Newcastle Christmas 2022: ice rinks in Newcastle over the festive season including the Life Science Centre

Recently, Newcastle has really felt the festive spirit as the Christmas lights were switched on earlier this month (November 15). So, with the festive season in full swing, why don’t you get yourself to one of the many ice rinks Newcastle offers.

Statista.com reveals that around just 62,500 people went ice skating in the UK in 2020. Whilst many consider it dangerous, it’s great fun for the whole family, with anyone at any skill level can take part.

Ice skating can only be done at certain times of the year in most places too. Shortly after Christmas, most markets that have ice skating close and it will be another 10 or so months before you can take to the ice again, so be sure to visit this winter.

Ice skating has been active in the UK since the 17th century, so around 400 years. According to Britannica.com, the first skating club in the UK was formed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1742.

Around 130 years after that, the first rink in the UK with artificially frozen ice was opened in London. It was a private rink, named the Glaciarium. As the festive season is now underway, here are the best ice rinks in Newcastle.

Life Science Centre

The Life Science Centre in Gateshead is the only open-air ice rink in Newcastle and Gateshead this Christmas and is great for families looking for a festive outing. The website warns that pre-booking for Christmas eve is ‘essential’ as that is one of their busier days.

Tickets for families are £40.00, £13.50 per Adult, £10.50 per Concession, £12.00 per Child, £10.00 for children aged 9 and under. They opened on Saturday, November 12 2022 10:00 am and close on Friday, January 6 2023 05:00 pm.

To buy tickets, visit the NewcastleGateshead website.

Whitley Bay Ice Rink

This ice rink is one of only two permanent ice rinks in the North East. It is the home of the Whitley Warriors ice hockey team. It was also host to the Newcastle Vipers, who are now disbanded.

Tickets to skate at the Whitley Bay Ice Rinks are £8 for adults, £7.50 for adults, £7 for students and £1.50 for spectators. It is also £3 to hire skates. You do not need to pre-book tickets and each session lasts two hours. For more information, visit the Whitley Bay Ice Rink website. 

Winter Wonderland - Newcastle Racecourse

Winter Wonderlands are being set up all over the country, and offer a wide variety of Christmas activities to do. One of the most popular things to do at Winter Wonderland is visit Santa.

Tickets for the ice skating for adults cost £9.50, £7.50 for kids and £29 a family ticket which is for two adults and two children. Skates can also be hired, for £5. Ice skating sessions happen every hour, with a singular session lasting 50 minutes per person. For more information, visit the Winter Wonderland website.

Arctic Experience - Metro Centre

Visit the Metro Centre this year for a slice of winter magic inside. This has been open since Monday, November 7 and shoppers can wander into Exhibition Square to soak up the atmosphere, take festive photos and capture lots of memories together with family.

You can even skate for free! All you have to do is simply sign up to the Metrocentre mailing list by clicking the Sign Up Now button on the Metro Centre website. The arctic experience and ice rink will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Eve.

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park - South Shields

This is the only one on this list to have not opened yet, with the ice rink here set to open soon on Friday, December 9. It will be open until January 8, closing just once on Christmas Day.

All skating sessions are an hour long, but Ocean Beach advises that those skating arrive at least 15 minutes before their session starts to get their skates on. Prices for skating are not yet available. For more information, visit the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park website.