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Manchester’s 18 Best Spots for Ice Skating
- Manchester Ice Rink
- Planet Ice Altrincham
- Planet Ice Blackburn
- Widnes Ice Arena
- Skating Edge Academy
- Ardwick Sports Hall
- Roller City Rochdale
- SSE Arena Belfast
- Nevada Roller Rink CIC
- Wigan Roller Rink
- Paradise Skate World
- Pleasure Beach Arena
- IceSheffield
- Lancaster on Ice
- The Ice Rink Ribble Valley
- Deeside Leisure Centre
- Planet Ice Peterborough
- Planet Ice Milton Keynes
Looking for plans on the weekends? Why not go ice skating for once? Sometimes, you just need to do something more unique to enjoy your day out there!
If there’s any place in the UK that has some of the best skating rinks, Manchester is the ideal part of town for you! To guide you into visiting the most enjoyable skating avenues, here is our full guide to the best places to go for your adventure on the ice!!
Manchester Ice Rink
Website: http://www.manchestericerink.co.uk/
Contact Details: +441618209718
Prices:
- £17.50 for adults
- £50.00 for a family ticket of 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children
- £46.00 for a family ticket of 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children
Opening Hours: Daily 8 AM to 5 PM
Set amidst the buzzing ambiance of Manchester’s downtown, the Manchester Ice Rink is the winter focal point for many Mancunians and tourists alike.
Each year as the cold settles in, a shroud of excitement envelops the city in anticipation of the rink’s opening. It’s more than just an ice rink; it’s a winter wonderland brought to life.
Besides the regular skating sessions, they often host themed nights – think 80s disco or even a serene moonlit skate.
The rink, although always brimming with activity, has a particular charm during the evenings. The glint of city lights reflecting off the glossy ice surface makes it nothing short of enchanting.
If you’re in Manchester during winter, make sure to check their event calendar. You might just stumble upon a magical skating experience.
Planet Ice Altrincham
Website: http://planet-ice.co.uk/locations/altrincham/
Contact Details: +441619268782
Prices:
- A public skate costs £11.35 per person.
- Under 4s are £3.
Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Having been around since the 1960s, the Altrincham Ice Rink (now known as the Planet Ice) is like stepping into a historical relic, but with the added thrill of ice beneath your feet.
The walls, if they could talk, would tell tales of budding romances, skating champions in the making, and nail-biting ice hockey matches.
While the rink has retained its vintage charm, it’s equipped with state-of-the-art facilities ensuring the utmost safety and a smooth skating experience.
They also host professional skating lessons (singing lessons manchester), and if you’re lucky, you might just catch a local ice hockey match, where the energy is palpable.
Planet Ice Blackburn
Website: http://www.planet-ice.co.uk/
Contact Details: +441254668686
Prices: Average for all ages £12-£15
Opening Hours: Daily 11 AM to 4:30 PM
A few strides on the ice here, and you’d half-expect to see aliens cheering you on from the bleachers.
Planet Ice Blackburn, with its space-age theme, ensures that every visit is out of this world. The rink itself is expansive, and the ambiance, with interstellar neon lights and futuristic music, is nothing short of galactic.
Aside from the casual skating sessions, the rink is known for its cosmic Friday nights. Imagine grooving on ice with laser lights and top chartbusters setting the mood. They also offer structured lessons (swim lessons manchester) for all age groups.
Widnes Ice Arena
Website: https://planet-ice.co.uk/locations/widnes/
Contact Details: +441514207930
Prices: Average for all ages £9 – £13
Opening Hours: Daily 10:15 AM to 4 PM
Widnes Ice Arena is not just a place to skate; it’s where the community comes together to celebrate the joy of winter sports. Located just a brief drive away from Manchester, it’s become a staple for families and ice enthusiasts throughout the region.
The rink itself is spacious, allowing for a comfortable skate whether you’re a newbie clinging to the sides or an expert carving up the centre.
