Ice Skating FAQ's
Book your Ice Rink session online through the Warwick Castle Website.
Should we have any availability on the day you can book these via the Warwick Castle app, however this is not guaranteed.
If you wish to enter the castle, you will need to have pre-booked a castle entry ticket separate to the Ice Rink ticket, please note that the castle will close by 5pm (or 4pm on November 29th & 30th & December 1st - 3rd, 6th - 10th, 13th - 17th).
Your booking allows you access to the East Front of Warwick Castle where our Ice Rink is set beneath the spectacular Guy’s Tower. Your ticket does not allow access to the main castle attraction or any other area of the grounds. You can easily upgrade your ticket to include entrance to the castle when booking online and choosing ‘Castle and Skate’ tickets or on the day of your visit.
Please note that the castle will close by 5pm (or 4pm on November 29th & 30th & December 1st - 3rd, 6th - 10th, 13th - 17th).
No, discounts via out various partners do not include the Ice Skating activity.
Yes, Annual Pass holders will be able to buy an Ice Skating ticket with a 20% discount by booking on the Warwick Castle website and selecting "Passholder Skate Session". You will be asked to enter your Annual Pass ID number at the time of booking and will need to show your Annual Pass to gain entry to the castle on the day of your visit.
Please note tickets are subject to availability and are available on a first come first served basis.
You will receive a confirmation email with your unique barcode per ticket booked, which will be scanned by a member of staff on arrival at the Ice Rink.
You can bring this email as confirmation on your phone, tablet, printed or add to the Warwick Castle app for easier access.
Please check your spam mailbox as our email may have gone there. Not there? Please email our customer service team on customer.information@warwick-castle.com and we will assist you.
Yes, you can book a skating only ticket on the Warwick Castle website.
Please note that the castle will close by 5pm (or 4pm on November 29th & 30th & December 1st - 3rd, 6th - 10th, 13th - 17th).
Sessions last for 45 minutes on the ice.
The time you have booked is the time you start on the ice. We will need you to arrive 30 minutes before your skating slot for you to collect your skates.
Please arrive at the Ice Rink 30 minutes before your session time to put on skates and get ready to take to the ice.
Yes, there is a cloakroom provided at the Ice Rink.
Bags of any description are NOT permitted on the ice, so we advise to only bring essentials with you. All bags must be placed in the cloakrooms provided.
Cloakrooms must be paid for by card only (£2 charge applies). Please do not bring large baggage or valuable items to the ice rink as storage space is limited.
Cloakrooms are used entirely at your own risk.
You will need to pre-book your tickets online. Pre-booking tickets for the Ice Rink is essential and this guarantees your selected session time.
Yes, these should be booked in advance when booking your ticket to skate.
An additional charge of £5 applies.
Skate hire is included.
Skate hire is included in the ticket price. You are able to provide your own skates if preferred.
Warwick Castle is not responsible for your skates, shoes or property when skating at our rink. There is no reduction in price if you bring your own skates.
Our skate sizes go from size J8 to size 14. We also have a limited number of bob skates for children.
Bags of any description are NOT permitted on the ice, so we advise to only bring essentials with you. All bags must be placed in the cloakrooms provided.
Cloakrooms must be paid for by card only (£2 charge applies). Please do not bring large baggage or valuable items to the ice rink as storage space is limited.
Cloakrooms are used entirely at your own risk.
Yes, we have a spectator viewing platform at our ice rink. This is not a covered area so please also wrap up warm.
It is FREE! Spectators do not have to pay to access the decked viewing areas.
Please see our directions & parking page here for more information.
Day and Evening parking charges apply for Ice Rink only ticket holders.
For ease we recommend you purchase your evening parking ticket via the app before you leave us.
Our ice rink & spectator viewing area is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
If you are skating with someone who has accessibility requirements, please call before your session to discuss any requirements on 01926 406663 or email customer.information@warwick-castle.com
Yes, you will be able to add on a carer ticket when purchasing your Ice Skating tickets.
For a carer ticket, you must provide proof of disability on the night (this can be a DLA or PIP letter, Blue Badge, or letter of diagnosis from your GP.) If you have any accessibility questions relating to the Light Trail or require any further help, please feel free to email us at: customer.information@warwick-castle.com
Yes, there are toilets available adjacent to the Ice Rink we have further toilets available at the castle entrance area, which will include an accessible toilet.
We recommend wrapping up in warm outdoor clothing and please wear gloves. On all outdoor ice rinks, there is a risk of getting wet as there is surface water or if you fall over and have any contact with the surface of the ice rink.
