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Home > Wales > Things to do in North Wales > Deeside Ice Arena

Deeside Ice Arena

Deeside Ice Arena, is the national centre for ice sports in Wales. It is situated within the Deeside Leisure Centre on Chester Road West in Queensferry, Flintshire. It features a full Olympic-sized ice pad that was fully refurbished in late 2022.

What to Do, See, and Experience

Visitors can take part in a variety of activities on the ice, including: 

  • Public Skating Sessions: Open to all ages and abilities for general fun.
  • Ice Discos: High-energy sessions held on Friday and Saturday evenings featuring music and lighting for a party atmosphere.
  • Learn-to-Skate Courses: Structured Skate UK lessons for beginners, both children and adults.
  • Ice Hockey: The arena is home to the Deeside Dragons, and visitors can watch live matches.
  • Specialist Clubs: The facility hosts figure skating, hockey, and curling clubs.

Average Duration of Visit

Most visitors typically spend between 1 to 3 hours at the rink per session. A standard public skating or disco session usually lasts around 2 hours, though many families stay longer to use the other facilities within the leisure centre, such as the Inflatable Park or Indoor Skate Park.

Who Will Enjoy it Most?

  • Hobbyists and Athletes: Figure skaters, ice hockey players, and curlers will find it suits their needs perfectly as a professional-grade training venue.
  • Families with Children: The rink provides skating aids (such as penguins) for younger children, making it a popular choice for family days out.
  • Teenagers and Social Groups: The evening ice discos are specifically geared toward those looking for a social, high-energy environment.

Suitability and Limited Experiences

While the rink is inclusive, some may have a limited experience:

  • Physical Limitations: Those with certain mobility issues or health conditions that make falling risky may find ice skating unsuitable. However, the leisure centre itself is wheelchair accessible.
  • Noise Sensitivity: The disco sessions are loud and crowded, which may not suit visitors who prefer a calm or sensory-friendly environment.

Deeside Leisure Centre Non-Ice Facilities 

The Ice Arena is just one part of the Deeside Leisure Centre complex, which offers several permanent non-ice activities: 

  • Inflatable Park: North Wales’ largest indoor inflatable park, featuring obstacle runs and slides.
  • Indoor Skate Park: A dedicated facility for skateboards, BMX riders, and scooters.
  • Fitness & Wellness: Includes a modern gym, the Afon Spa, and group exercise classes.
  • General Sports: Squash and badminton courts, and outdoor 3G football pitches.

Best Times to Visit

  • For Quiet Sessions: Weekdays during school term times (typically Monday to Friday mornings) are generally the quietest.
  • For Maximum Fun: Friday and Saturday nights are best for those who enjoy a lively, disco-themed crowd.
  • Weather Conditions: As an indoor venue, it is a perfect all-weather attraction, making it particularly popular on rainy or cold days.

Unique Features Compared to Nearby Rinks

What sets Deeside apart from other local rinks is its status as an Olympic-sized arena. It is the only rink of its kind in North Wales and is a featured training venue for professional skaters, including those seen on ITV’s Dancing on Ice.

Budget, Offers, and Memberships

  • Tight Budgets: Online bookings often offer discounted rates compared to walk-in prices. Currently, adult skating is approximately £8.50 and children are £7.50, with a £3.00 charge for skate hire if you don’t have your own.
  • Cost-Effective Groups: The leisure centre is managed by Gwella (formerly Aura), and being a member of their fitness or leisure schemes can sometimes provide benefits, though specific annual “ice-only” memberships for families should be checked directly for current seasonal availability.
  • Family Packages: Look for specific family bundle tickets during the booking process to save on individual entry fees.

Visitor Advice and Tips

  • Clothing: Wear thick socks and warm, layered clothing. Even if you get warm while skating, the arena air is chilled. Gloves are highly recommended to protect hands in case of falls.
  • Food: There is a rink-side snack bar and a main on-site café (Proudly Serving Costa). Bringing your own water is a good idea to stay hydrated.
  • Parking: There is a large, free on-site car park available for all leisure centre users.
  • Booking: It is strongly advised to pre-book online for weekends and school holidays, as sessions frequently sell out.