Ice skating is a great indoor activity for families, couples, teenagers and anyone looking for something active whatever the weather. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a confident skater, the UK has permanent ice rinks offering public sessions, lessons, family skating and ice sports throughout the year.
Use this guide to find some of the best ice rinks across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus ideas for seasonal skating and practical tips for planning your visit.
Choose the Right Ice Skating Session
For families: look for public family sessions, skate aids for beginners and quieter daytime slots if younger children are skating.
For beginners: many permanent rinks offer lessons or beginner-friendly public sessions, so you do not need previous experience to give skating a try.
For teenagers: disco sessions, evening skating and larger city rinks can work particularly well for older children and groups of friends.
For rainy days: permanent indoor rinks are a useful all-weather option when outdoor plans are disrupted.
Ice Skating in England
National Ice Centre — Nottingham
The National Ice Centre in Nottingham is a major UK skating venue with two Olympic-sized ice pads. It hosts public skating sessions, lessons, ice hockey and events, making it suitable for beginners as well as more experienced skaters.
Read More — National Ice Centre Nottingham
IceSheffield — Sheffield, Yorkshire
One of the largest ice skating facilities in the UK, IceSheffield has two Olympic-sized rinks and is one of Britain’s leading venues for figure skating and short track speed skating. Public sessions are available and it’s a fantastic indoor activity for families and groups visiting Sheffield or South Yorkshire.
Read More — IceSheffield
Planet Ice — Multiple Locations
Planet Ice operates ice rinks in a number of locations across England, making it a useful option if you’re looking for a permanent rink closer to home. Most venues offer public skating, lessons and family sessions, although facilities vary by location.
Find Your Nearest Planet Ice
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink — London
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink is an indoor rink in North London, set within the historic Alexandra Palace complex. Public sessions, skating lessons and private hire are available, and the surrounding park and palace make it easy to combine skating with a wider day out.
Read More — Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
Lee Valley Ice Centre — East London
A modern, purpose-built ice venue in east London with two Olympic-sized rinks under one roof — making it one of the largest ice skating facilities in the south. Public skating, disco sessions, lessons, ice hockey and figure skating are all on offer. A great indoor option for visitors in the capital, particularly those staying in East London, Essex or Hertfordshire.
Read More — Lee Valley Ice CentreIce Skating in Wales
Vindico Arena — Cardiff Bay, Wales
Wales’ main ice arena, with an Olympic-sized rink in the heart of Cardiff Bay. Public skating sessions, skate hire, lessons and ice sports are all available. Cardiff Bay is a brilliant destination in itself — combine a skating session with a walk along the waterfront and dinner in one of the many restaurants nearby for a really enjoyable Cardiff day out.
Read More — Vindico Arena CardiffIce Skating in Scotland
Dundee Ice Arena — Dundee, Scotland
One of Scotland’s established ice venues, offering public skating sessions and ice sports in the heart of Dundee. A great indoor activity for visitors exploring Dundee — a city that has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years and is now one of Scotland’s most interesting cultural destinations.
Read More — Dundee Ice Arena
The Time Capsule — Coatbridge, Scotland
Coatbridge’s famous leisure complex has traditionally featured both a waterpark and an ice rink. Check current availability before visiting as facilities can change — but if the ice rink is open it’s a brilliant option for families in central Scotland looking for an action-packed day out.
Read More — The Time CapsuleIce Skating in Northern Ireland
Dundonald International Ice Bowl — Belfast
Northern Ireland’s premier ice skating venue, with a full-sized ice rink offering public skating, lessons, ice hockey and family sessions. A great indoor activity for families visiting Belfast — and there’s also ten-pin bowling and other activities on site making it a brilliant all-round family day out.
Read More — Dundonald Ice BowlSeasonal Ice Rinks
Every winter, temporary outdoor ice rinks appear in city centres, parks, shopping areas and historic locations around the UK. They can be a great addition to a winter city break, but locations and dates change from year to year.
If you’re planning a seasonal skating trip, check what is operating in your chosen destination before travelling and book early for popular weekend and school-holiday sessions.
These change every year so the best way to find out what’s on near you is to search for seasonal ice rinks in your chosen destination as winter approaches.
Tips for a Great Ice Skating Session
Check whether booking is recommended — popular public sessions can fill up at weekends and during school holidays, so it is worth checking availability before travelling.
Ask about skating aids — some rinks offer balance aids for younger children or nervous beginners, although availability and rules vary by venue.
Arrive early — allow time for getting skates fitted before your session starts. Skate hire queues can build up quickly at busy times.
Dress appropriately — ice rinks are cold! Wear warm clothes, and gloves are particularly useful as falls are part of learning and cold ice on bare hands isn’t pleasant.
Don’t be put off if you’ve never skated before — everyone starts somewhere. The first ten minutes can feel wobbly but most people find their feet surprisingly quickly and end up having a brilliant time.
More indoor days out: Snow Centres • Waterparks • Tenpin Bowling • Museums & Galleries • Go Underground
Where to stay nearby: Hotels • Last Minute Breaks • UK City Breaks