Look, if you want a perfect, Instagram-fluent, no-drama skating experience, go to a shopping centre rink. But if you want a proper, hilarious British tradition where you can pretend to be royalty (and fall like a peasant), do it. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a few classic disclaimers: “Don’t wear your best jeans” and “Alcohol before skating is a terrible idea—save it for the mince pie afterwards.”
One final piece of advice from the masses: book a slot after dark. The fairy lights and the lit palace will make you forget your frozen ankles. As one reviewer put it, “The palace looks like a Renaissance painting. I look like a penguin who went to a divorce party. 10/10, would embarrass myself again.” So lace up, laugh at yourself, and enjoy the chaos. Just watch out for that dude pretending he’s in a rom-com.
