The Best Ice Skating Spots in and Near Leeds for a Brrrr-illiant Escape
Nothing bonds our team like a good old ice skating session…and watching everyone flop like penguins.
Kidding aside, Leeds might not have rinks on every corner, but the ones we do have are proper mint, perfect for skating crews and families alike. And the best part? You don’t need to wait for winter. Most stay open for 365 days a year!
Ice Skating Spots in Leeds
Planet Ice Leeds
– From planeticeleeds
Address: Elland Rd, Beeston
Contact Details: 0113 397 9700
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 10 am to 1:30 pm
- Tue to Wed – 11:15 am to 1:30 pm
- Thu – 10 am to 1:30 pm, 3:45 pm to 5:45 pm
- Fri – 10 am to 1:30 pm, 3:45 pm to 6:30 pm, 8 pm to 10 pm
- Sat to Sun – 11:45 am to 3:30 pm
This list would be incomplete if we didn’t kick off with Planet Ice. It’s not just our go-to; it’s where most Loiners flock, thanks to its cracking skating options, massive 56 m x 28 m ice rink, and the fact it’s open all year round.
Naturally, public skating is the big draw, but we’re all about the group lessons—because, y’know, we’re a squad. What really pumps us up, though, are the disco sessions. Live DJ tunes and gliding about? Pure belter for a day getaway or night out.
In addition, we often catch repeat performances, with Aladdin on Ice likely taking the crown for the crowd favourite. Hockey games are part of the experience as well, plus there’s a café (cafes leeds) whipping up hearty burgers for when the action leaves us famished.
Tips:
- If you need more confidence on the ice, you might want to try out their lessons.
- Apply for a membership to score discounts.
- Throwing a birthday party here will score you tons of perks, like free ice skating lessons and skate hire.
Millennium Square – Ice Cube
– From francescalr_
Address: Leeds
Contact Details: 0113 376 0318
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Christmas in Leeds (christmas leeds) wouldn’t be complete without belting out carols, soaking in the lights, and lacing up at the Ice Cube in Millennium Square. At 400 sqm, this rink is a seasonal staple and pure magic on ice.
No need to worry about the weather throwing a spanner in the works, too. The rink has a see-through marquee, so the elements can’t spoil your fun. Additionally, every Thursday, there’s a special wheelchair skating session from 10:30 am to 11:15 am.
Around the square, you’ll also find funfair rides like the Big Wheel and Starflyer that’ll have you on a high—literally. And when the tummy grumbles hit, there’s a gaggle of Bavarian-style market stalls for stuffing your face post-skating.
Tips:
- Join the Penguin Club if you’re a newbie. They provide lessons in a safe and welcoming environment.
- You can get a free companion ticket. You can do so by dialling the digits above or via email at [email protected].
- Familiarise yourself with the rules, as there are quite a few.
Ice Skating Spots near Leeds
Bradford Ice Arena
– From bradford_ice_arena
Address: 19 Little Horton Ln
Distance from Leeds: 48 mins
Contact Details: 01274 733535
Operating Hours:
Mon – 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Tue – 10:30 am to 10 pm
- Wed – 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Thu to Fri – 10:30 am to 10 pm
- Sat – 10 am to 7:30 pm
- Sun – 11 am to 4:30 pm
Ask any ice skating aficionado, from tiny tots to seasoned pros, what their fave spot is, and they’ll probably send you straight to Bradford Ice Arena. It’s a classic, once even dubbed “the finest rink in the world” years back.
Nowadays, its decor has that ‘old-school charm’ you either hate or love, but the ice skating sessions remain bang on. For instance, family and general skating are massive draws, pulling in heaps of skaters year-round.
However, it’s the disco+skating combo that really draws throngs, both night and day. Chuck in a banging DJ set and entry for a tenner or less, and you won’t wonder why several continue to glide and boogie here.
Tips:
- If you need a lesson, visit on Wednesdays, from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm.
