Frequently Asked Questions
Portsmouth Ice Rink is located in Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB. The square is a pedestrian area in the main city centre close to the Portsmouth and Southsea railway station and overlooked by the Guildhall. We will be open from Sat 22nd November 2025 – Sun 4th Jan 2026.
For all sessions, unless otherwise stated, the minimum age for children to skate is 3 years old. All 3 to 7 year olds must be accompanied onto the ice by an adult (someone 18 years old and above) in skates, with up to a maximum of 5 children per adult. We recommend that children aged 7 to 11 are accompanied by an adult although the adult need not be skating. If you are pregnant, have a heart condition or any serious illness we would recommend you seek medical advice if you are unsure as to whether you can participate. While anyone ice skating will need a ticket, Portsmouth Ice Rink welcomes everyone. Whether you are with a group who is skating or not, there is lots to see and do at our rink and the site is not restricted to skaters only. Entry to the Ice Rink site, to spectate, is free of charge.
INCLUSION
We’re proud to warmly welcome guests of all ages (3 years+) with Special Educational Needs, disabilities, or sensory sensitivities. The day time week day sessions during the period from when we open until the School Holidays (from 19th December) are a perfect time for quieter skates before the Christmas holiday period when it tends to get busier. Please note, there will be music playing during every session.
Yes the rink is wheelchair accessible, however you will need to be accompanied by a carer, who will be able to skate free of charge. The ticket should be booked for the wheelchair user’s ticket category
Upon arrival at the rink, our staff will assist wheelchair users and their companion onto the ice via ramped access.
Prices start from £13.00 for a child (5-15), £15.00 for an adult (16+), or £15.50 for an adult and preschooler (under 5yrs). Concessions and group booking discounts are available.
Contact us with any queries. Tickets, concessions are also available. Keep an eye on social media for special offers and giveaways!
We strongly recommend that all sessions are pre-booked online to avoid disappointment and avoid queues on site during busy periods. Tickets can be printed at home or a QR code can be presented at the Box Office via smartphone. Tickets for future sessions can be purchased at the Box Office.
All ice skating tickets are non refundable. No refunds will be made unless the management has found it necessary to close the Ice Rink due to Health & Safety or technical concerns. If you are unable to make your session and would like to change it, please email enquiries@portsmouthiceskating.uk at least 48 hours before your session and the team will endeavour to move your session.
Please be advised movement of tickets are discretionary and subject to availability. To view our full T’s and C’s, which you accept by making a booking and purchasing tickets, click here.
Following the Global Covid-19 pandemic, safety remains our highest priority. We have several measures in place as a result.
Please see our COVID page for full information and our COVID booking policy.
There are no toilets on site but there are local council toilets nearby. Please ask a member of staff if you need directions. Some of the local eateries are happy for skaters to use their facilities, especially if you are purchasing a drink or some food, but we’d please remind visitors to ask permission first.
Please note email tickets use an American date format.
For example, a ticket for 2nd Dec 2025 will show on your ticket as 12/02/2025
We understand that mistakes can happen so if you have booked for the wrong date and want to change this, please contact us and we’ll endeavour to accommodate you. Please note, however, that as per our T’s and C’s, you’ll need to let us know in email at least 48 hours before your booked session to allow us to move it and, while we’ll always endeavour to be accommodating, this cannot be guaranteed. Please note, we are unable to make date changes via requests via social media.
Yes, ice skates are included in the price of your ticket.
Yes we have skate aids, available for hire for £6.50 per session. Due to health and safety we only have a limited number of skate aids available per session so pre booking is strongly recommended as they are available on a first come, first served basis. Skate aids can be collected at the Skate Exchange area.
Please note, skate aids are intended for use for under 10’s only or those who are particularly new to skating. They are not intended for adult use.
Skate aids can be booked online, in advance, and there may be skate aids available to hire on the day of your skate but please note that this is subject to availability. If the option to book online is not shown then this means that all skate aids are likely sold out for that session.
Yes, figure skates and hockey skates are allowed, but the organisers reserve the right not to allow skates deemed to be unsafe. Please be aware that there is no change to the pricing if you bring your own skates.
Unless stated, our general ice rink opening times are below. You can see the booking times on our website when you book tickets.
Monday – Wednesday: First session is from 10:00 – 11:00 & the last session is from 20:00 – 21:00
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: First session is from 10:00 – 11:00 & the last session is from 21:15 – 22:15
Sunday: First session is from 10:00 – 11:00 & the last session is from 20:00 – 21:00
Early morning skates:
For those early risers we offer early morning sessions (which are generally nice and quiet) from 09:00 – 10:00 on the following days.
- Mon 15th Dec – Fri 19th Dec
- Sat 27th and Sun 28th Dec
- Fri 2nd Jan
Dedicated family sessions: 11:00 – 12:00 every weekday
Dedicated SEND sessions:
- Sun 23rd Nov from 11:00 – 12:00
- Weds 26th Nov from 16:45 – 17:45
- Tues 2nd Dec from 16:45 – 17:45
- Thurs 11th Dec at 10:00 – 11:00
- Sat 13th Dec at 10:00 – 11:00
LIVE DJ NIGHTS:
The following sessions will include live music/DJs rink side. Others may be added, so watch our socials for updates here!
- Sat 29th Nov from 20:00 – 21:00 and 21:15 – 22:15
- Sat 3rd Jan from 20:00 – 21:00 and 21:15 – 22:15
Unless stated, the site will be open from 10:00 every day and will close after the final ice skating session. Please note there may be occasions where the rink is closed to the public due to a school group skating session or for private functions. Please note that weekday, term time, morning sessions are recommended for anyone wishing to skate during a quieter period.
Yes, a first aider will be available to assist as required. In the event you or a member of your party should need first aid treatment, please alert a member of staff immediately.
Beverages and a range of snacks and treats will be available to purchase rink-side from vending machines. We encourage visitors to use Portsmouth’s surrounding outlets including Starbucks, 7Bone and JD Wetherspoon pub Isambard Kingdom Brunel, for food and drink.
Please contact us via enquiries@portsmouthiceskating.uk or call us on 0845 299 7991. We are normally contactable via social media, but please be mindful that responses may not be instant! Our social media will generally be responded to only during working hours of 09:00 – 17:00.
