How do I buy tickets?

Book your skating session online through our website here.

I have booked online… what happens next?

You will receive a confirmation email with your unique barcode which will be scanned by a member of staff on arrival. You can bring this email as confirmation on your phone, tablet or printed out.

When applicable, if you have qualified for any discounts, special offers or a free companion’s ticket, please ensure you bring with you proof of your entitlement, such as Student ID, membership cards etc. The marshalls at the rink will request proof prior to your skate.

Tickets are unable to be rescheduled or refunded – please check your tickets and booking carefully.  Please ensure you arrive for your session on time (15 – 30 minutes before).

Can I change my booking?

Once booked, tickets are non-transferable and are unable to be rescheduled, refunded or cancelled.

Please check your tickets carefully prior to checking out, as mistakes cannot always be rectified.

I haven’t received my ticket?

Please check your spam mailbox as our email may have gone there. Not there? Please email our customer service team and we will assist you.

For Skate Manchester – hello@skatemanchester.com

How long is the session on the ice for?

Sessions last up to 45 min on the ice.  We allow 15 – 30 min for skate exchange and session change.

Please only bring essential items to the rink with you.  Storage facilities are limited and staff will not be able to look after your belongings for you.

Should I pre-book a session or can I turn up on the day?

We recommend that all sessions are pre-booked online to avoid disappointment and avoid queues on-site at busy periods. This will guarantee your selected session time.

Can I book a Skate aid?

Yes, they are £5 each to hire and are available online here or at the ticket office. Type of aid will be based on availability at the rink at time of skate, and are issued on a first come, first served basis.

If I cannot make it to my booked session, will I get a refund?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer any refunds for non-attendance. It is your responsibility to ensure you leave sufficient time to get to the location.

Is skate hire included?

Skate hire is included.

We hold a large number of skates and a wide range of sizes are available.  Our skate sizes go from size J8 to size 14. We also hold bob-skates for younger skaters.

Skate size availability cannot be guaranteed.  They are issued on a first come, first served basis.

You are able to provide your own skates if preferred. Arena Group is not responsible for your skates, shoes or property when skating at our rinks. There is no reduction in price if you bring your own skates.

Can I bring my own skates?

Skate Hire is included in the ticket price. You are able to provide your own skates if preferred. Arena Group is not responsible for your skates, shoes or property when skating at our rinks. There is no reduction in price if you bring your own skates.

What are your skate sizes?

Our skate sizes go from size J8 to size14.

We cannot guarantee that your size will be available.  We hold hundreds of skates in stock in the range of sizes.  They are provided on a first come first served basis.

Bob-skates are also available on a first come first served basis too, for our younger skaters.

What should I wear?

We recommend wrapping up in warm, outdoor clothing and please wear gloves.

As skates can get wet, it would be a good idea to bring a change of socks for after your session.

Whilst the rink has a roof, there is a risk of getting soggy as there is often surface water on the ice.  If you fall over you will probably get wet.

It is not unsafe to skate on a wet rink, just more uncomfortable if you fall and get wet. It can be more slippery when getting up, which is why we advise wearing gloves – not only to help with the cold, but also to aid traction on the ice when getting up.

Can I bring my bag on the ice?

Bags of any description are NOT permitted on the ice, so we advise to only bring essentials with you. All bags must be placed in the lockers provided. Lockers cost £2.00 and are non-refundable. Lockers must be paid for by card -they are cashless.  Please do not bring large baggage or valuable items to the ice rink as they will not fit into a locker.

Lockers are used entirely at your own risk.

Arena Group does not accept any liability for loss, theft or damage except if caused by
intent or gross negligence of the company or its employees.

Where can I store my luggage whilst I skate?

Please ensure you only bring necessary items to the rink with you.  Storage is limited and you must use a locker provided.  Lockers are £2 and are payable by card only.  They are limited in size and number.

Is there a spectator area?

Yes, on all our sites we have an adjoining spectator decked area and viewing platform. This may not be a covered area so please wrap up warm.

Do I have to pay to be a spectator?

No, it is free to spectate.

Can I park at the Ice Rink?

Car parking is available near Manchester Victoria station. Disabled parking is available on Todd Street (outside Victoria Station).

Is there somewhere to buy food and drinks at the rink before or after skating?

During Scare Skate food and drink with a spooky theme, will be available nearby as part of the ‘Halloween in the City’ celebrations.

There will be a wide selection of food, drink and market stalls on offer at the Christmas Market at Cathedral Gardens, from November 12th.

Is there wheelchair access?

Yes, the ice rink is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Are there toilets at the ice rink?

The nearest toilets can be located at the nearby shopping centre.

If the weather is poor, will I be able to skate?

Although this rink has a roof, all our ice rinks are subject to the elements and due to unseasonably warm weather, high winds or a combination of these weather conditions, the surface of the ice rink can develop a layer of water. It is not unsafe to skate on a wet rink, just more uncomfortable if you fall and get wet. It can be more slippery when getting up, which is why we advise wearing gloves – not only to help with the cold, but also to aid traction on the ice when getting up.

As soon as there is some water on the surface, the wind agitates it and it generally takes longer to refreeze until we have lower temperatures and the wind drops off. Removing the water from the surface is counterproductive as it removes the layer of cold water that is insulating the ice below it, exposing the ice to further melting, and thus affecting the ice depth. All rinks with surface water and the correct thickness of ice are safe to skate on and our priority is to keep the ice safe for all skaters.

Our advanced cooling equipment keeps the rinks frozen and operational in most weather conditions. In the unlikely event that extreme weather conditions force us to close the rink, before your session, we will arrange for you to book into an alternative session, subject to availability.

How old do you have to be to Skate on the Rink?

To skate on our rinks you have to be at least 3 years old.

Skaters aged between 3 and 9 inclusive must be accompanied by an adult (18+) on the ice. Children between 10-12 years of age must be accompanied at the site with adults who are watching at all times. A ratio of 1 adult to 5 children will be accepted.

You can skate on our rink up to any age, although you are responsible for skating and it is not recommended for anyone with serious illness, heart conditions or pregnant mothers to be.

You undertake ice skating at your own risk.

Do you have skate marshalls?

Our Ice Skate Marshalls are on the ice rink to monitor safe skating and will assist when possible if you are a novice.

Will I get wet when skating on the rink?

On all our ice rinks there is a risk of getting wet, if you fall over and have any contact with the surface of the ice rink.

Where are you located?

Skate Manchester is in Cathedral Gardens, Manchester.  Please see the MAP

Can I skate on Christmas Day?

Unfortunately, we are closed on Christmas Day but we are open all other days shown on our website.

Please ensure when booking tickets (particularly for groups) that your booking adheres to all current Government COVID guidelines.  

I would like to celebrate a special occasion.  Do you cater for parties?

Skate Manchester ice rink offers the perfect space for a variety of different events, occasions, and celebrations. We can offer larger group bookings or you can go one step further and hire the whole rink for your special celebration. From birthdays to corporate parties, having the entire rink to yourselves is magical.

Email hello@skatemanchester.com for more information. 

Do I have to wear a mask?

What happens if I, or a member of my household, becomes unwell prior to our session?