Avoid like the plague. Overpriced and shoddy infrastructure. The cost of ice skating is extortionate for starters and this does NOT include the cost of using a penguin/skating aid. The organisers are aware of this and use this to their advantage to charge for children's penguins to be used, further penalising parents and making them pay for the use of something that's usually included in the cost at any other ice rink. I mean it's a skating aid for CHILDREN, to help children to like and enjoy skating. To add insult to injury they also charge £1 for the lockers, £1 which is non-refundable and you don't get the money back, if you use a £1 coin you don't get this back. Again something that isn't included in the price. The staff I found were mostly good, but the customer service staff at the desk were rude and uncaring. There are no toilets either this year, making this less friendly for families. Furthermore the ice is rubbish, I have ice skated in many places and the ice here is shockingly bad. The ice is bumpy and slushy in a lot of places, the bumps make it dangerous to skate on especially for beginners. The ice isn't made smooth or levelled and left uneven in places. For the cost and money paid and the extras charged for I would expect at the very LEAST the ice would be good, but alas it's not. There are many better places to ice skate which don't require a re-mortgage, offer skating aids without charge AND the ice is level and smooth, something that is the least you would expect from an ice rink in a premium location. It's a good location but a rubbish and half ars*d put together ice rink with little to no thought given to layout of access to lockers, value for money for customers and some staff which are just outright rude. I would expect a refund but there is no clear mechanism for this on the website, clearly made to discourage you of any claims. The terms and conditions are limited and open to interpretation and they fail to provide the service that people pay for. I work in the wharf and think this ice rink is far far far below the expectations of the location and the people that live and work in the area, not to mention the aweful eye sore the shoddy marquee is. Also to add there was rubbish all around the ice rink, bits of bottles and crisp packets not picked up and general trash just littering the surrounding area, what an absolute shame...
Read moreNot a bad ice rink but strict enforcement of ill thought rules saps the fun factor out of the experience. We booked for a family and were 15 mins late. We were continuously reminded we are late and will have less time on the rink. This is because they have a hard stop on the hour and every person is ushered off the rink by several staff who are quite military about it all. We were late and expected this so not a complaint about the limited time but more the attitude. However I would personally think it's better to allow people on for the 45 mins they book for with a more relaxed approach (will need to invest in training more staff to manage this approach, and the cost is probably the issue here for profit focused organisers). The other issue I took was with the penguins which are supposed to help younger children to enjoy their time. Well guess what, these penguins are so short that they can only be used by small children up to a certain height due to some kind of off health and safety policy. Why do you have such small penguins? We are in the UK, our kids are taller on average... Get taller penguins so that more children can enjoy their time at the rink. Also the manager I. The rink was unsympathetic about the challenges we had (1 adult with 3 kids who could not skate) and was very abrupt about the fact the penguins were too small for our kids and so they'd have to just manage.
Our short time on the rink was therefore not very enjoyable, and by the time we just started to get the hang of it, the staff skates on a d basically blocked us from using the rink anymore.
45 min slots with hard stops are a bad thing. As is penguins that are too short for the average 7 or 8 year old who might enjoy their time with the aid.
Rink itself was warm, indoors, efficiently run, and can be far more enjoyable with a bit more investment in staff who are trained to deliver a better customer experience and penguins more adequately suited...
Read moreNestled in the heart of our community lies a winter wonderland, the local ice rink, where frozen enchantment meets the joy of skating. The moment one steps onto the glistening ice, a sense of exhilaration and nostalgia sweeps through.
The rink itself is a spectacle - a pristine expanse of smooth ice, meticulously maintained to ensure a perfect surface for gliding. The ambiance is electric, with the echoes of laughter and the graceful movements of skaters creating an atmosphere brimming with warmth despite the cold.
What sets this ice rink apart is its accessibility to everyone. From beginners tentatively taking their first strides to seasoned skaters executing elegant routines, the rink accommodates all skill levels. The staff's patience and eagerness to assist, whether in tying skates or offering tips for balance, contribute to an inclusive and welcoming environment.
The facility's amenities further enhance the experience. A cozy warming area provides respite for chilly fingers and toes, while the snack bar offers delightful treats and hot beverages, perfect for refueling and unwinding after a spirited session on the ice.
An added charm is the variety of events hosted at the rink. From themed skating nights to lessons and even competitions, there's always something to engage visitors of all ages. It's a hub for community bonding, fostering a sense of camaraderie among ice enthusiasts and spectators alike.
For families seeking a wholesome outing or individuals looking for a serene escape amidst winter's embrace, this ice rink is a gem. It's not just a place to skate; it's a canvas for creating cherished memories and experiencing the sheer delight of gliding on ice, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking winter magic and an unforgettable...
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