While Edinburgh might not be the country’s number one destination when it comes to ice rinks, there are still opportunities to dust one’s skates off during the winter season. As the festive season is upon us with all the Christmassy lights and cheerful vibes, here are a few ice rinks in and around Edinburgh to take up skating during Christmastime.
1. George Street Ice Rink
Edinburgh’s Christmas, George Street
From November 26 until January 3, George Street will become home to a festive ice rink as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas, where newbies and ice skating experts alike can have a go at brushing off their skating skills. A long ice rink will be winding along George Street between Charlotte Square and Castle Street, famously known as ‘Lidl on Ice’ (have a wild guess at who the sponsor is). Skating slots are available between 10am and 10pm, with limited times until 7pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Standard tickets are £13, and if you’re an Edinburgh resident with an EH postcode, you’re eligible for 20% off your ticket. Children’s tickets are £11, with penguin hire available for an additional £5. To book your tickets, visit here.
2. Murrayfield Ice Rink
13 Riversdale Cres, EH12 5XN
Murrayfield Ice Rink is a multi-purpose venue, where more activities take place on top of regular public ice skating: ice hockey and skate school being a couple of examples. This is the perfect place to visit if you’ve got your own skates, as there is a £3 charge for skate hire with a standard ticket at £10. They even have skate sharpening available to get the rusty skates up to par, and if you attend an ice hockey game, you get a free skate after. Moreover, on Fridays there is a ice skating Disco Session where guests can show off their dancing on ice moves with some melodic tunes. The venue is generally open from 10am, but it’s best to check out Murrayfield Ice Arena’s Facebook page before you go.
3. Active Stirling Ice Rink
Active Stirling Limited, The PEAK, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
This one’s in Stirling, but with plenty of additional activities to ice skating, such as a saunas and steam rooms, a swimming pool and a gym. Active Stirling is a similar, but cheaper ice skating experience to Murrayfield Ice Arena, and there are also separate sessions for more proficient skaters, as well as Ice Discos on a select Saturdays once a month. At the public sessions, children skate for just £4, and adults for £7.50, with a skate hire cost of £2.50. This is the ideal day out for the whole family, with penguins and snowmen available for hire to help with learning. While booking is not mandatory, you can still book your session online here, and make sure to check session times before you go.