
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
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
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. 🎟️
⏰ Arrive 30-40 Mins Early
Beat the queues and maximize your ice time. :stopwatch:

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
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
Arrive 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. 🎟️
⏰ Arrive 30-40 Mins Early
Beat the queues and maximize your ice time. :stopwatch:
⛸️ 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. 📷
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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:
⛸️ 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. 📷
🧥 Dress Warmly
It's an outdoor rink, so layers are essential. ☁️
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit