It doesn't matter if you're more like Bambi than Torvill and Dean; ice-skating is a great way to keep fit while enjoying yourself, whatever your ability. Check out these fabulous places to skate, for all ages and abilities.

Ice rinks to enjoy all year round

Vindico Arena, Cardiff Bay, South Wales

Whether you have never skated before or you're planning on competing in the next Winter Olympic Games, Vindico Arena offer courses to cater for all ages and levels. Alternatively, simply book onto a public skating session, hire some skates and free-style your way around the ice.

Located in the heart of Cardiff Bay it is a unique multipurpose venue with two ice rinks and seating for over 3,000 spectators. It is also home to the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team, who play in the British Elite Ice Hockey League, which is the top tier of ice hockey in the UK.

Two people skating across the ice.
A man and a child skating on the ice holding one of the child supports.

Vindico Arena, Cardiff Bay, South Wales

Deeside Ice Arena, Flintshire, North Wales

Aura’s Olympic-sized Ice Pad re-opened following refurbishment in December 2022. The Ice Arena is part of Deeside Leisure Centre, and offers multiple sessions for all age groups including public skating, patch ice, ice skating lessons and discos on ice. Skate hire and skating aids are available, together with a rink-side snack bar, making it a day out that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

If ice hockey is your sport you can watch a game and cheer on the home team, the Deeside Dragons, who compete in the National Ice Hockey League (Division 1 North).

Book the ice activities via the dedicated online platform on the Aura Wales website.

Seasonal outdoor ice rinks

During the winter months there are a number of seasonal skating rinks that pop up in various locations as part of the winter wonderlands.

Winter Wonderland Ice Skating, Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales

From October - January, dates TBC. Set within the pleasure park, Winter Wonderland Ice Skating comes to Barry Island. Get your skates on for a festive swish around the ice and follow it up with a go on the rides. 

Swansea Waterfront Winterland, West Wales

November - January, dates TBC. Waterfront Winterland brings festive frolics to Swansea city centre. The alpine cabins and funfair attractions move in to Museum Park by the National Waterfront Museum, with a big all-ages ice rink and a smaller children-only ice rink. Partner your visit to the site with some Christmas shopping in The Quadrant shopping centre or on Oxford Street.

ice skaters in covered outdoor rink with coloured lights
night time shot of winter wonderland fairground with toys in the foreground, people walking between amusements and a big wheel lit up in the background

Waterfront Wonderland, Swansea Bay, West Wales

Ice Rink and Walk, Cardiff Castle, South Wales

November - January, dates TBC. Cardiff's Winter Wonderland returns to the heart of the capital city each year. Cardiff Castle is home to this hugely popular winter attraction, with it's covered ice rink and a magical 150m open-air ice walk, for plenty of ice-skating fun.

big wheel lit up at night.
Cardiff sign lit up.
lit up signs and ornamental ice hockey sign.

Christmas in Cardiff, South Wales

Caerphilly on Ice, South Wales

November - January, dates TBC. Enjoy a magical winter extravaganza at Caerphilly on Ice. As well as ice skating there's food and drink

Skating at ICC Wales, Newport, South Wales

December - January, dates TBC. Enjoy skating at ICC Wales in Newport, with smooth synthetic ice. As well as the eco-friendly Glice rink, there are festive food and drink and Christmas gift stalls. 

The Meadows Farm Village, Cardiff, South Wales

The Meadows Farm Village have skating as an optional part of entry to the farm/zoo. During the winter this synthetic ice rink is part of the experience that includes seeing the animals, a Santa experience and light trail. During the summer the rink is used for roller skating.

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