Get ready to glide, twirl, and sparkle this festive season as ON ICE returns from Friday 24 October to Sunday 4 January, bringing Southampton’s ultimate winter skating experience to life!
Step into a glittering wonderland on Westquay’s Esplanade, where laughter fills the air and memories are made on the ice. Whether you are a seasoned skater or stepping onto the rink for the first time, there is magic waiting for everyone.
What awaits you:
⛸️ A premium, spacious rink at the heart of the city – perfect for all skill levels
🧑🏫 Friendly Ice Marshals ready with tips and encouragement
🐧 Adorable skate aids for little ones learning to glide
📸 Festive photo spots to capture and share your winter sparkle
☕ Seasonal treats and warm refreshments nearby to complete your perfect outing
📅 24 October 2025 – 4 January 2026
📍 Westquay’s Esplanade, Southampton
Each skating session lasts 45 minutes, starting on the hour. Skate hire is included, and pre-booking is highly recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Book now at: www.onice.co.uk/locations/westquay
Step onto the ice, feel the chill of winter magic, and make this festive season one to remember!
Westquay On Ice: At a Glance
If you just want the basics before you book, here’s a quick overview of Westquay On Ice in one place.
What is it?
A large outdoor ice rink set up on Westquay’s Esplanade, in the heart of Southampton. It’s a seasonal attraction running through the festive period, with 45-minute skating sessions, music, lights, and a proper Christmas market feel thanks to all the food, drink and shopping nearby.
Where is it?
Westquay’s Esplanade, right by the main Westquay shopping centre in Southampton city centre
A short walk from Southampton Central station and most city-centre bus routes
Easy to combine with Christmas shopping, dinner, the cinema or a pre-cruise visit
When is Westquay On Ice running?
From 24 October 2025
Until 4 January 2026
Sessions run throughout the day and into the evening, usually on the hour, lasting 45 minutes each
Who is it for?
Families looking for a festive day out
Friends and couples wanting a Christmassy evening in the city
Teens and groups looking for something fun to do during the holidays
Cruise passengers staying in Southampton who want some seasonal fun before or after sailing
What’s included?
45 minutes of skating time
Skate hire included in your ticket
Skate aids available (extra charge) for younger or nervous skaters
Ice marshals on hand to help keep everyone safe and confident
Do you need to book Westquay On Ice?
Walk-up tickets may be available at quieter times, but for evenings, weekends and the Christmas holidays, pre-booking is highly recommended if you want a specific time slot or are visiting in a group.
Why Everyone Loves
There are lots of winter events and light trails to choose from, but Westquay On Ice has a special place in the city’s festive calendar.
First, the location does a lot of the heavy lifting. You’re right in the middle of Southampton’s main shopping and dining area, with the rink set against the backdrop of the centre and the old city walls. It means you can make a proper day of it: a skate, some shopping, hot chocolate, maybe a meal or a cinema trip, all without needing to move the car.
Second, there’s the atmosphere. Westquay On Ice is about more than just gliding around in circles. Festive music, twinkly lights, excited kids in bobble hats and couples holding hands while cautiously shuffling around the rink all add up to that cosy winter feeling. Even if you’re not a confident skater, just being there feels fun.
Third, it fits everyone. Families can take little ones on the rink with skate aids, teens can race around with friends, adults can sneak in a date night skate before drinks or dinner, and groups can book together for a Christmas get-together with a difference. It’s accessible, central and a nice change from the usual “just another shopping trip”.
And finally, there’s the fact that it only runs for a limited time. Westquay On Ice appears, lights up the city through the darker months, then disappears again once the New Year has settled in. That limited run makes it feel more special – miss it, and you’re waiting another year.
What to Expect at Westquay On Ice
The Rink and the Atmosphere
When you arrive at Westquay On Ice, you’ll usually see the glow before you even spot the ice. The rink is surrounded by barriers, with people skating under lights and music pumping out across the Esplanade. There’s the sound of blades scraping the ice, laughter from groups trying to stay upright and the occasional triumphant cheer from someone who’s finally nailed a turn without wobbling.
You’ll check in, get your skates, and have a few minutes to adjust before your 45-minute session begins. Sizes are available for adults and children, and friendly staff are on hand to help you find the right fit. If you’re unsure, don’t be shy – it’s much easier to enjoy Westquay On Ice if your skates feel secure.
Once you’re on the rink, you’ll find space for everyone: confident skaters often move more quickly around the outside, while beginners and children tend to stay nearer the edges. The ice marshals keep an eye on things and are great at offering encouragement and gentle guidance if you need a hand.
For Families and Younger Skaters
Westquay On Ice is especially popular with families. Kids love the novelty of skating in the open air, and there are usually cute skate aids (think penguins or similar) that little ones can hold on to while they find their balance.
