Bath on Ice — Local services in Bath

Was looking forward to iceskating with my partner and best mate for new years as had gone a a week prior with college classmates and had had fun. Though this time I was told I had to pay for the support apparatus (£5) yet when I had gone with my classmates didn't have to pay. Pointed out it was mobility as I have heart problems that can cause a lot of spontaneous fatigue and instability I was just told that they were sold out of support and there was a first aider if needed. As if that's supposed to be inclusive for people with accessibility needs! Wouldn't have been too much of a major problem if I just wasn't made aware of the cost the first time around and got lucky, except I later saw the first aider handing them out randomly!! Spent the entire session attached to the railing or being guided by my partner and mate.

Also way too crowded, a massive safety risk - may as well have been holding hands with every stranger on the ice with how close everyone was. Also considering that the indoor area for changing between shoes and skates is way too small to accommodate that amount of people, too many bare feet with people walking around in skates. Couldn't even get to the desk to retrieve my mates bag which had my walking stick in it and had to sit for a good 10-15 before we were able to get through.

Quite a shame because had an amazing experience the first time round...

Fortunately, when we went just before Christmas this year, it was cold and frosty most days. This meant the ice was actually frozen and the skating experience was more authentic. A previous occasion at a different place involved skating on melting ice, avoiding puddles and getting wet.

Sadly though and somewhat predictably at these settings, the pain endured due to poor quality skates was almost unbearable so I did not last the full hour.

As seems to be the case at many of these provisions there are just too many people permitted on the ice for each time slot. This means it is crowded and deviating from the hurded type circular procession on the ice involves getting in somebody's way, or them getting in yours. I find this detracts from the enjoyment because you are constantly avoiding collisions instead of freely skating.

Overall though the setting and atmosphere was good. If you like the pop up skate rinks across the festive period, I recommend this one. It felt nicer than others we've been to. Bath also seemed to have a slightly better class of clientele too, which enabled a more joyous feeling, rather than one of defensively trying not to upset anyone and get into a...

I have skated here over the last three years, I normally skate at the Link Centre in Swindon which is a permament ice rink -under cover. There has been a continous improvement in what is offered at Bath on Ice. The rink now has an ice resurfacing machine and weather depending the ice is good, sometimes very good! Off ice Bath on Ice offers a cosy, yes a real cosy experience!

Traditional ice rinks can't compete with that ambience as they are stuck with the limitations of their architecture. It really is a magical place to visit. Prices are reasonable for food and drink and bearing in mind that Bath on Ice is a commercially run ice rink, with no financial support from the City of Bath the cost of skating is reasonable. It would be very nice to have a permanent rink in Bath but for the present once the rink opens I do not travel to Swindon to skate. Four stars not five? The ice condition can be poor perhaps due to lack of training in using the "Zambone" and controlling the freezing equipment. Not that rain is itself a problem it ofter provides an...