Planet Ice – Cambridgeshire

Planet Ice Peterborough is a premier indoor ice skating rink located at the Bretton Leisure Centre in Peterborough. It serves as a major hub for ice sports and recreational skating in the Cambridgeshire area.

What to Experience

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities from general public skating sessions to professional lessons. The arena is the home of the Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey team, so you can often catch high-energy professional matches. If you are a beginner, you can join “Learn to Skate” programmes, while more experienced skaters can take part in figure skating or ice dance sessions. On weekend evenings, the atmosphere often shifts with disco lights and music, turning the rink into a lively social spot.

Duration of Visit

On average, most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2.5 hours on the ice. If you are attending an ice hockey match, plan to be there for roughly 3 hours to account for periods and breaks.

Who It’s For

• Families: It is a classic destination for parents and children. Penguin and snowman skating aids are available to help little ones find their balance.
• Teens and Young Adults: The disco sessions are particularly popular with this age group as a social hangout.
• Active Individuals: It’s a great workout for those looking for a fun alternative to the gym.
• Groups: It is well-suited for birthday parties and school trips.

Who Might Be Bored

Those who are particularly sensitive to the cold or have mobility issues that prevent skating might find sitting in the bleachers a bit tedious after an hour, though watching the more talented skaters can be entertaining for a while.

Best Time to Go

• For Quiet Skating: Weekday mornings or early afternoons during term time are significantly less crowded.
• For Atmosphere: Friday and Saturday nights offer the most “party” vibe.
• For Sports Fans: Check the local fixtures for match nights if you prefer a spectator experience over skating yourself.

Unique Features

What sets this rink apart is its dual role as both a community leisure spot and a professional sports arena. It is one of the few places in the region where you can experience the intense, fast-paced atmosphere of a live ice hockey game.

Budget and Membership

• Ice Card Membership: For frequent skaters, an annual membership can offer significant savings on every session.
• Group Discounts: Savings are often available for large groups or families booking together.
• Off-Peak Rates: Skating during the week is generally more cost-effective than weekend or holiday slots.
• Specific Discounts: It is always worth checking for concessions available to students or those with specific service cards, such as the Blue Light Card, as these are often honoured for general admission.

Practical Advice

• Clothing: It is cold! Wear thick socks (to prevent blisters), gloves, and layers you can peel off as you warm up from the exercise.
• Food: There is an on-site café serving hot drinks and snacks like burgers and chips to help you warm up.
• Parking: There is ample parking available at the leisure centre complex.
• Safety: Always follow the rink marshals’ directions and skate in the designated direction to avoid collisions.

Nearby Enhancements

Since the rink is located in the Bretton area, you are close to several convenient amenities. There are supermarkets and smaller food outlets within walking distance if you want to grab a cheaper snack or a drink. For a more relaxed meal after your session, there are family-friendly pubs and restaurants a short drive away in the surrounding residential areas or towards the city centre.