A person wearing grey jeans and white ice skates at the edge of an indoor ice-skating rink A person wearing grey jeans and white ice skates at the edge of an indoor ice-skating rink

Where to go ice skating in Manchester

Ice skating is a fun activity that anyone can master with a bit of trial and error. Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned skater, or simply looking for a fun day out, Manchester has several top-notch ice rinks to suit every skill level. From seasonal outdoor rinks in the heart of the city to dedicated ice arenas hosting exciting hockey matches and spectacular shows, Manchester's ice-skating spots offer a blend of entertainment, sport, and festive spirit. Find out more in our guide to the best ice-skating rinks in Manchester!

Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup
Daniel Sheppard
  1. Where to go ice skating in Manchester
    1. 1
      Planet Ice Skating, hockey, and everything ice
    2. 2
      Skate Top seasonal ice-skating rink in Manchester
    3. 3
      Courts Club St. John's gets a winter makeover
    4. 4
      The Trafford Centre Ice skating at the mall
    5. 5
      B.E.C Arena Welcome to Winter Funland

Where to go ice skating in Manchester

Manchester's best ice rinks

Planet Ice Altrincham – Ice skating
Planet Ice Altrincham
Planet Ice Altrincham – Ice skating
Planet Ice Altrincham
Planet Ice Altrincham – Ice skating
Planet Ice Altrincham
Planet Ice Altrincham – Ice skating
Planet Ice Altrincham
Planet Ice Altrincham – Ice skating
Planet Ice Altrincham
Planet Ice Altrincham – Ice skating
Planet Ice Altrincham
Planet Ice Altrincham – Ice skating
Planet Ice Altrincham
Planet Ice Altrincham – Ice skating
Planet Ice Altrincham

Planet Ice

Skating, hockey, and everything ice

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.

  • When: All year
Skate Manchester – Ice skating
Skate Manchester
Skate Manchester – Ice skating
Skate Manchester
Skate Manchester – Ice skating
Skate Manchester
Skate Manchester – Ice skating
Skate Manchester
Skate Manchester – Ice skating
Skate Manchester
Skate Manchester – Ice skating
Skate Manchester
Skate Manchester – Ice skating
Skate Manchester
Skate Manchester – Ice skating
Skate Manchester

Skate

Top seasonal ice-skating rink in Manchester

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.

  • When: 8 November–1 January

Courts Club

St. John's gets a winter makeover

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.

  • When: 8 November–31 December

The Trafford Centre

Ice skating at the mall

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.

  • When: 17 November–1 January

B.E.C Arena

Welcome to Winter Funland

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.

  • When: 15–26 December

Ice skating – About the guide

Where to go ice skating in Manchester – Our guide on where to go ice skating in Manchester is updated regularly. If you know of an ice rink in Manchester that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to the best places for ice skating in Manchester. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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