Their special weekend family sessions are an absolute treat. They ensure a safe, controlled environment for kids to take their first strides on ice while adults can either join in or watch over a cup of steaming coffee from the stands.
Also, the ice hockey nights are thrilling. If you fancy watching a game or even participating, keep an eye on their schedule.
Skating Edge Academy
Website: N/A
Contact Details: +441613011412
Prices: Average for all £10 – £12
Opening Hours: Weekends, closed; Monday to Friday 8 AM to 9 PM
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Openshaw Manchester, this arena stands as a beacon for ice skating enthusiasts.
The moment you step in, there’s an unmistakable aura of energy, probably stemming from the plethora of activities they host. It’s not just about regular skating sessions here; it’s about the entire experience.
The themed nights are legendary. Whether you’re grooving to retro hits or skating to the soft strumming of acoustic guitars on special nights, there’s never a dull moment.
And for those who wish to refine their skills, the rink offers quieter sessions with expert trainers on hand to guide. After a session, head to their in-house café. Their hot cocoa, paired with a view of the rink, is the perfect way to wind down.
Ardwick Sports Hall
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/manchester/ardwick-sports-hall
Contact Details: +441612737913
Prices: Average for all ages £13 – £15
Opening Hours: Weekends,Monday, and Friday, closed; Tuesday to Thursday 4 to 10 PM
Located a stone’s throw from Manchester, Ardwick Sports Hall offers an ice skating escapade that blends traditional charm with modern fun.
As you enter, the sight of families laughing, couples gliding gracefully, and children taking their tentative first steps on ice paints a picture of pure joy.
The rink is renowned for its special ‘WinterFest’ events. They transform the arena into a festive paradise with twinkling lights, snow machines, and even a Santa’s grotto for the younger visitors.
What’s more, they have dedicated sections for experienced skaters, ensuring that everyone from beginners to pros has their own slice of ice. When hunger strikes, pop into one of the festive stalls lining the arena – the roasted chestnuts are a local favourite!
Roller City Rochdale
Website: http://rollercityrochdale.com/
Contact Details: +447903642956
Prices: Average for all ages £10 – £13
Opening Hours: Daily 1 to 9 PM
A short drive from Manchester, Roller City Rochdale is where the passion for skating meets the rhythm of music. The arena’s unique concept focuses on merging the worlds of dance and skating, turning each session into a mesmerising performance.
While their daytime slots cater to casual skaters, evenings come alive with themed music nights. From rock anthems to classical symphonies, every genre has its day, turning the rink into a dance floor on ice.
They also host ice-dancing workshops, where professional dancers teach you to merge the grace of dance with the thrill of skating. After an energetic session, the ‘Melody Café’ awaits with its signature frothy hot chocolate and buttery croissants.
SSE Arena Belfast
Website: http://www.ssearenabelfast.com/
Contact Details: +442890766000
Prices: Average for all ages £9 – £14
Opening Hours: 24/7
Situated in the picturesque town of Belfast, the SSE Arena is a beacon for skating aficionados. It has garnered a reputation not just for its impeccable ice conditions but also its warm and welcoming environment.
The arena seems to radiate a glow, especially during the golden hours, making it a favourite spot for evening skaters.
Known for hosting regional and national championships, it offers a glimpse into the world of competitive skating.
For amateurs, the ‘Saturday Sparkle’ sessions are a must-try. With disco balls, vibrant lights, and groovy tunes, it feels like a retro party on ice. To cap off your visit, the ‘Polaris Bistro’ offers an array of gourmet dishes, with their truffle-infused fries being the talk of the town.
Nevada Roller Rink CIC
Website: http://www.nevadarollerrink.co.uk/
Contact Details: +441204353580
Prices: Average for all ages £13 – £16
Opening Hours: Monday and Tuesday, closed; Wednesday to Thursday 11:30 AM to 9 PM; Friday 6 AM to 9 PM; Saturday to Sunday 11:45 AM to 6 PM
The CIC rink is a wintertime jewel, nestled in a location that offers more than just a skating experience—it’s an embrace of winter’s finest moments. The setting feels intimate, ensuring every visitor feels the personal touch of the place.
