In Travel Features

There is something quite special about wrapping up warm and visiting one of the nation’s ice rinks for a few hours. Of course, ice rinks can be tricky to navigate, especially if you have additional needs, which is why we thought we’d put together a list of accessible ice rinks from around the UK, so that everyone can join in the festive fun.

We’ll start off in England, specifically the north.
There are a number of ice rinks that have been set up for the winter months, in Manchester, the Ice Village has been set up in Cathedral Gardens. According to the rink’s website, the entire thing is fully wheelchair accessible and guide dogs are welcome to join you in the Ice Cavern, the Ice Rink and Santa’s Grotto. This event has everything from ice sculptures to a pop up bar and of course the ice rink which is under cover to protect you from the weather.

A little further north in York is Ice Factor which is part of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland event at York Designer Outlet. This is England’s largest outdoor ice rink and also includes a funfair, a grotto where you can meet Santa and an Alpine café with a heated outdoor terrace.

Another accessible ice rink in the north of the country is Liverpool’s Christmas Ice Festival where you can find the UK’s largest ice slide. The rink is fully accessible for wheelchair users and carers can accompany you for free.

Moving into the midlands, Ice Skate Birmingham can be found at Centenary Square close to the Christmas Market. The rink itself is under cover and is wheelchair friendly, so you can even skate in your chair.

Southern England is full of winter themed events and lots of them include ice rinks. For an outdoor skating experience, Ice Skate Bournemouth is in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens and is wheelchair accessible. Those booking tickets who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids don’t need to book their own sessions either as the ice rink is suitable for everyone to skate together.

In Portsmouth, the Guildhall Square is home to the Portsmouth Ice Rink which has been revamped for this year and they are now running SEND sessions. These are specially designed for those skaters who need a little more peace and quiet as well as additional support, these sessions take place on allocated days and can be booked online. The site is also wheelchair friendly and carers are allowed to skate for free.

If you’re visiting Bath Christmas Market and want to enjoy some time on the ice, Bath on Ice is once again at the Royal Victoria Park. This year, the celebrations have added support including quiet time in the library for those with autism and other sensory conditions. The ice rink is fully wheelchair accessible and is suitable for the whole family.

We can’t not mention Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland in London. This event has extensive accessibility information available online with guidance for the rides, the ice rink, the park itself and just about everything else. Generally speaking, the event offers a PA scheme where carers receive complimentary tickets and the park has a changing places accessible toilet. The event also has a number of quiet spaces that guests can use and access to the event is level for those using mobility aids.

In Wales, Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland prides itself on being one of the most inclusive winter events in the UK. The site is wheelchair accessible and there are additional facilities onsite for those who need extra assistance. While in Swansea, the Waterfront Winterland is offering relaxed sessions with reduced capacity – these sessions also have lower sound and lighting and the rink is wheelchair friendly. Carers can skate for free too and as its under cover, you don’t need to worry about the weather.

So, if you are looking for a fun activity this winter, take a look at the ice rinks. 

Related