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 25th Nov 2023 – Sun 7th Jan 2024.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, ice skates are included in the price of your ticket.
Yes we have skate aids, available for hire for £5.00 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. 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.
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.
Please see our ice rink opening times below.
Sunday – Wednesday: 10:00 – last session starts at 20:00
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 – last session starts at 21:15
New for this season: Early morning weekday sessions from 09:00 – 10:00 on the following days
- Mon 18th Dec – Fri 22 Dec
- Weds 27th Dec – Fri 29 Dec
- Tues 2nd Jan – Fri 5th Dec
Dedicated family sessions: 11:00 – 12:00 every weekday
Dedicated SEND sessions:
- Sun 26th Nov from 11:00 – 12:00
- Weds 29th Nov from 15:30 – 16:30
- Weds 6th Dec from 15:30 – 16:30
- Weds 13th Dec at 10:00 – 11:00
- Sat 16th Dec at 10:00 – 11:00
LIVE DJ NIGHTS:
The following sessions will include live music:
Sat 2nd Dec from 20:00 – 21:00 and 21:15 – 22:15
Fri 8th Dec 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. There is also a dedicated area for anyone who may require first aid. 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 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.
