What is the best time to go to Winter Wonderland?

The best time to visit Winter Wonderland depends on your goal: weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and queues, while late afternoon/early evening offers the magical atmosphere of lights and festivities, though with peak crowds. For families, mornings are best, but for atmosphere, go as it gets dark. Avoid weekends and weekday evenings if you dislike queues and overwhelming crowds, especially in December.

Is Winter Wonderland better at night or day?

Ice rink at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

It's at its best at night, when a canopy of lights hangs overhead. Book ahead, especially at busy times, or check out your other winter ice skating options in London.

What's the best time to go Winter Wonderland?

Peak sessions are our most popular time slots to attend Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, falling mostly later in the day and over weekends. This is when the park is at its most lively, so if you're hankering for lashings of atmosphere and good times, these are the time slots for you.

How many hours do you need at Winter Wonderland?

Time well spent. How long should you allow for Winter Wonderland? Most visitors stay 4-5 hours, exploring rides, markets and food stalls. Add in ice skating, Zippos Christmas Circus and a couple races down the Real Ice Slide, and you've got yourself a full festive day or evening.

How much money do you need for Winter Wonderland?

For Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, entry can be free (off-peak) or £5-£8.25+ (standard/peak), but you'll need extra money for attractions like rides, the Ice Kingdom (£9-£18), Bar Ice (£17-£18), food, drinks, and games, with many visitors budgeting £50-£100+ per person for a day out, depending on activities. Costs add up quickly with food, drinks, and rides, so pre-booking and choosing off-peak entry can save money. 

Is this the best time to go Winter Wonderland ❄️ | Hyde Park London

How to get free entry in Winter Wonderland?

You can get free Winter Wonderland tickets by visiting during off-peak times, spending over £25 on pre-booked rides/food, using special offers like O2 Priority or Blue Light Tickets, or finding giveaways on free stuff sites. Entry is always free for off-peak slots or if you spend £25+ on attractions/packages, while special discounts and giveaways offer other ways to get free entry for the Blue Light community or O2 customers. 

How to make Winter Wonderland cheaper?

With free entry during off-peak times and cheaper tickets for many of the main attractions inside, the easiest way to save money on your trip to Winter Wonderland is by planning your visit during one of the off-peak times, either earlier in the day if you're visiting in December, or by visiting in the New Year.

Can you bring a backpack to Winter Wonderland?

12.3 Only handbags or small rucksacks will be permitted into the event, as we may not be able to accommodate large bags. We class small bags as no larger A4 size or standard handbags. We ask all guests to be vigilant and not to leave bags and belongings unattended at any time.

Are Winter Wonderland rides free?

Yes, you absolutely have to pay for rides at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London, with costs varying by ride and time, usually involving buying tokens or ride passes, though you can get free entry if you pre-spend £25 on attractions, rides, or food. Rides are paid for separately from entry, with options for single token purchases (around £1 each, often requiring multiple tokens per ride), pre-booked tickets, or all-day passes for specific areas like Santa Land, plus potential fast-track add-ons. 

What happens if I miss my time slot for Winter Wonderland?

If you arrive outside of your booked entrance slot, you are not guaranteed entry. Whilst we will do our best to accommodate latecomers who arrive after their timed entrance slot, please note this may not always be possible.

What's the best entrance for Winter Wonderland?

Red Gate. For families wanting to head straight to Santa Land or thrill seekers desperate for an adrenaline rush in Thrillville, use the Red Gate.

What time do the gates open at Hyde Park?

Hyde Park's main gates are open to pedestrians and vehicles daily from 5:00 AM to midnight (12:00 AM), all year round, though specific attractions like the Serpentine boat rentals or sports facilities have their own hours, and temporary closures can occur for events. Always check the Royal Parks website for updates on events or closures, especially for Winter Wonderland or other large events that impact access.
 

What is the cheapest month to visit London?

January and February are generally quieter times of year to visit and, apart from the February half-term week, you can often find cheaper deals on accommodation, attractions and restaurants.

Is Winter Wonderland worth the money?

Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) is a polarizing attraction: it offers a great festive atmosphere, lights, and entertainment but is frequently criticized as overpriced, overcrowded, and too commercialized, with long queues and expensive food/rides, making its "worth" highly dependent on expectations, budget, and timing, with weekday mornings being the best bet for a better experience. 

What should I wear to Winter Wonderland?

Layering is key

Wrap up warm with your jacket, hat and scarf when you're outdoors, and take them off to reveal your cosy knitwear and layered tee underneath when you're inside and need to cool off.

How long is walking in a Winter Wonderland?

This tour is roughly a mile and should take about 60 minutes to complete.

How much is one ticket to Winter Wonderland?

Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) entry tickets range from free (off-peak) to £7.50 (peak), with standard entry at £5, but attractions, rides, and ice skating cost extra, though you can get free entry by spending £25 on attractions/food/drinks, or buy packages bundling entry with experiences. Prices vary by date (weekends/holidays are peak), and booking ahead is essential.
 

Do I need cash for Winter Wonderland?

While you can use cash at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, all our bars and stalls accept contactless payments. You will also be able to use contactless payments at our rides, token booths and games.

Can I just walk into Winter Wonderland?

Yes, you can walk into Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, but everyone, including babies, needs a pre-booked entry ticket for a specific time slot, even if you just plan to walk around; you can't just show up and walk in without one anymore, though booking in advance is highly recommended for price and to guarantee entry, with Off-Peak entry often being free (plus a booking fee) and busier times costing more.
 

Can I bring a water bottle to Wonderland?

The daily pass is every 90 mins. Yes you can bring food in, just no cans or glass. Bring water bottles as you can fill them in lots of places around the park.

Is it cold in Winter in Wonderland?

Bar Ice is very cold with temperatures of -10. Wrap up warm, these temperatures may not be suitable for everyone! Please be aware that no refunds will be given for late arrivals and your ticket is only valid for the session time that you booked.

Where is the most Christmassy place in London?

For the ultimate Christmassy feel in London, head to Covent Garden for its giant tree and lights, Regent Street for its iconic angel lights, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for a massive festive market and carnival; while Chelsea's Sloane Square offers charming local lights and markets, creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
 

Do they accept cash at Wonderland?

We're Cashless

For your convenience, Cash-to-Card kiosks are located throughout the park to convert your cash to a prepaid debit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted for no additional fee.