The National Ice Centre in Nottingham is a premier facility for ice sports, accommodating both recreational skating and professional competitions. Opened in 2000, it features an Olympic-sized rink and is home to the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team. The centre offers a variety of public sessions throughout the week, catering to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced skaters. Visitors can enjoy ice skating lessons, themed skating evenings, and special events, making it a popular destination for families and ice sports enthusiasts alike.
What each source says
- Google 4.4 2,221
- Tripadvisor 3.5 36
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Good Facilities and Viewing The venue is bright and has a cafe overlooking the rink, so nonskaters can watch with refreshments. There is also locker facilities (for a small fee) and the seating has good sight lines for events.
- Good Quality Ice and Skates The ice is typically well-maintained and smooth, making for a good skating experience. The rental skates are also reportedly better quality than those at other rinks and are included in the price.
- Helpful and Friendly Staff Many reviewers noted the staff were kind, welcoming, helpful and polite. Some reviewers had staff members go above and beyond to ensure they were safe and having a good experience, even for beginners.
- Relaxed and Accessible Sessions The center holds relaxed skating sessions with no music and neutral lighting which is great for people with anxiety and sensory sensitivities. Staff are attentive and there are skating aids available.
- Well-Organized and Managed The venue is generally well-organized, and staff manage the number of skaters on the ice effectively. There are supervisors and coaches on the ice, which is reassuring and helps maintain order.
Criticised
- Additional Costs Add Up While skate hire is included, other amenities like skating aids and lockers require extra payment. Some reviewers felt that the overall cost was not worth it compared to other rinks.
- Ice Quality Deteriorates Quickly During busy sessions, the ice can get choppy and cut up relatively quickly. One reviewer suggested that the ice needs to be resurfaced mid-session during longer skates.
- Overcrowding and Reckless Skaters The rink can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during family skate events. Fast and inexperienced skaters may not be considerate, causing safety concerns for others.
- Parking Issues Reviewers cited parking can be difficult. This may particularly affect someone who is traveling from out of town and unfamiliar with the area.
- Variable Staff Attitude While most reviewers praised the staff, some encountered staff members who were not in a good mood or had a bad attitude. This inconsistency could affect the overall experience.
The longer read
The National Ice Centre is a popular venue for ice skating in Nottingham, offering public skating sessions, lessons, and hosting ice hockey events. Many reviewers found the staff to be friendly, helpful, and well-organized. The venue is considered a good experience overall, with decent facilities. Several reviewers mentioned the quality of the ice, with some noting it was smooth and well-maintained, while others mentioned it could become choppy or rough, especially during busy periods. A few reviewers indicated that the ice is resurfaced periodically. Skate hire is included in the price, and the rental skates are considered to be of good quality. Skating aids are available for an additional fee. Some reviewers mention that the venue can get crowded, especially during peak times like weekends and school holidays. This can lead to a somewhat chaotic environment with skaters of varying skill levels. Some reviewers felt that there should be better enforcement of rules to ensure the safety and consideration of all skaters, particularly beginners. However, others found the atmosphere to be enjoyable. The National Ice Centre offers dedicated relaxed skating sessions with no music and neutral lighting for those who prefer a quieter environment, which are highly praised by users with anxiety or autism. The arena hosts ice hockey games, and is considered a good venue for watching sports, with good sightlines and comfortable seating. Food at the venue is noted to be expensive. Parking can be challenging. There is a cafe overlooking the rink and a team shop.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Website
- national-ice-centre.com
| Mon | 9:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 9:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 9:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 9:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.6 across the 3 venues we hold for Sneinton, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What time of year offers the best conditions and events for skating at the National Ice Centre?
- What are the different ticket and price options available for public sessions and special events at the National Ice Centre?
- Which family-friendly activities and programs does the National Ice Centre provide for children and beginners?
- What accessibility facilities and accommodations are available for visitors with mobility challenges at the National Ice Centre?
- What other nearby attractions or dining options can be combined with a visit to the National Ice Centre in Nottingham?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.