London’s big winter pastime is back. Winter Wonderland opens on Friday 14 November, opening the door to hordes of London daters. But with tickets up to £7.50, rides as much as £11, and eye-watering food and drink costs, is the cost of budding romance becoming too much?
A quick Google search for “best winter dates in London” returns a number one result of Winter Wonderland, offering “ice skating, fairground rides, markets, and festive food and drinks”.
The famous colourful gates are are a favourite for tourists.
With an expected 3 million visitors, the event’s annual six-week run in Hyde Park is a hot anticipation for many Londoners. So how much will it really set back couples to experience all the festive cheer on offer?
The cost breakdown
There are a limited number of days on which you can enter with a free Off-Peak ticket, and none allow entry before 2pm. With part of the appeal being bold, colourful lighting, for a late afternoon or evening date you’ll have to pay a Standard ticket fee of £5, or £7.50 if it gets busy.
Ice Skating is one of the more expensive attractions; for £15.50, you’re granted admission to the UK’s largest open-air ice rink. Add that to a ride on the notorious five-loop rollercoaster – Oktoberfest’s Munich Looping – and costs increase by another £11.
You’ll need some more money set aside if you plan to buy a souvenir from the markets, and there are plenty of options for food, from bar & grills to street food pop-ups. And if you’re looking to drink, pints in the beer hall begin at around £7.
The intense and thrilling rides tend to be more expensive, as well as icy attractions.
Overall, a Winter Wonderland date including entry, Ice Skating, a rollercoaster ride, and some food and a drink will cost around £50 each. Given the plethora of attractions on offer, it could feel underwhelming to only participate in two activities. But if you’re limited by budget, there might not be much choice.
‘My afternoon has been ruined.’
Public opinion on the yearly spectacle is divisive, rated at just 1.4 on Trustpilot, and 2.6 out of 5 on Tripadvisor.
Among the reviews lamenting a disappointing couples’ experience is Jimmy H, who echoes a common gripe with prices.
“My disappointment is immeasurable, and my afternoon has been ruined… not only is general admission charged, but each ride costs at least 10 pounds per person.”
However, some daters says that the price is worth it. Chrissie Williams argues “it isn’t cheap,” but “it’s full of colour, lights, fun, food and Christmas music. What’s not to like?”
Take advantage of packages to maximise savings
One way to tackle the high cost is to compromise your choice of experiences in order to qualify for Winter Wonderland’s packages, like The Arctic Adventure, which includes Ice Skating, entry to the Magical Ice Kingdom and free entry to the site itself.
This package totals at £49.30 excluding a booking fee – but does not include any credit towards food or drink.
The only package to include credit for food and drink is The Taste of Bavaria, which costs £60 without the 10% booking fee, and offers £33 towards both the Bavarian Village’s refreshments and Rides and Games credit.
With so many games, rides, attractions and markets to explore, Winter Wonderland appears to be a great place for London’s lovers to visit for an evening of fun – only if you can afford it.
The city has a lot to offer at Christmas time, and if it’s lights you’re after, they’re free all over town. Many of London’s Christmas lights have already been switched on, so can be a great – and free – alternative.
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HeadlineWinter Wonderland: dating in London just got even more pricey
Short HeadlineWinter Wonderland returns - but is it unaffordable?
StandfirstTradition and festivity make the Hyde Park spectacle a winter dating favourite – but it’s as expensive and garish as ever.
London’s big winter pastime is back. Winter Wonderland opens on Friday 14 November, opening the door to hordes of London daters. But with tickets up to £7.50, rides as much as £11, and eye-watering food and drink costs, is the cost of budding romance becoming too much?
A quick Google search for “best winter dates in London” returns a number one result of Winter Wonderland, offering “ice skating, fairground rides, markets, and festive food and drinks”.
The famous colourful gates are are a favourite for tourists.
With an expected 3 million visitors, the event’s annual six-week run in Hyde Park is a hot anticipation for many Londoners. So how much will it really set back couples to experience all the festive cheer on offer?
The cost breakdown
There are a limited number of days on which you can enter with a free Off-Peak ticket, and none allow entry before 2pm. With part of the appeal being bold, colourful lighting, for a late afternoon or evening date you’ll have to pay a Standard ticket fee of £5, or £7.50 if it gets busy.
Ice Skating is one of the more expensive attractions; for £15.50, you’re granted admission to the UK’s largest open-air ice rink. Add that to a ride on the notorious five-loop rollercoaster – Oktoberfest’s Munich Looping – and costs increase by another £11.
You’ll need some more money set aside if you plan to buy a souvenir from the markets, and there are plenty of options for food, from bar & grills to street food pop-ups. And if you’re looking to drink, pints in the beer hall begin at around £7.
The intense and thrilling rides tend to be more expensive, as well as icy attractions.
Overall, a Winter Wonderland date including entry, Ice Skating, a rollercoaster ride, and some food and a drink will cost around £50 each. Given the plethora of attractions on offer, it could feel underwhelming to only participate in two activities. But if you’re limited by budget, there might not be much choice.
‘My afternoon has been ruined.’
Public opinion on the yearly spectacle is divisive, rated at just 1.4 on Trustpilot, and 2.6 out of 5 on Tripadvisor.
Among the reviews lamenting a disappointing couples’ experience is Jimmy H, who echoes a common gripe with prices.
“My disappointment is immeasurable, and my afternoon has been ruined… not only is general admission charged, but each ride costs at least 10 pounds per person.”
However, some daters says that the price is worth it. Chrissie Williams argues “it isn’t cheap,” but “it’s full of colour, lights, fun, food and Christmas music. What’s not to like?”
Take advantage of packages to maximise savings
One way to tackle the high cost is to compromise your choice of experiences in order to qualify for Winter Wonderland’s packages, like The Arctic Adventure, which includes Ice Skating, entry to the Magical Ice Kingdom and free entry to the site itself.
This package totals at £49.30 excluding a booking fee – but does not include any credit towards food or drink.
The only package to include credit for food and drink is The Taste of Bavaria, which costs £60 without the 10% booking fee, and offers £33 towards both the Bavarian Village’s refreshments and Rides and Games credit.
With so many games, rides, attractions and markets to explore, Winter Wonderland appears to be a great place for London’s lovers to visit for an evening of fun – only if you can afford it.
The city has a lot to offer at Christmas time, and if it’s lights you’re after, they’re free all over town. Many of London’s Christmas lights have already been switched on, so can be a great – and free – alternative.
London stations are exhibiting their seasonal Christmas tree, which has raised questions of whether these displays are festive celebrations or clever pieces of brand promotion.
