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 22 2023
SKATE Manchester
Cathedral 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.
Planet Ice Altrincham
Altrincham Ice Dome | Altrincham | 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.
TinselTown
Trafford Centre | Manchester | Book Now
Now a Trafford Centre staple, TinselTown is set to infect visitors with the spirit of Christmas once more this winter. Located within is a skating experience bookable from 12:00pm-09:00pm. The Christmas lights around the tent are enchanting, making it the perfect way to round off a stressful day of shopping.
Wilmslow Way Better Winter Wonderland
Wilmslow | Cheshire | More Information
A short train ride from Manchester city centre, Wilmslow Way Better Winter Wonderland is a festive utopia. Alongside the synthetic ice rink, there will be shows, performances, street entertainment, and even some celebrity guests. So take a trip out of the big city and see what Wilmslow has to offer this winter.
Blackpool Seafront Skating
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). 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.