On all outdoor ice rinks there is a risk of getting wet if you fall over and have any contact with the surface of the ice rink. As the rinks are open-air, rain or snow is also a possibility so please wrap up warm in appropriate outdoor clothing. It is still safe to skate on the ice during rain and snow and this does not affect the ability to skate on the rink.
Usually the outdoor ice rink is open in all weathers. Our advanced cooling equipment keeps the rinks frozen and operational in most weathers.
In the unlikely event that extreme weather conditions force us to close the rink we will arrange for you to book into an alternative session, subject to availability. Our team will make this decision in the interests of your safety.
To skate on our rinks you have to be at least 3 years old. Under 3's are not permitted on the Ice Rink.
Skaters aged between 3 and 9 inclusive must be accompanied by an adult (18+) on the ice.
Children between 10-12 years of age must be accompanied at the ice rink with adults who are watching at all times.
A ratio of 1 adult to 5 children will be accepted. You can skate on our rink up to any age, although you are responsible for skating safely and it is not recommended for anyone with serious illness, heart conditions or pregnant mothers to be.
Our Ice Skate Marshalls are on the ice rink to monitor safe skating and will assist if needed. We also have a first aider available at all times.
Yes, we will have a range of stalls adjacent to the Ice Rink selling festive food and drinks.
We would be happy to look at a bespoke package for you. Contact us at
Events@warwick-castle.com
Light Trail FAQ's
Book Light Trail tickets online through the Warwick Castle website. You will need to select a 'Light Trail' ticket at the bottom of the Christmas page. You will be asked to select a visit date and timeslot at the time booking. These tickets will not be available for on the day purchase.
(We'll be unable to change your timeslot on the day, should you arrive late due to the popularity of this event.)
If you wish to enter the castle, you will need to have pre-booked a castle entry ticket separate to the Light Trail ticket, please note that the castle will close by 5pm (or 4pm on November 29th & 30th & December 1st - 3rd, 6th - 10th, 13th - 17th).
Yes, you will be able to add on both types of tickets when purchasing your Light Trail tickets.
For a carer ticket, you must provide proof of disability on the night (this can be a DLA or PIP letter, Blue Badge, or letter of diagnosis from your GP.) If you have any accessibility questions relating to the Light Trail or require any further help, please feel free to email us at: customer.information@warwick-castle.com
Yes. Book your Light Trail ticket through the Warwick Castle website.
If you wish to enter the castle, you will need to have pre-booked a castle entry ticket separate to the Light Trail ticket, please note that the castle will close by 5pm (or 4pm on November 29th & 30th & December 1st - 3rd, 6th - 10th, 13th - 17th).
As an Annual Passholder, you will receive an exclusive 20% off your Light Trail experience!
Pre-book your tickets here. You will need to present your Annual Pass upon arrival to gain entry.
However, the Merlin Discovery Pass does not receive this discount.
You will receive a confirmation email with a unique barcode per ticket booked, which will be scanned by a member of staff on arrival at the Light Trail entrance.
You can bring this email as confirmation on your phone, tablet, printed or add to the Warwick Castle app for easier access.
Please check your spam mailbox as our email may have gone there. Not there? Please email our customer service team on customer.information@warwick-castle.com and we will assist you.
Yes, you can book a Light Trail only ticket on the Warwick Castle website.
If you wish to enter the castle, you will need to have pre-booked a castle entry ticket separate to the Light Trail ticket, please note that the castle will close by 5pm (or 4pm on November 29th & 30th & December 1st - 3rd, 6th - 10th, 13th - 17th).
Subject to visitor requirements you can explore the Christmas Light Trail as many times as you like!
Yes of course! Look out for the photo opportunities around the trail to show you the best views. Take as many pictures as you would like and share them on social media using the #ChristmasattheCastle. We shall share the best ones onto our social media channels!
Unfortunately, guests cannot set up a picnic within the grounds of the Light Trail. Guests will be able to purchase food and drink during the Light Trail.
Please note we accept card payments only.
The light trail is situated outdoors so please wear suitable warm winter clothes and practical shoes as the surfaces may be muddy or uneven.
The trail takes approximately 45 minutes however you’re more than welcome to take your time and go around as many times as you wish.
The Light Trail is suitable for buggies, feel free to take them with you on your experience, but please note some areas are on grass. We do not have a suitable place to leave your buggy - should you choose not to bring it with you, we advise you leave it in your car.
The Light Trail is fully accessible, however some areas have steep slopes, grassy areas, tight corners and dark areas. Should you require assistance, please speak to a member of staff.
Please see our directions & parking page here for more information. Evening parking charges apply.
