Make staying active during the winter period easy with these ice skating experiences across the North. From Manchester to Liverpool to Yorkshire, there are plenty of places for you to glide (or slip) with your friends and family. So, wrap up warm, grab an easy train with Northern and enjoy one of the festive period's best events.
1. Skate Manchester
Nearest station: Manchester Victoria
Teaming up with Octopus Energy this year, Skate Manchester will be in the Cathedral Gardens right next to the Manchester Victoria station, with a 15-metre Fatboy Spin wind turbine partially powering the rink. This turbine will be replacing the traditional Christmas tree, offering a just as dazzling centre piece. Grab a ticket to Skate Manchester to enjoy the spectacle along with the community awareness that the rink is pioneering. Head along with Northern and book your ticket in advance for up to 60% off.
2. Bishop Auckland
Nearest station: Bishop Auckland
Only available from 4 December through to 7 December, this limited-time event will give you a taste of small-town vibes with big-town energy. The ice rink is open across a variety of times, but on the weekend you'll find it open from 10am through to 8pm on Saturday and up until 6pm on Sunday. Find yourself a Golden Pass and enjoy all the festivities Bishop Auckland will have on offer, or just enjoy soaring around the ice. The choice is yours.
3. Centre for Life
Nearest station: Newcastle
The Centre for Life is back with its open-air ice skating rink for another consecutive year. An established part of Newcastle's festive calendar, the rink will be open from November 8 through to January 4, giving you plenty of opportunity to enjoy this Newcastle tradition. Enjoy cheaper journeys with Northern’s Duo tickets, perfect for you and one other person to travel where and when you like on the Northern network.
4. Nottingham Ice Rink & Sky Skate
Nearest station: Nottingham
Soar into the sky in with the unique Sky Skate path at the Nottingham Winter Wonderland. You'll be able to glide several metres above the Christmas market stalls, gaining a whole new perspective on the festivities below. If heights aren't your thing, you can still enjoy the magical rink on the ground, making this perfect for daredevils and chilled skaters. Grab an anytime ticket with Northern and enjoy a full day of festive fun.
5. Leeds Ice Cube
Nearest station: Leeds
The Ice Cube at Christmas is back in Millennium Square giving you a great opportunity to test your ice skating abilities in between your Christmas market shopping. Right in the centre of Leeds, the Ice Cube is easily accessible and suitable for all ages and skill levels. Being right next to the Christmas market, it can be a good break from your frantic festive shopping.
Visit some of the North's greatest ice rinks
Make the most of this festive season with Northern and enjoy easy travel to all your favourite destinations. Whether you want to glide around the rinks with glee or wander through the markets to find the perfect gift, Northern is here to make your travel easy and smooth. During the winter period, make sure to check before you travel to avoid any disruptions on your journey.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.