The 5 Best Ice Skating Rinks in Newcastle and Nearby Areas for Twirls, Spins, and a Dash of Frost
There I was, glued to Dancing on Ice, utterly captivated by the sequins, spins, and the occasional dramatic tumble.
It hit me—if they can glide about looking like swans on steroids, maybe I could give it a whirl. Granted, I’ve got two left feet and the grace of a baby giraffe, but hey, life’s about trying, right?
Ice skating seemed like the perfect mix of fun and mildly terrifying. Plus, it’s an excellent excuse to cling to a mate’s arm while pretending you’re mastering the art of balance.
And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to feel like they’re in a Christmas rom-com, gliding under fairy lights?
So, I started hunting down the best ice skating rinks in Newcastle—because if I’m going to risk a bruised ego (and bum), it might as well be somewhere decent.
Who’s in? I promise these are absolutely worth checking out!
1. Life
Media credit: scienceatlife
Website: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/ice-skating/
Location: Life Science Centre, Times Square
Contact Details: +44 191 243 8210
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Ticket Prices:
- Family of 4 (max. 2 adults): £46.00 (members £40.00)
- Adult (age 18 and over): £15.00 (members £14.00)
- Child (age 9 and under): £11.50 (members £10.50)
Life’s outdoor ice rink is a proper winter wonderland, especially when Christmas rolls around. It’s all about real ice—none of that fake, plasticky nonsense—and welcomes skaters of all levels.
Each session runs for an hour, but between lacing up and the occasional wobble break, you’ll get about 45 minutes on the ice.
And if you need a hand staying upright, skating aids are there for hire (ideal for kids or grown-ups who refuse to admit they’re wobbly). And yes, skate hire is included in the ticket price—no extra faff.
When you’re done skating (or laughing at your mates trying to), you can pop into the Times Square Cafe for a hot chocolate or something comforting.
Pro tip:
Make sure to book your tickets online—early birds not only get their slot but also bag a cheeky discount.
2. Whitley Bay Ice Rink
Media credit: whitleybayicerinkofficial
Website: https://whitleybayicerink.co.uk/
Location: Hillheads Road, Whitley Bay
Contact Details: +44 191 291 1000
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Monday & Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday & Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
- Family: £30.00 (plus £14 for skate hire)
- Adult: £9.00
- Child: £8.50
- Student: £8.50 (Not valid for school holidays, weekends, or discos)
Whitley Bay Ice Rink has you sorted with year-round fun on the ice.
From beginners taking their first steps on the ice to seasoned skaters practising their skills, there’s something for everyone. Plus, it’s a venue with history—it’s hosted Olympic talent, after all.
There are also skating sessions, lessons for all levels, and even thrilling ice hockey matches with the Whitley Warriors.
And if you’re planning a celebration, their party packages include skating time, a special shoutout, and a post-skating meal to keep the energy up.
For groups, there are discounted rates, and private hire options are available for larger gatherings. To top it off, free parking and convenient transport links make visiting this ice skating rink a breeze.
Pro tip:
If you’re after a quieter skating session, aim for Monday to Friday before 6 PM. It’s much calmer, and you’ll have more space to glide around without dodging the crowds!
3. Rainton Arena
Media credit: sunderlandlivearena
Website: https://sunderland-live.com/events/ice-skating-2024/
Location: Rainton Arena, Mercantile Road, Houghton Le Spring
Contact Details: +44 191 580 2666
Operating Hours:
- Different dates per year
Ticket Prices:
- Family of 4: £8 midweek, £24 weekends
Located approximately 10 to 12 miles (16 to 19 km) from Newcastle, Rainton Arena’s ice rink offers various skating sessions throughout the day. In fact, this is one of my friends’ favourite venues to glide.
For those planning something special, the rink is also available for private hire, making it ideal for corporate events or parties.
Also, the rink’s flexible timings, including afternoon and evening slots, mean you can skate at your convenience.
Once you’re booked and ready to hit the ice, your ticket includes skate hire and an hour of skating, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the experience.
Pro tip:
I’d suggest booking your tickets in advance via Skiddle to secure your spot, as the popular sessions can fill up quickly.
4. Billingham Forum Ice Rink
Media credit: r2gteesdurham
Website: https://www.forumicearena.co.uk/
Location: The Causeway, Town Centre, Billingham
Contact Details: +44 1642 551381
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Ticket Prices:
- Adult: £7.85
- Junior: £6.85
Like Rainton Arena, Billingham Forum Ice Rink is located a bit further from Newcastle, but it offers a cracking ice skating experience for all ages that I know you’ll love.
Originally opened in 1967, it underwent a massive revamp and reopened in 2011. It now boasts top-notch facilities and attracts over 200,000 visitors a year.
What’s more, the rink caters to all skill levels, from pros to beginners—even those who are still finding their balance.
If you need a helping hand, penguin skating aids are available for the little ones, and there are lessons to help polish your skills or get you started.
On top of that, the rink hosts some wild events, like foam and UV parties for the under-18 crowd, making it a lively spot for everyone.
Pro tip:
Before jumping into a public session, give the Learn to Skate lesson a go. It’s a great way to build your confidence on the ice, and it’s a fun way to boost your fitness at the same time.
5. Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
Media credit: oceanbeachpleasurepark
Website: https://www.oceanbeach.co.uk/
Location: Middle Arcade, Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, Sea Road, South Shields
Contact Details: +44 107 54046
Ticket Prices:
- Ice Skating: £14
- Families (2 adults, 2 kids): £48
Another must-visit ice rink near Newcastle is Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, which runs from December to January. This undercover real ice rink offers the perfect winter experience, all while keeping you warm and dry.
With festive music and lights creating a magical atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place for a day of skating fun with family and friends.
What I like most about it is that you can bring your own skates, but don’t worry if you don’t have any—they provide a range of sizes for both kids and adults.
And if you’re new to skating, they’ve got skate aids available to help you glide with confidence.
Pro tip:
For a quieter experience, check out their Sunday morning sessions, where the rink is free from music and flashing lights.