Also, the rink frequently hosts local schools and community groups, emphasising the importance of learning and teamwork through skating. Weekends are particularly lively, with ‘Frosty Mornings’ being a hit among families.
Kids can enjoy a safe environment while parents can sip on steamy cappuccinos from the ‘Snowflake Café.’ The café’s baked goods, especially the blueberry scones, have become something of local legend.
Wigan Roller Rink
Website: http://www.wiganrollerrink.com/
Contact Details: +441942375675
Prices: Average for all ages £10 – £15
Opening Hours: Daily 11 AM to1 PM
Located in the heart of Wigan, this arena is the place where winter fantasies come to life. With its sprawling rink and mesmerising light displays, Wigan’s Roller Rink promises a whirlwind of icy adventures.
Their ‘Neon Nights’ are a spectacle to behold, transforming the rink into a kaleidoscope of colours. But it’s not all just fun and games; the rink takes skill-building seriously. They boast of a ‘Skater’s Academy,’ known for churning out some of the finest talents in the region.
And once you’ve worked up an appetite, the ‘Whirlwind Diner’ is right around the corner, offering hearty meals to satiate those post-skating cravings.
Paradise Skate World
Website: http://www.paradiseskateworld.com/
Contact Details: N/A
Prices: Average for all ages £11 – £16
Opening Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday to Thursday 4 to 10 PM; Friday 4 PM to 12 AM; Saturday 12 PM to 12 AM; Sunday 12 to 10 PM
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Manchester, Paradise Skate World is where dreams take shape on a gleaming sheet of ice. The ambiance is almost cinematic, with plush seating areas for spectators and soft ambient lighting enveloping the rink.
The rink is renowned for its ‘Starry-Eyed Skates.’ As dusk sets in, hundreds of tiny lights illuminate the arena, making it feel like you’re skating among the stars.
For the little ones, ‘Toddler Tuesdays’ offer an opportunity to experience the joy of ice skating under the watchful eyes of trained professionals.
And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, the ‘Terrace Treats’ counter offers delectable desserts, from molten lava cakes to velvety ice creams.
Pleasure Beach Arena
Website: http://icearenablackpool.com/
Contact Details: +441253341707
Prices: Average for all ages £10 – £12
Opening Hours: Monday 1 to 8:15 PM; Tuesday 1 to 8:30 PM; Wednesday 7 AM to 8 PM; Thursday 7 AM to 9:30 PM; Friday 7 AM to 8 PM; Saturday 6 AM to 6:30 PM; Sunday 7 AM to 5:30 PM
Pleasure Beach Arena is a sanctuary for those looking to break away from the humdrum of daily life. As you enter, the world outside seems to fade away, replaced by the gentle hum of skates grazing the ice.
What sets the Plaza apart is its dedication to inclusive skating. They host special sessions for those with disabilities, ensuring everyone gets a chance to feel the thrill of ice underfoot.
Their winter workshops, focusing on skill-building and team activities, are a big hit among school groups. Hungry after a session? The ‘Icy Delight Bistro’ serves up some mouth-watering dishes, with their spicy chicken wrap being a crowd favourite.
IceSheffield
Website: https://www.sheffieldcitytrust.org/venues/icesheffield
Contact Details: +441142233900
Prices: Average for all ages £9 – £15
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 11 PM
Another great ice skating rink is IceSheffield which offers an oasis of calm and cool. The rink, with its pristine white surface, invites skaters of all ages to weave their own tales of winter joy.
The arena is well-known for its ‘Mellow Mondays,’ where soft instrumental tunes play in the background, allowing for a peaceful skate. They also host monthly ‘Ice Carnivals,’ where local artists perform on ice, blending dance, music, and skating in a mesmerising spectacle.