- Planning to host a party here? Make sure to give at least 2 weeks’ notice for bookings. They’re done on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
– From yorkshireswinterwonderland
Address: St Nicholas Ave, Fulford, York
Distance from Leeds: 42 mins
Contact Details: 07479 268948
Operating Hours: Daily – 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
Boasting 975 sqm of smooth-as-you-like ice, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is the North’s largest outdoor rink. It’s also one of the region’s prettiest, with a 30-ft Christmas tree and fairy-lit structures dotting the entire space.
In terms of skating, the rink’s size, length, and ice quality make it a dream for pros. Rookies don’t have to worry, either. If you’re just finding your feet, ice marshals will give you tips and a hand to get the hang of it.
Sprogs will also be all smiles at Santa’s Grotto, where they can grab a gift from the big man himself. And as the cherry on top, there are wallet-friendly funfair rides, with the beloved 1937 Brooklands Dodgems among them.
Tips:
- Snag tickets ASAP. They sell out quickly.
- Stabilisers are available to hire from the box office, but make sure you arrive early. They’re handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ice Sheffield
– From deutschervereinsheff
Address: 23 Coleridge Rd
Distance from Leeds: 0114 223 3900
Contact Details: 0114 223 3900
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 10:30 pm
If you’re after 2 hefty ice rinks, Ice Sheffield has you sorted with its 60 x 30 m spaces. Both are Olympic-sized as well, which means pros can prep here for tourneys.
You don’t need to be Robin Cousins to enjoy the rink, though. Book a for-the-family session, take a hockey lesson, or sign up for a workshop—there’s something for every skill level.
Not up for skating? No worries. Spectators can kick back at the café right above the rink. The hot chocolate and nachos they dish out are especially talked about, though the queues can test your patience.
Tips:
Hull Ice Arena
– From wilemannaomi
Address: Kingston St
Distance from Leeds: 1 hr and 16 mins
Contact Details: 01482 325252
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 12 pm to 11:30 pm
- Tue – 6:15 am to 9:30 pm
- Wed – 12 pm to 11 pm
- Thu – 6:15 am to 10 pm
- Fri – 6:15 am to 11:15 pm
- Sat – 6:15 am to 9:30 pm
- Sun – 6:15 am to 11:15 pm
Don’t think Ice Sheffield is the only spot with Olympic-sized rinks; Hull Ice Arena has one, too. The latter’s 60 x 30 m rink is also just as epic, hosting hockey matches and figure skating tourneys.
What’s more, their learn-to-skate programmes are seriously comprehensive. But be warned—these aren’t your quick-and-easy sort of lessons, as you’ll be committed for 44 weeks.
For those who want to keep it casual, Friday nights at Hull Ice Arena are where it’s at. With the disco lights on and live tunes pumping, you can skate, dance, or just show off alongside your mates, kin, or rugrats.
Tips:
- Download their app for perks like updates and online booking options.
- Hate sharing the rink or venue with others? Consider locking in a private visit or party.
The Christmas Adventure Office – Stockeld Park
– From stockeldpark
Address: The Estate Office, Harrogate Rd, Wetherby
Distance from Leeds: 41 mins
Contact Details: 01937 586333
Operating Hours: Daily – 10:30 am to 8:30 pm
Magical, that’s the best way to describe ice skating at Stockeld Park. We visited way back in February 2024, yet the park’s 630 sqm rink is still being talked about by our kiddos and kids at heart, which isn’t really a surprise.
For starters, the rink teems with colours, while also offering snap-worthy panoramas of the nearby parkland and Enchanted Forest attraction. Not to mention, you can hire skate aids, so even total noobs can join in without ending up in a heap or like Bambi.
Oh, and it’s not just about skating. There’s a Santa cabin decked out in all things Christmassy, with Santa himself and Mrs. Claus to boot. There’s even an award-winning light show at the Enchanted Forest and a massive snowflake maze for brainiacs.
Tips:
- Drop an email to [email protected] to snag those group booking rates.
- Each experience has its own pricing, so it’s a good idea to check the fees beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises for your wallet.
- Bring your own skates if you want to save cash. Only figure and hockey skates are accepted.
- Service dogs are welcome, but regular pets aren’t allowed.