Top tips for families at Westquay On Ice:
- Pick an earlier time slot if your children are younger – daytime sessions are often calmer than peak evenings.
- Wrap everyone up in layers, including gloves, hats and warm socks – the rink is outdoors, and once you’re still at the end of your session, you’ll be glad of them.
- Consider skate aids for first-timers. They help build confidence and reduce the chances of wobbles and tears.
- Plan in a hot chocolate stop straight after your session – there are loads of places at Westquay where you can warm up and refuel.
For Couples and Friends
If you’re planning a festive date night, Westquay On Ice is a brilliant starting point. There’s something very cute about holding hands on the ice, giggling your way around the rink and then ducking into one of the nearby bars or restaurants afterwards.
For groups of friends, you can turn it into a full evening:
- Meet at Westquay On Ice and skate your session
- Grab drinks or food at one of the many restaurants nearby
- Maybe finish with a film at the cinema or some last-minute Christmas shopping
You get all the fun and photos from the rink, plus everything you need around it to keep the night going.
For Groups and Work Nights Out
If you’re responsible for planning a work Christmas do or a group night out, Westquay On Ice is a great way to do something a bit different without making life complicated.
Because the rink is attached to a major shopping and leisure destination, you don’t have to worry about tricky directions, limited parking or people struggling to find somewhere to go afterwards. Everyone knows where Westquay is, and there are options for all budgets.
Skating together is also a brilliant ice-breaker (no pun intended). Watching your boss cling to the side or seeing the office “clown” turn out to be surprisingly graceful on skates is exactly the kind of thing people remember.
Planning Your Visit to Westquay On Ice
Tickets and Booking
For Westquay On Ice, each session lasts 45 minutes and starts on the hour. Skate hire is included in the ticket price, and it’s strongly recommended that you book in advance, especially for:
- Friday evenings
- Weekends
- The Christmas holidays
- The week between Christmas and New Year
Booking ahead means you can choose a time that works with your plans – whether that’s a post-work skate, a daytime family session or a late evening twirl under the lights.
What to Wear on the Ice
You don’t need specialist kit to enjoy Westquay On Ice, but a bit of thought goes a long way:
- Layers: Wear a few light layers rather than one bulky coat. You’ll warm up once you’re skating.
- Gloves: Essential. They keep your hands warm and protect them if you take a tumble.
- Long socks: Thicker socks help cushion your feet in the skates and reduce rubbing.
- Comfortable trousers: Jeans or leggings work well. Maybe avoid anything too tight or anything you’d hate to get damp if you fall.
- Hat and scarf: Especially for evening sessions when it’s colder, these make a big difference.
If you’re planning pictures, you can absolutely lean into the cosy winter look – bobble hats, chunky scarves and matching gloves always look great against the backdrop of Westquay On Ice.
Getting to Westquay On Ice
Because Westquay On Ice sits on the Esplanade by the shopping centre, it’s one of the easiest festive events in Southampton to reach:
- By train: Southampton Central station is a short walk away – follow signs to Westquay.
- By bus: Many city bus routes stop close to Westquay or on the high street nearby.
- By car: Westquay has multiple car parks attached to the centre, with clear signage as you approach the city. From there it’s a simple walk out to the Esplanade and straight to Westquay On Ice.
If you’re combining your skate with Christmas shopping, you’ll probably be parking at Westquay anyway, so it’s one less thing to organise.
Parking for Westquay On Ice
Westquay is well known for its , with plenty of spaces and easy access to the shops and restaurants. When visiting Westquay On Ice, aim for one of the main Westquay car parks and then follow signs for the Esplanade.
If you’re visiting in peak festive season, allow a bit of extra time for parking and walking to the rink, especially at weekends and in the run-up to Christmas.
Food, Drink and Things to Do Around Westquay On Ice
One of the biggest advantages of Westquay On Ice is that you’re never far from something tasty. As soon as you step off the ice, there are loads of places within a short walk where you can warm up, eat and keep the fun going.
Warm Up with Food and Drink
Around Westquay you’ll find:
- Coffee shops for hot chocolate, lattes and pastries
- Casual restaurants for burgers, pizza, noodles and more
- Bars for festive cocktails or a celebratory drink after your skate
- Fast-food options if you’re on a budget or in a hurry
It means you can build Westquay On Ice into any kind of day or night out – a family treat, a teenage hangout, a proper date night or a low-key evening with friends.
Combine Westquay On Ice with Shopping
If you’re trying to squeeze Christmas shopping and festive fun into the same day, Westquay On Ice makes it easy. You can:
- Do a few hours of shopping in Westquay and the surrounding streets
- Drop your bags in the car
- Head back out to the Esplanade and skate your session at Westquay On Ice
- Finish with dinner or a drink
For many people, that’s “Christmas in a day” sorted.
