The best ice skating spots in Glasgow made me feel like Michelle Kwan!
Lately, I’ve been spending more time at the ice rink, and I can’t get enough of it. There’s just something about the cold air on your face as you try to nail a smooth glide, even if you don’t always succeed.
And of course, it’s always fun having a laugh with my pals as we race across the ice. It’s turned into one of my favourite ways to spend a few hours, whether I’m actually trying to improve or just messing about.
Since I know there are many who are keen to give it a shot, I have put together a list of the best ice skating spots in Glasgow so you can find the perfect spot to get started.
George Square
– Photo credit: dixonmaeve
Website: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/george-square-p1976921
Address: George Square, G2 1DH
Contact details: +44 141 287 2000
Whenever winter arrives in Glasgow, George Square turns into something special. This stunning landmark hosts the annual WinterFest, a lively fair with food stalls, a Ferris Wheel, and, of course, an ice skating rink.
The rink is simple but always worth a visit since you don’t have to travel far to enjoy it. With WinterFest’s festive lights and the bustle of crowds passing by, the whole experience feels magical.
I try to skate here whenever I get the chance. There’s nothing better than spending time on the ice with my pals, chatting and taking it easy. Afterwards, we usually stop by a food stall for a warm cup of chocolate to wrap up the night.
Pro tip: Since George Square’s ice rink is seasonal and tends to get busy, it’s best to book your session in advance, especially if you’re planning to go on weekends or evenings. You can follow WinterFest’s Instagram and Facebook pages so you know when tickets will be available.
Braehead Ice Centre
– Photo credit: braeheadice
Website: https://braeheadicecentre.co.uk/
Address: Braehead Arena, Renfrew, King’s Inch Rd
Contact details: +44 141 465 0101
Operating hours:
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (TUES)
6:30 AM – 8:00 AM (WED)
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (THURS)
2:30 PM – 9:00 PM (FRI)
10:30 AM – 8:30 PM (SAT)
10:30 AM – 4:00 PM (SUN)
Price:
General admission – £10
Children under 5 – £5
If you’ve not been to Braehead Ice Centre yet, you’re missing out. It’s a cracking spot to show off your skating skills, and since it’s the home of the Glasgow Clan, the rink is built for proper ice hockey action.
I love how massive the rink is. Even though it’s one of the busiest skating spots in the city, it never feels overcrowded. And since your ticket includes all the gear you need, it’s a cheap and easy way to get on the ice without any hassle.
What makes Braehead even better is the events they run to mix things up. My personal favourite is the Ice Disco. It’s brilliant when the lights go down and the music kicks in!
Pro tip: If you’re keen to sharpen your skating skills, Braehead Ice Centre’s Learn to Skate sessions are a good option. They offer 8 courses for different skill levels, all in 4-week blocks to help you build confidence on the ice. You can book a session here to get started.
The Time Capsule
– Photo credit: alysonaird
Website: https://www.activenl.co.uk/time-capsule
Address: 100 Buchanan St, Coatbridge ML5 1DL
Contact details: +44 1236 812679
Operating hours:
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Price:
Adult – £9.40
Junior – £6.85
If you’re after more than just ice skating, The Time Capsule is well worth a visit. It’s a full-on leisure centre with a waterpark, making it a good spot if you fancy switching things up every now and then.
First off, their ice skating rink is pretty decent, with a size that’s big enough to allow everyone to have fun even during peak hours. It’s beginner-friendly too, with skating aids available so anyone can get the hang of it without hassle.
What’s also nice is you don’t have to worry about bringing your own equipment, since they’ve got rental skates you can use for a small fee. And if you fancy something with a bit more action, they occasionally host ice hockey games you can join.
Pro tip: If you want to visit The Time Capsule regularly, getting an Active NL membership is a solid way to save money. It gives you huge discounts on ice skating sessions, swimming pools, and even the waterpark when it’s open.
Hamilton Ice Rink
– Photo credit: mihaela.iancu.311
Website: https://lanarkshireicerink.blogspot.com/
Address: Off Muir St, Hamilton ML3 6BS
Contact details: +44 1698 282448
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Price: £7.50
If you’re up for the trip, Hamilton Ice Rink is a cracking spot for a skate. It’s in Hamilton, just southeast of Glasgow, and well worth a visit if you fancy a change of scenery.
