1 / 3National Ice Centre
📍 Nottingham, North West
East Midlands' flagship ice venue with two rinks, a Learn to Skate programme covering Levels 1–8, dedicated tots zones from 18 months, and birthday party packages with group discounts.
The National Ice Centre is an outstanding venue that delivers a brilliant experience whether you’re a first-time skater, a family looking for fun, or a serious ice sports fan. Located in the heart of Nottingham, it’s modern, spacious, and well organised, making it one of the best ice facilities in the UK. The main rink is impressive, with excellent ice quality that’s clearly well maintained. Public skating sessions are lively but not chaotic, and there’s always a good balance between atmosphere and safety. Staff members are friendly, approachable, and visible on the ice, which is reassuring for beginners and parents with children. Skate hire is efficient, and the equipment is generally in good condition. The seating areas provide great views of the rink, especially during ice hockey games or figure skating events, where the energy in the arena really comes alive. Facilities such as lockers, toilets, and cafés are clean and well kept, adding to the overall comfort of the visit. Prices are reasonable for the quality on offer, and booking in advance online is simple and convenient. Overall, the National Ice Centre offers a professional yet welcoming environment that caters to all ages and abilities. It’s a fantastic place for family days out, social skating, or watching high-level ice sports, and it consistently delivers a memorable experience.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children who have some skating experience or are enrolling in lessons — the Level 1–8 programme is well-structured and the ice quality is good. First-timers and nervous children will find weekend sessions overwhelming due to crowd density; weekday sessions are significantly quieter.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →2,268 Google reviews
SOULPURPOSE
3 months ago
“The National Ice Centre is an outstanding venue that delivers a brilliant experience whether you’re a first-time skater, a family looking for fun, or a serious ice sports fan. Located in the heart of Nottingham, it’s modern, spacious, and well organised, making it one of the best ice facilities in the UK. The main rink is impressive, with excellent ice quality that’s clearly well maintained. Public skating sessions are lively but not chaotic, and there’s always a good balance between atmosphere and safety. Staff members are friendly, approachable, and visible on the ice, which is reassuring for beginners and parents with children. Skate hire is efficient, and the equipment is generally in good condition. The seating areas provide great views of the rink, especially during ice hockey games or figure skating events, where the energy in the arena really comes alive. Facilities such as lockers, toilets, and cafés are clean and well kept, adding to the overall comfort of the visit. Prices are reasonable for the quality on offer, and booking in advance online is simple and convenient. Overall, the National Ice Centre offers a professional yet welcoming environment that caters to all ages and abilities. It’s a fantastic place for family days out, social skating, or watching high-level ice sports, and it consistently delivers a memorable experience.”
Jayne Savage
a month ago
“Great staff very helpful. Only downside is the skates you hire, do really need replacing, poor condition and shabby”
Arturs Alksnis
2 months ago
“Good ice rink but skates coud be better. Children skates was good with latches, but adult ones was with laces so couldn't tie tight enough, so skates were a bit wobbly. Otherwise good place. Good choice of skating aids for kids. Quite busy as well.”
Naomi Peachey
3 months ago
“(family trip with brother and niece and nephew 15 and 11yrs) I wouldn't go here again. It was chaos from start to finish. Getting on and off the ice between sessions had really bad organisation and was just a huge crush. They just seem to cram as many people on the ice as possible, to the point where it feels completely unsafe. All ages, all abilities, all equipment. I saw many collisions, near misses, it was like running the gauntlet trying to avoid others. I was continually hit from behind by toboggans with parents unable to control their speed/direction. You could share a couple of strides before shuffling in throngs of people.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
National Ice Centre runs public skating, disco sessions, parent and tots sessions, and a structured lesson programme from Level 1 to Level 8. The tots zone operates during weekend sessions and is designed for children from 18 months. Skating aids are available for learners. A speed skating club, hockey programme, and school-group bookings also operate from the venue. Hire skates have received consistent criticism for poor condition — adult lace-up skates in particular.

