Where to go ice skating in Manchester

Planet Ice operates ice-skating rinks across the UK, including the Altrincham rink, which offers year-round fun for all ages and skill levels, from beginner lessons to birthday parties. The venue also serves as the home base for the Manchester Storm ice hockey team, hosting exciting hockey matches and offering hockey lessons for aspiring players. In addition to skating, the rink hosts ice shows and provides on-site food and drink options, ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience.

Skate Manchester is a festive, covered ice-skating rink located in Cathedral Gardens, open from early November to early January. It offers 45-minute sessions for skaters of all ages, with skate hire included in the ticket price, and beginner aids available for those who need extra support. Alongside the rink, Cathedral Gardens hosts a Christmas market, where visitors can enjoy food and warm drinks after their skating session.

During winter, Courts Club in the Goods Yard redevelopment transforms its basketball and tennis courts into a family-friendly ice-skating rink. The makeover extends to the rest of the venue as well – expect plenty of Christmas ornaments, lights, and other decor, along with festive stalls serving boozy hot choc and other warming treats. You can even book a chalet for a post-skate karaoke sesh with your mates.

The Trafford Centre, one of Manchester's premier shopping destinations, is hosting a big festive celebration throughout the holidays. Tinsel Town, as they're calling it, will bring fairground rides, Santa's grotto, ice shows, mulled wine, and more winter fun to the shopping mall. The Tinsel Town ice-skating rink, located just outside the glitzy Orient food court, offers visitors the chance to hit the ice beneath twinkling lights, accompanied by a festive soundtrack.

Taking over the B.E.C Arena during the festive season, Winter Funland is a massive indoor winter wonderland complete with thrilling rides, circus shows, tasty treats, heaps of candy canes, baubles, lights, and other Christmassy decor, and plenty of other attractions to keep the whole family busy. The fairground also features its very own ice-skating rink, suitable for ages four and up.