I’ve had a few good sessions here, and the ice is always smooth, so you can focus on sharpening your skills without worrying about rough patches. The rink is a decent size too, so even when it’s busy, you’ve got plenty of room to move around.
By the way, after watching a few folks play curling here, I decided to give it a shot, and I have to say, it’s a brilliant sport. It’s all about precision, which I love, and now I find myself coming back more often for both curling and skating.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to take your skating skills to the next level, Hamilton’s Ice Rink’s Figure Skating Club is a good option. It’s open to all levels, and you can check this website for details on upcoming try-outs.
East Kilbride Ice Rink
– Photo credit: heathershenanigans
Website: https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/236/east_kilbride_ice_rink
Address: 300 Cornwall St, East Kilbride
Contact details: +44 1355 223498
Operating hours:
2:15 PM – 9:00 PM (MON)
11:30 AM – 3:45 PM (TUES)
12:15 PM – 9:00 PM (WED)
2:15 PM – 9:00 PM (THURS)
2:30 PM – 9:00 PM (FRI)
3:15 PM – 6:45 PM (SAT)
11:15 AM – 2:45 PM (SUN)
Price:
MON-FRI – £6.55
SAT and SUN- £7.20
Another ice skating spot I found in the southeastern parts of Glasgow is East Kilbride Ice Rink. It’s right in the heart of the Olympia Shopping Centre, so it’s easy to do some shopping or catch a quick bite after a skating session here.
One of the best things about this place is how easy it is to get started. Since they have skate rentals and skating aids, anyone can have a go, whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a casual skate.
What’s also good is they run lessons for both kids and adults, so it’s a good place to learn or improve your skills. And if curling is more your thing, they’ve got that too, adding a bit of variety to the ice sports on offer.
Pro tip: Since East Kilbride Ice Rink is a popular spot, it’s a good idea to download the South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture app on either the App Store or the Play Store. It lets you book your skating sessions ahead, check timetables, and stay updated on any upcoming events.
Silverburn On Ice
– Photo credit: onicesilverburn
Website: https://www.onice.co.uk/locations/silverburn
Address: New Pollok Ave
Contact details: +44 141 648 2730
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Price:
Adult – £15
Child – £13
Silverburn On Ice is a brilliant spot for skating during the festive season. It pops up outside Silverburn Shopping Centre every winter, with twinkling lights and jolly music to set the mood.
I had a go at it last year, and even though it’s smaller than some of the permanent rinks, it’s still great fun. They’ve even got these cute fibreglass penguins for the kids!
Definitely worth trying at least once, especially if you’re a casual skater. And since it’s right next to the shops, you can squeeze in a quick skate before ticking off some Christmas shopping.
Pro tip: If you’re planning a skating session with a group, booking in advance at Silverburn On Ice is the way to go. Group bookings often come with discounted rates, making it a more affordable option if you’re heading there with friends.
Just reach out to them at [email protected] for more details.
M&D’s On Ice
– Reel credit: scotlandsthemepark
Website: https://scotlandsthemepark.com/
Address: Strathclyde Country Park, Bellshill, Motherwell ML1 3RT
Contact details: +44 1698 333777
Operating hours:
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-THURS)
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (SUN)
Price:
Over 12 – £8.75
Under 12 – £6.95
M&D’s On Ice is another seasonal skating rink worth checking out, tucked inside M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park in Motherwell. It’s only around in winter, but it’s a good spot for a festive skate.
My friend lives near the park, so he gave it a go last year. He said it was a pretty nice experience. The rink is undercover, so you don’t need to worry about the weather, and there’s even a Bavarian bar where you can kick back after skating.
The best part? His ticket came with a free hot chocolate, so he got to warm up after his session. And since the rink is inside the theme park, he managed to squeeze in a few rides too, making a proper day of it.
Pro tip: You can download the M&D’s Theme Park app from the Play Store or App Store to check when the next M&D’s On Ice will be available. Plus, it lets you buy tickets at a discount and browse all the other attractions on offer.