Deeside Ice Arena – Skating Times, Prices & Visitor Guide

Deeside Ice Arena at Deeside Leisure Centre in Queensferry is North Wales’s only permanent Olympic-sized ice rink. It offers public skating sessions, ice discos, skating lessons and club activities for beginners through to experienced skaters.

Public skating runs throughout the week, but session times vary, so check the current ice-skating timetable and book your chosen session before travelling. Skate hire and skating aids are available, making it a good indoor activity for families, couples and first-time skaters.

Deeside Ice Arena at a Glance

• Best for: Families, couples, children, teenagers and anyone wanting an indoor activity in North Wales
• Highlights: Olympic-sized ice rink, public skating, ice discos, lessons and ice hockey
• Public skating: Sessions run throughout the week, with times varying by day
• Booking: Check the current timetable and book your chosen skating session online before travelling
• Prices: Session and skate-hire charges vary, so check current prices when booking
• Skate hire: Skates are available to hire, with skating aids available for younger or less-confident visitors
• Lessons: Learn-to-skate programmes are available for children and adults, from complete beginners upwards
• Ice discos: Regular ice-disco sessions offer skating with music and lighting
• Ice hockey: The arena is home to the Deeside Dragons, who play competitive home fixtures during the season
• Location: Deeside Leisure Centre, Chester Road West, Queensferry, Flintshire, CH5 1SA
• Weather: Excellent rainy-day and year-round indoor activity

More at Deeside Leisure Centre: The ice arena is part of the wider Deeside Leisure Centre complex, which also includes other indoor sports and activity facilities. Check the leisure centre separately if you want to combine skating with another activity.

Ice-skating timetable: Public skating sessions run throughout the week, but times change according to lessons, club sessions, ice hockey and other arena activities. Check the current Deeside Ice Arena timetable before travelling and book the specific session you want to attend.

Prices and booking: Public-skating prices vary by session, with additional charges where skate hire is required. Book through the official Deeside Ice Arena booking system to see current availability, session prices and skate-hire options.

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.