Glide into Exeter’s skating scene — whether you’re a complete beginner, a family looking for a fun day out, or a seasoned skater searching for regular sessions, Ice skating in Exeter offers accessible and enjoyable ice experiences year-round. This guide brings together the best places to skate in and around Exeter, what to expect at each venue, practical tips (what to wear, how to book, best times), ideas for lessons and parties, and local travel and refreshment suggestions so your visit runs smoothly.
Why ice skating in Exeter is worth your time
Exeter’s ice options are perfect for families, couples, and solo skaters. You’ll find covered, all-weather rinks for public skating sessions, seasonal outdoor experiences (with the charm of festive lights in winter), learn-to-skate programs, and community sessions aimed at people of all ages and abilities. The combination of structured lessons and casual public skate sessions means you can progress quickly if you want to, or simply enjoy a relaxed spin round the ice. For community programs and regular sessions, local rinks run a variety of public and coached sessions aimed at different skill levels.
Where to skate in Exeter — the top options
1. IceScape at Westpoint (Westpoint/Westpoint Arena)
IceScape at Westpoint is an undercover real-ice rink that features public skating sessions, family sessions, and seasonal events. It’s popular for being a reliable, weather-proof choice — particularly handy in the UK where the weather can be unpredictable — and often has family-friendly touches like penguin aids for little ones and festive lighting during winter events. If you want a laid-back skate with friends and family, Westpoint is a solid pick.
2. The Rinks at Exeter
The Rinks at Exeter offers public skate sessions alongside hockey and community skate programs. It’s a community hub for ice sports and casual skating: expect budget-friendly public sessions, beginner-friendly sessions, and opportunities to join leagues or private bookings for parties and corporate events. The Rinks emphasise community access and regular programming that suits families and regular skaters alike.
3. Seasonal pop-ups: Exeter Winter Wonderland & other seasonal rinks
Exeter hosts pop-up ice rinks as part of seasonal events like Winter Wonderland. These are great for a more atmospheric experience — short sessions, skate hire included, and festive surroundings that make for great photos and family memories. Session lengths are typically shorter than permanent rinks (for example, a 45-minute slot is common), so plan accordingly. Exeter’s Winter Wonderland
4. Nearby / chain rinks (if you want extra options)
Although Exeter’s main local venues are fantastic, the Planet Ice network runs many rinks across the UK and provides a good model of the kinds of sessions, lessons and membership options available if you’re exploring options or planning a visit beyond Exeter. Planet Ice rinks widely advertise public skating, disco nights and “Penguin Club” sessions for tiny skaters.
Types of sessions you’ll find (and which to choose)
- Public skating: Casual drop-in for all ages. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon or a date. Expect music, regular ice resurfacing breaks, and hire skates available.
- Family & toddler sessions (Penguin Club style): Aimed at very young children with skating aids and an accompanying adult allowed free or discounted entry. Ideal first-time experience for toddlers.
- Disco / themed nights: Lights, music and a party vibe — best for teens and adults looking for a fun atmosphere. Planet Ice-style discos are a good example of how rinks make sessions feel special.
- Coached lessons / Learn to Skate programs: Weekly courses for beginners through to advanced levels. If you want to get confident quickly, enrol in a structured program such as Skate Excellence courses.
- Hockey and speed sessions: For those wanting sport rather than leisure — check the rink timetable for dedicated hockey ice times and club bookings.
Planning your visit — practicalities
Booking & times
Most ice skating Exeter rinks operate a booking system for public sessions and lessons — especially on weekends and during school holidays. Seasonal pop-ups frequently require online booking well in advance because slots are limited. Check the venue’s website or social channels for session times and to buy tickets.
What to wear
- Warm, layered clothing (it’s cold on the ice).
- Gloves are strongly recommended — they protect your hands against cold and an accidental fall.
- Thick, comfortable socks (ski socks are ideal).
- Avoid overly bulky jackets that limit arm movement.
- If you have your own helmet (for children or beginner adults nervous about falling), bring it — some rinks may supply helmets for very young kids.
Skate hire & sizing
Skates are usually available to hire on site. Arrive 15–20 minutes early to get fitted — seasonal rinks sometimes require earlier arrival so they can fit skates before the session starts. If you have your own skates, bring them — they’ll generally be more comfortable and provide better support than rental boots. Exeter’s Winter Wonderland
Prices & concessions
Expect family tickets, child rates, concessions and occasionally free admission for a supervising adult during toddler sessions. Many venues will offer memberships, block bookings for lessons, and seasonal promotions. Check the rink’s pricing page before you go.