For ease we recommend you purchase your evening parking ticket via the app before you leave us.
There are designated bays closer to the castle entrance for Blue Badge holders in both the Stables Car Park and the Stratford Road Car Park. Evening parking charges apply.
For ease we recommend you purchase your evening parking ticket via the app before you leave us.
No, the light trail is family friendly and a magical experience for all. However, please be advised that there may be areas of low lighting.
Yes, there are areas of the trail which may affect guests with Photo Sensitive Epilepsy. Please speak to a member of staff if this affects you.
With the exception of assistance dogs, we do not allow any pets on-site.
You are welcome to bring a torch, however all of our paths are lit.
No, this is a set route with a specific path for your safety. We ask all guests to keep to the paths marked.
You can explore our Winter Food Market and Ice Rink viewing area before or after your Light Trail time slot.
If you wish to enter the castle, you will need to have pre-booked a castle entry ticket separate to the Light Trail ticket, please note that the castle will close by 5pm (or 4pm on November 29th & 30th & December 1st - 3rd, 6th - 10th, 13th - 17th).
No, we are a smoke free site.
Please arrive 5 minutes before your timeslot. If you are parking in our Stratford Road car park, please allow an extra 15/20 minutes.
No, we want to ensure that we keep everyone safe, so it is important that we know how many visitors are arriving in advance
Toilets are only available at the start of the trail.
We will make every effort to accommodate you should you miss your time slot. However, we can't guarantee entry due to popular demand. Please speak to a member of staff when you arrive.
Stories with Santa FAQ's
Book Stories with Santa online through the Warwick Castle website. You will need to select a ‘Castle and Santa’ ticket at the bottom of the Christmas page. You will be asked to select a visit date and Santa timeslot at the time of booking. These tickets will not be available for on the day purchase.
(We recommend arriving a minimum 30 mins before you Santa timeslot. We’ll be unable to change your timeslot on the day, should you arrive late due to the popularity of this event.)
Yes, please select the under 3 ticket option when booking your tickets.
No, the Stories with Santa experience is only available to pre-book online, subject to availability on a first come first served basis.
The Castle & Santa ticket includes daytime access to the castle and grounds, as well as our brand new, Elf Workshop and a visit to Santa's grotto.
Please note that the castle will close by 5pm (or 4pm on November 29th & 30th & December 1st - 3rd, 6th - 10th, 13th - 17th).
No, discounts via our partners do not include the Stories with Santa experience.
Yes, Annual Pass holders can purchase the Stories with Santa event by booking on the Warwick Castle website. You will be asked to enter your Annual Pass ID number at the time of booking and will need to show your Annual Pass to gain entry to the castle on the day of your visit.
Please note tickets are subject to availability and are available on a first come first served basis.
If you are staying in our Knight's Village, no. You can reserve your tickets at check-in where slots have been held back for you.
If you are staying in off-site accommodation you will need to purchase a Castle & Santa ticket.
We have lots of other Christmas attractions available including Winter Birds of Prey Show, climb the Towers & Ramparts, view the stunning Great Hall & State Rooms, visit the Horrible Histories® Maze and Christmas Scavenger Hunt around the grounds of the castle. Also returning, our outdoor Ice Rink & Light Trail (for an additional fee).
Yes, the castle is open from 10am. The time you select for Stories with Santa is the start time of your experience - NOT the time to arrive at the Castle.
Stories with Santa is a 40 minute experience.
Please note that the castle will close by 5pm (or 4pm on November 29th & 30th & December 1st - 3rd, 6th - 10th, 13th - 17th).
If you would like to add on the Stories with Santa event, please contact us on customer.information@warwick-castle.com. Subject to availability.
Please being this ticket along with you on the day of your visit. We recommend you arrive at the Great Hall entrance 10 minutes before your timeslot.
Brand new for this year we have added on an exciting Elf Workshop to your experience. If you have already booked a Stories with Santa experience with us, you don't need to do anything! The elf Workshop will automatically be added to your visit, free of charge - extending your experience to 40 minutes. Please account for this extension when making further plans for your day.
We’re delighted to announce a brand-new experience in our most magical Christmas to date! In partnership with Orchard Toys we present an exciting new addition to our Stories with Santa Experience.
Santa is very busy preparing for Christmas this year, so he’s inviting all budding elves in training to try their hand at toy creation! With the help of Santa’s crew of trained elves, children will be able to compile and pack their very own exclusive personalised toy to take home! To ensure each toy is to the highest standard, Santa’s elves will inspect each finished toy and award a Santa’s seal of approval once it’s ready to go to its new home.