Westquay On Ice and the Cinema
Westquay’s nearby cinema makes it a perfect combo:
- Early film, then a late skate under the lights
- Or an afternoon skate at Westquay On Ice followed by an evening cinema trip
It’s a great option for families with older kids or for couples wanting a full festive day without needing to drive all over the place.
Is Westquay On Ice Right for You?
For Families with Young Children
Yes, Westquay On Ice is ideal for families, especially if you pick a daytime or early-evening session. Skate aids help younger children gain confidence, and there’s plenty around the rink to keep everyone entertained once they’re off the ice. Being able to nip quickly into Westquay for snacks, toilets or a warm-up is a big bonus too.
For Couples on a Festive Date
If you like the idea of doing something a bit more memorable than just another dinner, Westquay On Ice is perfect. You can skate, laugh, help each other stay upright and then head to a cosy bar or restaurant afterwards. It’s romantic, photogenic and easy to fit around work or other commitments.
For Teens and Student Groups
Westquay On Ice is a great shout for teens and students looking for a fun, Instagram-friendly evening that doesn’t involve just sitting around. With music, lights and a lively atmosphere, it’s ideal for groups – and having all of Westquay’s food and drink options on the doorstep makes life simple.
For Work Nights Out
If you’re planning a work night out and want something that gets people chatting, Westquay On Ice is a strong contender. It’s central, easy to reach and you can book your slot, then move straight on to a meal or drinks nearby. Plus, nothing breaks the ice (literally) like watching colleagues try to master skating together.
For Nervous or First-Time Skaters
Don’t worry if you’ve never skated before. Westquay On Ice is designed for all abilities. You’ll see total beginners right alongside confident skaters, and the marshals are there to keep things safe and offer guidance. With skate aids for kids and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a very friendly place to try ice skating for the first time.
Extra: More About Westquay On Ice
Part of what makes Westquay On Ice so special is the way it transforms a familiar part of Southampton into something that feels completely different. The Esplanade you might walk through quickly on a normal shopping day suddenly becomes a winter scene, with ice, lights and music turning it into an event in its own right.
For many people in and around Southampton, a visit to Westquay On Ice has become a bit of a tradition. It’s something you weave into your festive season without really thinking about it – a skate with friends after work, a family visit in the school holidays or a spontaneous session one chilly evening when you’re already in town.
Because Westquay On Ice is temporary, there’s a gentle sense of urgency. You know it’s only here from late October to early January, so you grab the chance while you can. That “here today, gone tomorrow” quality adds an extra layer of excitement to the whole experience.
And of course, there’s the simple joy of being outside, moving, laughing and doing something a bit different. In a world where a lot of our social time is spent sitting down – in restaurants, in cinemas, at home – Westquay On Ice reminds you how good it feels to do something active with the people you care about.
FAQs About Westquay On Ice
Do I need to book Westquay On Ice in advance?
You don’t always have to, but it’s strongly recommended, especially for evenings, weekends and peak Christmas dates. Booking ahead means you get the time slot you want and don’t have to risk turning up and finding sessions full.
How long does a session at Westquay On Ice last?
Each skating session at Westquay On Ice lasts 45 minutes on the ice. Sessions usually start on the hour, so it’s a good idea to arrive a little early to collect your skates and get ready.
Is skate hire included at Westquay On Ice?
Yes, skate hire is included in your ticket price. You just need to know your shoe size, and staff will help you find a suitable pair. If you have very young children or specific needs, it’s worth checking options when you book.
What should I wear to Westquay On Ice?
Dress warmly and in layers. Gloves are a must, and long socks will make your skates more comfortable. A hat and scarf are a good idea for evening sessions, and comfy trousers or jeans work best on the ice.
Is Westquay On Ice suitable for children?
Westquay On Ice is very family-friendly. Children can skate with adults, and there are usually skate aids available to help little ones stay balanced. Earlier sessions in the day tend to be quieter and can be a good choice for younger kids.
Is Westquay On Ice accessible by public transport?
Yes. Westquay is right in Southampton city centre, close to major bus routes and within walking distance of Southampton Central station. It’s one of the easiest festive events to reach without a car.
Is there parking near Westquay On Ice?
Westquay has several multi-storey car parks, with clear signage as you drive into the city. From the car parks it’s just a short walk to the Esplanade and the entrance to Westquay On Ice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning your festive season in Southampton, Westquay On Ice deserves a spot near the top of your list. It’s central, easy to get to, wrapped in atmosphere and simple to build into a bigger day or night out.
Whether you’re gliding confidently around the rink, shuffling cautiously along the edge, or just watching with a hot drink in hand while your friends and family take to the ice, Westquay On Ice has that special kind of winter magic that makes memories stick.
So if you’re in or around the city between 24 October 2025 and 4 January 2026, grab your gloves, book a slot and let Westquay On Ice be part of your Christmas story this year.
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