Southampton City Ice Rink: 21 November - 11 January
The Southampton City Ice Rink brought to you by Cousins Entertainment Ltd and Southampton City Council will form the centrepiece of the city’s Christmas celebrations this winter.
The 20m x 30m rink with real ice, will have a capacity of 200 skaters at any one time. It will be open from Friday 21 November until Sunday 11 January, excluding Christmas Day.
Opening Times
Monday to Wednesday - 10am to 8.30pm
Thursday to Saturday - 10am to 9.30pm
Sundays - 10am to 8.30pm
Special Openings
Christmas Eve - 10 to 6.30pm
Christmas Day - Closed
Boxing Day – 11am to 8.30pm
New Years Eve – 10am to 8.30pm
New Years Day – 10am to 9.30pm
Location
The Southampton City Ice Rink will be located in the car park at the front of the Civic Centre as indicated on the map:
View Larger Map
If you are using Sat Nav the postcode is SO14 7LP. Please note that car parking is suspended for the duration of the ice rink and it is advisable to use other city centre car parks.
Price and Tickets
Each skating session will last for an hour (including skate change, from shoes to skates and back again).
Peak Prices - £8.50 adult, £6.50 children, students, concessions. Family Ticket £28.
Off Peak Prices - (Monday - Friday 10.00am until 3.00pm during term time) £6.50 adults, £4.50 children, students, concessions. Family Ticket £21.
Groups - Buy 10 tickets get one free.
Schools - £3.95 per child, teachers go free (Monday - Friday 10.00am until 3.00pm during term time)
Private Hire - By Arrangement.
Advance tickets will be available from September.
Car Park Closure
The Civic Centre Car Park will close completely for all vehicles, including motor cycles and disabled parking on Sunday 9 November and will reopen on Friday 23 January 2009. With the exception of emergency vehicles, this will become a completely pedestrian area. Alternative parking options for Civic guests, disabled drivers and visitors to Gateway will be signposted well in advance of the closure.
Southampton City Ice Rink is subject to planning permission and licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the ice rink still be open if it is raining?
The Ice Rink is open come rain or shine. So please dress according to the weather. On occasion there may be a layer of water on the ice surface, but this will not affect your skating although you may get wet if you fall over!
Is there a minimum age to use the ice rink?
Please note that there is a minimum age for children of 4 years old to go on the ice rink. 4 – 7 year olds must be accompanied onto the ice by an adult (18 years old and above) in skates. A maximum of 5 children per adult. We recommend for our evening sessions that children under age of 14 are accompanied by an adult (the adult need not be skating).
What clothes should I wear?
To make your visit as enjoyable as possible we recommend the following dress code:
Long socks – i.e. not trainer socks; trousers or tracksuit bottoms for male and female skaters, thin layers of clothing under a thick jumper or sweatshirt with a waterproof above; gloves, hats and scarves are also recommended – the scarf must be tucked in securely. Please note – 'hoodies' are not permitted to be worn up on the ice as they affect your all-round vision.
Should I wear sunglasses?
On sunny days it is recommended that you use sun block and sunglasses to help protect you from the glare and reflective nature of the white ice surface.
Do I need to bring my own skates?
Skate hire is FREE. If you wish to bring your own skates please ask a member of staff to check their condition and suitability for our rink. All of our skates are brand new, sharp (!) and ready to go. We can accommodate all sizes up to and including adult size 15. for our youngest skaters we go down to EU size 27.
I use a wheelchair; can I still use the ice rink?
Absolutely, wheelchair users are welcome to take to the ice and join in the fun in their own wheelchair. You must be accompanied by a responsible person, in skates when on the ice at all times.
Please note that:
• When booking your ticket please state you are a wheelchair user.
• Your session is free, only your skating companion will be charged.
• Upon arrival at the rink, Cousins Entertainment Ltd staff will assist you and your companion onto the ice via ramped access.
For your safety and enjoyment and to ensure that you get the most out of your visit, the sessions available are Monday – Friday, any session. For Health & Safety reasons for all concerned, weekend sessions will not be available.
Is there anywhere I can put my personal belongings while I skate?
Where possible please keep your personal belongings to a minimum. Any items left behind skate hire or in lockers (if provided) are left at the Owners Risk. No bags or rucksacks are allowed on the ice. The organisers accept no responsibility for any items which are left unattended.
Refund Policy
No refunds will be made unless Cousins Entertainment Limited have found it necessary to close the ice rink due to Health & Safety or technical concerns. On rainy days the rink will operate as normal and as an outdoor event, no refunds will be given for bad weather.
Safety First!
IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT ICE SKATING CAN BE HAZARDOUS. ALL SKATERS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SKATE AT THEIR OWN RISK. PLEASE READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION & CODE OF CONDUCT.
If you would like to contact someone about this page, please send an email to: events@southampton.gov.uk
Last updated: 12 August 2008
