National Ice Centre – Nottinghamshire

The National Ice Centre is tucked right in the heart of Nottingham’s city centre (Nottinghamshire) and shares a roof with the Motorpoint Arena. It’s a massive spot that houses two Olympic-sized rinks, making it the premier place to get your skates on in the region.

What to Expect
Whether you’re a total beginner or a budding pro, you can get out on the ice for public skating sessions. They often have themed events, disco lights, and upbeat music to keep the energy high. If you aren’t keen on sliding around yourself, it’s a great place to watch high-level ice hockey—the Nottingham Panthers play here, and the atmosphere during a game is electric.

Age Groups & Vibe

• Young Kids: Great for them! They have “ice equipment” (fun skating aids like penguins and seals) to help little ones stay upright.
• Teenagers: This is a top-tier hangout for teens, especially during the evening disco sessions where they can be a bit more independent.
• Adults: Genuinely fun for grown-ups too, whether for a workout, a quirky date night, or watching a match.
• The “Parent Break” Factor: While kids need supervision on the ice, there are spectator seating areas and a café where you can grab a coffee and watch them burn off energy if they are confident skaters.

Planning Your Time
Most people spend about 2 to 3 hours here for a standard skating session. If you’re attending a hockey match or a show, plan for a full evening.

Money Matters & Membership

• Discounts: Look out for concession prices for seniors, students, and juniors. They also offer discounts for Blue Light Card holders and sometimes have family ticket bundles.
• Memberships: If you live nearby and plan to go more than once a month, their annual or monthly memberships are definitely worth it as they often include skate hire.
• Food & Parking: There is an on-site café and bar for quick bites, though being in the city centre, food can be a bit “stadium priced.” Parking isn’t free; you’ll need to use one of the nearby multi-storey city car parks (like Stoney Street or Lace Market), which can get pricey if you stay all day.

Nearby Highlights
Since you’re right in the Lace Market district, you are spoiled for choice. You can wander over to Hockley for quirky independent shops and brilliant bars/restaurants, or visit the City of Caves and Nottingham Castle, which are both within walking distance. It’s a perfect anchor for a full day out in the city.