Best Places for Ice Skating in Manchester
Get your skates on! Whether you're a pro practicing your pirouettes or requiring the assistance of the barriers to stay off the floor, there's an ice rink here for everyone.
By Larry Moir | Updated Nov 18 2024
SKATE Manchester
8th November - 1st January | Cahedral Gardens, Manchester City Centre | Book Now
Once again, Cathedral Gardens plays host to Manchester’s most popular winter ice-skating rink. Being the only seasonal ice skating location in the city center, SKATE is sure to attract those looking to get in the Christmas spirit. Strategically placed under cover, not even the notorious Manchester rain can ruin the fun. Suiting skaters of all ages and experience levels, SKATE is a Christmas treat that you won’t want to miss.
Manchester On Ice
Moday - Sunday (closed on Christmas Day) | Courts Club, Goods Yard Street, Manchester M3 3BG | Book Now
Just off of Quay Street at Courts Club, the Winter Assembly is turning Manchester into a winter wonderland with festive films, food, ‘chalet-oke’ (it's a thing!) and, of course, ice-skating. Sessions start every hour between 3pm and 8pm (opening at 10pm on weekends), and you are advised to arrive 20 minutes before your slot.
After skating at Manchester on Ice, you can enjoy everything this lively area has to offer. Centered on Deansgate and extending into Spinningfields, this vibrant Manchester hub is packed with high-street shops, trendy bars, and classic pubs, so you'll find plenty to do if you decide to make a day of it.
Planet Ice Altrincham
All year-round | Planet Ice Altricham | Oakfield Road, Altrincham WA15 8EW | More Information
Just a short trip along the Purple Tram Line, Planet Ice Altrincham offers high-quality skating all year round. Home to the Manchester Storm Ice Hockey team, the Altrincham Ice Dome is a state-of-the-art facility which offers skating lessons for kids and adults, birthday bookings, and Ice Hockey courses. With plenty of space to stretch your legs, Planet Ice is our pick for experienced skaters. Every-day Public Skate sessions run from midday until 3.30PM with other sessions like After-School Skate and Hockey Basics available throughout the week.
TinselTown
18th November - 2nd January | Trafford Centre | Trafford Park, Stretford M17 8EH | Book Now
Now a Trafford Centre staple, TinselTown is set to infect visitors with the spirit of Christmas once more this winter. Book an hour-long skating session on the 600-square feet rink between midday and 9pm for a great family day out at the Christmas Fun Fair. The Christmas lights around the tent are enchanting, making it the perfect way to round off a stressful day of shopping.
Blackpool Seafront Skating at Christmas by the Sea
15th November - 5th January | Blackpool Sea Front | More Information
Okay, so this one is not exactly in Manchester. But it is free!
Standing in the shadow of the iconic Blackpool Tower, the synthetic rink, spanning 20 meters in length, is free to use and includes free skate hire. The rink will be open daily (excluding Christmas Day) and it forms part of the offerings laid on for Blackpool’s Christmas by the Sea village. No advance booking is required, simply turn up, change to your free rental skates, and take to the rink. The rink can accommodate up to 60 skaters at any one time and there is a designated changing facility, skate aids, and disability aids available. For those who prefer to sit the skating out and keep warm, there are cosy cabins next to the changing facility, and kiosks serving mulled wine and hot chocolate!