Lessons, progressions and coaching
If you’d like to learn properly (or help a child progress), look for:
- Structured Learn-to-Skate courses (often run in 4–6 week blocks). These are the fastest, safest way to learn technique and confidence.
- One-to-one coaching for tailored feedback — useful if you’re working on specific skills like stopping, turning, or basic figure elements.
- Club membership for regular practice time, testing and competition exposure if you (or your child) become committed. Many community rinks run club nights and testing for national skating frameworks.
Safety & etiquette on the ice
- Follow marshal instructions — rink staff are there to keep everyone safe.
- Beginner skaters should keep to the outer lanes and avoid sudden stops in the middle of the ice.
- If you fall, try to get up quickly and move to the side to avoid being in the path of other skaters.
- Avoid sharp turns and tricks in public sessions — these moves belong to coaching time or designated practice sessions. Some venues explicitly ban tricks during family sessions for safety.
Best times to visit (crowd & experience tips)
- Weekday mornings / early afternoons: Often quieter — great for beginners who prefer space.
- Late afternoon / early evening weekends: Busiest — lively atmosphere, good for social sessions.
- School holidays: Expect packed sessions. Book early or aim for an early weekday slot.
- Seasonal events (e.g., Winter Wonderland): Book well in advance for the festive vibe and guaranteed photo opportunities.
Food parking & transport
- Many rink sites include cafés or kiosks offering hot drinks and snacks — helpful for warming up post-skate. Permanent rinks usually have a small cafe area; seasonal pop-ups often offer a selection of festive treats.
- Parking: Westpoint and other larger venues typically have on-site parking. City-centre rink locations (if present) might rely on nearby car parks or street parking — always check the venue page for parking guidance.
- Public transport: Use local bus routes for city rinks; for Westpoint and larger venues, driving is common due to their out-of-town location.
Parties, corporate events & group bookings
Rinks in Exeter accommodate birthday parties, group bookings and corporate hires. Options usually include private ice time, skate hire, party food and dedicated party rooms or private hire spaces. If you’re booking a big group, contact the venue in advance to reserve space and ask about inclusive packages. The Rinks at Exeter, for instance, promote private rentals and teams alongside drop-in public skating.
Photography and making memories
Seasonal rinks and disco nights are naturally photogenic with lights and decorations. For best photos:
- Shoot during golden hour (if your session falls near sunset) or take advantage of the rink’s lighting.
- Use burst mode on your phone to capture motion without blur.
- Capture candid moments — falls, helpers, and laughter make the best memories.
Remember to respect other skaters’ privacy — avoid taking photos of people you don’t know without permission.
- Capture candid moments — falls, helpers, and laughter make the best memories.
Packing checklist (quick)
- Thick socks (one pair; bring a spare if you expect to get sweaty).
- Gloves (warm, comfortable).
- A small backpack or bag for your valuables.
- Wallet/cards (for skate hire, café purchases).
- Knee pads/helmet (optional for very nervous beginners or toddlers).
- Camera/phone with a portable charger for photos.
Sample 1-day skating itinerary in Exeter
Morning — Arrive at Westpoint’s IceScape for a quieter public session (book 10:30 slot). Fit skates and enjoy a relaxed hour with the family.
Midday — Hot lunch at the venue café or nearby pub.
Afternoon — Take a short trip into the city for sightseeing (Exeter Cathedral, quayside).
Evening (optional) — Catch a themed disco-skate if available, or a cosy winter pop-up session (45 minutes) for a festive finish.
Local resources & how to stay updated
- Follow the rink you plan to visit on social media for last-minute session updates, cancellations or special event announcements. IceScape Westpoint and The Rinks at Exeter maintain regular updates via their websites and social channels.
- Look for lesson schedules and membership deals on rink lesson pages — if you’re serious about getting better, block courses and memberships are more cost-efficient than drop-in lessons.
Final thoughts — making the most of ice skating in Exeter
Ice skating in Exeter blends community, sport, and seasonal charm. Whether you’re just trying it once or aiming to join lessons and skate regularly, the local rinks offer well-run sessions, structured coaching options and seasonal spectacles that are genuinely fun. Pack warm, book ahead for busy slots, and most importantly — enjoy the wobbling, the laughter and the gradual progress. Skating is as much about the falls as it is about the glide; getting up, smiling, and trying again is all part of the journey.
