Oxford Ice Rink

I love the Oxford Ice Rink but I think the management could be a little more creative in their approach to speed skates and speed skating. Here is a great facility which could provide an amazing diversity of ice experiences but the attitude is always very closed. I can never really sort out why except that nobody wants to upset the status quo. I don’t really buy that it’s too expensive (insurance and mats.)…Speed skating is not any more dangerous than figure skating or ice hockey (in 20 years of speed skating I had fewer injuries than in one season of football) It really teaches kids how to skate and to be in control. It is fun. It’s cool. And it offers incredible conditioning for lots of other sports. And it’s surprisingly cheap to operate a speed skating club. Perhaps it requires stepping out of the box and change is always difficult. I understand but it’s a shame really.

JUST WATCH OUT FOR THE TRAFFIC WARDENS!

We had a great time at the ice rink and came out ten minutes later than expected to find TWO officious little traffic wardens sticking a ticket on the car - they obviously just stand there waiting for the time limit to tick over and then slap a ticket on straight away. This sums up everything about Oxford Council and how it is run - mean-spirited, money-grabbing killjoys!!!!!!

It's a little aged, which shows a bit, but it's perfectly serviceable. A tad expensive to go regularly, which is a shame, and not particularly accessible - it's a bit of a trek/cycle and the traffic round there is poor.

The ice itself is decent though rather bumpy and it can get quite busy. However, when they put on the fake snow and start playing Christmas tunes...

Oxford Ice Rink is a popular destination for both tourists and residents. There is an active ice hockey team--the Oxford City Stars--and a popular figure skating club, as well as lessons available for beginners.

Good old Oxford ice rink. It’s a typical ice rink in that it’s a bit run-down, a bit dirty and rather ugly from the outside, but hey, you don’t go there for the aesthetics. The rink is a fair old size and they run lots of great events such as ice dancing lessons, family discos and ice hockey training. Various teams train regularly there, although often late at night, and it’s home to Oxford Alternative Ice Hockey (essentially ice hockey for amateurs, but great fun according to my friend who does it regularly).

Entry is pretty cheap, although as others have mentioned, it’s best to walk there if you want to avoid the parking charges. There are vending machines and lockers, and the staff are friendly and enthusiastic.

A nice big ice rink within easy walking distance of Oxford City centre. It could easily be an optical illusion, but it always seems really spacious when you’re there, even during the school holidays when it is heaving with kids and their frazzled looking parents!

The entry charge is inclusive of skate hire, so no added costs when you get in there. However, the parking the is directly outside is subject to the same issues all of the parking in Oxford is, ie. it is actually REALLY expensive! Having gone there with a child, I was rather shocked to find that parking cost more than getting her in!!!

A fun day out!

i love this ice rink and not suprised that its still as popular as ever.
this is great for the locals and for tourists alike.
i remember coming here in my youth and having so much fun its great to get up on the ice its not as hard to skate as you would imagine .
staff are on hand for help at all times there is also a nice cafe vending area if your feeling hungry.

The Ice rink is located slightly outside the city centre and is best accessed by car. As some of the other reviewers say, it is a bit dilapidated and perhaps requires a bit of an update, but it serves it’s purpose well; if not with finesse. They have lessons if you need, it’s quite cheap too! There are often loads of children flying around, so ask yours to be careful!

Oxford Ice Rink Oxpens Road
Outdoor skating may be the cool thing to do (couldn’t resist the pun) but for real ice and a big space, go to the Oxford Ice rink. The surroundings are rather grotty and can’t compare with Somerset House or possibly Oxford or Warwick castles (I’ve not been to the two latter but I imagine they are scenic) but it is bigger and size does (whatever men say) count. There is enough room to get up a bit of speed or just to get up a bit of confidence.

It can get very busy at week ends and during school holidays. The disco music can be too loud for anybody except teenagers. Check with the rink before you go if you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of an ice disco. During the week the early evening sessions are much quieter.

It is run by the council so it isn't that expensive and you can get a discount card if you are a regualar visitor - you may also get special deals if you have a "Slice" card for the council run sports centres.

Non-skaters can pay a pound to accompany their children.

I'm really suprised this skating rink is still here. It's a bit of an eyesore to be honest. It's nice to visit every now and again, but it's definitely not Natural History Museum or Tower of London skating rink!

This ice skating rink is a bit 70's in style and Arthur Fonzerelli would feel right at home here, but the helpful staff earn it a five-star review. In particular, it's a great place for parties. There's a party room and an enclosed balcony through which you can watch the rink. Or you can stand at rinkside (bring a coat) and watch the skaters glide by. They have skates as small as size 5! The rink is suitable for hockey games, and they have various lesson programs, shows and activities on offer. Good clean fun! And not very expensive at all.