Post-skating, the ‘Chillout Chalet’ beckons with its warm interiors and delicious offerings. The cherry and almond pie, paired with a steaming cup of chai, is a must-try.
Lancaster on Ice
Website: https://lancasteronice.co.uk/
Contact Details: N/A
Prices: Average for all ages £8 – £14
Opening Hours: 24/7
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Burnley, the Blizzard Basin paints a picturesque winter scene that resonates deeply with locals and visitors alike. The moment you step inside, the atmosphere is electric, buzzing with frosty magic and skating aspirations.
‘Glow-in-the-Dark Galas’ are a signature event, where neon hues merge with icy sheens to create a dreamlike skating arena.
They also champion ‘Sunrise Skates’, letting early birds catch the ethereal dawn light while they glide. Post-skating, head to the ‘Frozen Feast Café’ and indulge in their famed raspberry cheesecake.
The Ice Rink Ribble Valley
Website: http://www.theicerink.co.uk/
Contact Details: +447540777240
Prices: Average for all ages £11 – £17
Opening Hours: Weekends only 11 AM to 6PM
The Ice Rink Ribble Valley emerges as a realm where winter whispers tales to everyone who dares to listen. The rink stands out, not just for its shimmering surface but for the myriad of experiences it offers — especially for kids!
Their ‘Elysian Evenings’ are a sight to behold, where classical melodies beckon skaters to waltz on the ice.
For thrill-seekers, ‘Blizzard Blitz’ sessions are a mix of speed and skill, ideal for adrenaline junkies. Wrap up the adventure at ‘Chill Corner’, known for its spiced apple cider that warms every soul.
Deeside Leisure Centre
Website: https://aura.wales/
Contact Details: +441352704200
Prices: Average for all ages £9 – £16
Opening Hours: Week days 6 AM to 10 AM; Weekends 6 AM to 10:30 PM
A stone’s throw from bustling city centres, Deeside Leisure Centre promises a celestial escape. Here, the beauty of the universe seems to reflect off the ice, offering an ethereal skating experience like no other.
The ‘Lunar Lunettes’ nights are particularly famous, where skaters glide under projections of constellations and galaxies. For those keen on perfecting their moves, ‘Comet Classes’ provide expert tutelage.
To end a starry session, make a pit stop at ‘Galactic Grub’, savouring their otherworldly blueberry pie.
Planet Ice Peterborough
Website: https://planet-ice.co.uk/locations/peterborough/
Contact Details: +441733260222
Prices: Average for all ages £10 – £15
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:30 AM to 4 PM; Weekends 11 AM to 4 PM
Planet Ice Peterborough emerges as a sanctuary for winter enthusiasts. Every inch of this rink narrates a story of joy, camaraderie, and the timeless dance of skates on ice.
‘Whimsical Weekends’ are a hallmark of the Dome, characterised by magical light displays and whimsical music.
They also offer ‘Frosty Freestyle’ sessions, where skaters can showcase their creativity and flair. No visit is complete without sampling the ‘Dome Delicacies’, where you simply must try their mint-chocolate mousse!
Planet Ice Milton Keynes
Website: https://planet-ice.co.uk/locations/peterborough/
Contact Details: +441733260222
Prices: Average for all ages £10 – £12
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:30 AM to 4 PM; Weekends 11 AM to 4 PM
Another branch in the UK that provides amazing ice skating experiences, Planet Ice Milton Keynes is where the rhythm of winter finds its most beautiful expression. Each session at this rink feels like a ballet, where skaters are both the dancers and the audience.
The ‘Aurora Affairs’ stand out, creating an ambiance reminiscent of the Northern Lights. For budding skaters, ‘Polar Practice Pods’ offer a safe haven to learn and flourish. As the day winds down, treat yourself at ‘Frosty Forks’, renowned for its delectable vanilla-bean milkshake.
