check the terms and conditions at the time of booking on the official website. Reddit

🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience

Reviews suggest the ice condition can be variable, with some mentioning chunks and imperfections. It's advisable to be cautious. Reddit

Some reviews indicate a lack of staff monitoring skaters, which can be a safety concern. Reddit

Skate aids, often in the form of penguins or seals, are usually available for hire to help younger or less confident skaters. Reddit

The museum itself offers incredible exhibits, including dinosaurs, mammals, and human biology. The T-Rex exhibit is a major highlight. TikTokReddit

Yes, photography is encouraged! There's also a dedicated photo booth to capture your skating memories. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Golden hour just before sunset offers beautiful lighting, while evenings with the rink illuminated by festive lights are also stunning. Instagram

Absolutely! The museum's architecture provides a dramatic backdrop. Capture shots of skaters, the carousel, and the overall festive atmosphere. Instagram+1

Yes, your phone is perfect for capturing the magic. Many TikTok and Instagram creators use their phones to document their visits. TikTokInstagram

Generally, personal photography is fine. For professional shoots, it's best to contact the museum's press or events team in advance. Instagram

Try capturing action shots of skaters, wide shots of the rink with the museum, and close-ups of the festive decorations. Instagram+1

Natural History Museum Ice Rink (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide