Welcome to Link Ice Rink.
Our international-sized ice pad (26 × 56 metres), with seating for over 1,000 spectators, provides the perfect setting for skaters of all abilities. From fun Public Skating sessions to structured Lessons for beginners through to elite athletes, we offer something for everyone.
Ice Skating is not only great fun — it also helps improve balance, coordination, muscle strength and core stability.
Explore all our ice activities below to plan your visit.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Ice Rink
- Pre-book your session online to avoid the queues at reception! Manage your bookings on our Better UK app.
- If you prefer to book upon arrival, please note we're a cashless centre and can only accept card payments.
- Your session booking slot includes time for arrival and movement to the activity, collection of skates, activity time and changing.
- Please make sure you arrive on time as lateness may result in entry being denied. Entry to the facilities will be granted no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the time of booking.
- Trousers must be worn to skate and we recommend long sleeves and warm clothing to keep you warm on the ice.
- Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a skating adult.
- Carers for registered disabled users can skate for free (proof will be needed to be eligible). Wheelchairs are welcome on the ice on both Public Skating and Inclusive Skate sessions.
About our Skating Sessions
Discover all the fun our Ice Rink has to offer and find the perfect session for you. Whether you’re looking to join our regular public skating programme or enjoy exciting school holiday activities, you can easily explore all the options below:
Public Ice Skating
Suitable for all ages and abilities. For the smaller ones who may need extra support, we have fun penguin or snowmen skating aids to help them find their feet on the ice. Pick them up quickly as these little fellows are extremely popular and there can be a wait for one during peak times.
Useful information:
- Skate hire is available from children size 5 to adult size 15
- Skating aids are available to hire in centre upon arrival. Online or early reservation is not possible. (£4.00 for 30mins)
- Please note parts of the ice may be sectioned off, while some sessions may have dance intervals or speed sessions
- On weekends, School Holidays and Bank holidays: sessions duration is 60 minutes
- During term time, weekday sessions are 90 minutes (except for Wednesday session which gives you a 2 hours skate)
- Tickets are available to book from 14 days prior, from the time of the session.
Disco Ice
Get ready to glide and groove to the rhythm of the music as we illuminate the rink with dazzling disco lights and jam out to all the beloved classic hits. Our Disco Ice sessions are the perfect way to let loose, have fun, and get some exercise at the same time!
Skate hire is included. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our skaters, we have set a minimum age requirement of 5 years old. But don't worry, we have plenty of other Public Skating sessions that are perfect for the whole family. Please note that skating aids (such as penguins or snowman helpers) are not available during these sessions.
Availability:
- Tuesday, 7.15pm-8.45pm
- Friday, 8.30pm-10pm
- Tickets are available to book from 14 days prior, from the time of the session.
Patch Ice (Training Ice)
Patch Ice sessions are designed for skaters undertaking private tuition with a resident professional ice coach or those above BIS skating level 5.
These sessions are not recommended for general public skating.
The standard for training ice is Level 5 or above based on the NISA learn to skate guide. However do not be disheartened, our coaches can teach all ages and abilities and we ask that you consult with the coaches directly if you are not at this level but wish to be coached on a 1-to-1 basis.
You can find all our instructors contact details in the "Meet our coaches team" section below.
- Tickets are available to book 7 days in advance from 10pm for members - or 6 days in advance for non-members.
Coffee Skate
Join our friendly instructor Kelly for a lesson-based session, and stay after for a cuppa and a chat with members of the community who share your interest for skating.
Coffee Skate is aimed at ages 14+ and is not for general skating. All abilities welcome. Skating aids (penguin/snowman) are not available on this session.
Ticket includes skate hire and a hot beverage that can be collected from the café at 12pm.
You can book tickets up to 14 days in advance (from the time of the session), by clicking on the button below, or via our Better UK app in the category Ice Activities/Public Skating. Not available during Schools and Bank Holidays.
Availability: Monday, at 11:00-12:00 (term time only)
Duration: 60 minutes
SEND Ice Skating
This is a dedicated ice skating session designed to support children and adults with additional needs, including those who benefit from a quieter, less busy environment. The session runs at a reduced capacity to create a calmer, more comfortable experience, with no music or flashing lights and fewer tannoy announcements, allowing skaters to enjoy the ice at their own pace.
Skating aids, including penguins and snowmen, are available, and wheelchairs are welcome on the ice. Please note that the Link Centre is unable to provide additional wheelchairs.
Each ticket includes one free carer’s entry. Any additional carers must purchase their own ticket. Session capacity is limited, so pre-booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Please be aware that we are a cashless centre and accept card payments only.
Availability:
- Term-time: Tuesday, 11:00 am
- School holidays: Tuesday, 12:00 pm
Duration: 45 minutes
- Tickets are available to book from 14 days prior, from the time of the session.
Schools & Youth Clubs Group Bookings
If you’re planning a school trip, youth club outing, or scout adventure, why not make it extra special with a visit to our Ice Rink?
Our Public Skating sessions are a fantastic way to reward your group, celebrate the end of term, or simply enjoy a fun, active day together on the ice!
We’re pleased to offer discounted rates for larger groups of 20 or more children, making it easier than ever to give your class, team or crew a truly memorable experience!
Ice Skating Birthday Parties
Book your little one and their friends a birthday party to remember on our ice rink!
Skating parties take place on a Public Skating session, and are suitable for all ages. You can choose from 2 packages:
Ice Skating Party:
- 60 minutes ice skating, with skate hire
- dedicated party room with food
Ice Skating Party with Lesson:
- 60 minutes ice skating, with skate hire
- dedicated party room with food
- a 30 minutes lesson led by a qualified instructor at the beginning of the session, allowing the children who never skated before to be more confident on the ice and enjoy the fun!
Click below to find out all details on our packages and book online now!
Ice Skating Lessons
Discover our ice skating lessons that build fitness, balance, and strength in a fun, social setting! Suitable for all ages and skill levels, here’s what’s included:
- Year-round Lessons - Weekly sessions for 50 weeks, with breaks only over Christmas. Lessons continue during holidays and Bank Holidays.
- Flexible start and progress - Each student progresses at their own pace, with assessments in every lesson.
- Track progress easily - Use the Better UK app to follow progress, manage accounts, and scan your member card to skip queues.
- Free practice sessions - Enjoy free access to Public Ice Skating sessions - skate hire included. Advance to activities like figure skating and power skate as you improve.
Better Ice Memberships
Do you go ice skating more than four times a month? Then why not save some money by signing up for an ice membership? As an added bonus you'll get free skate hire, and discounts* on other activities in all Swindon centres!
Start your journey to a fitter healthier, better you: with no contract and a range of membership options available for both adults and juniors, there's never been a better time to join!
For Juniors (under 18)
Better Ice Junior:
Includes:
- unlimited access to Public Skating sessions
- free skate hire
Better Ice Junior Patch:
Suitable for those level 5 and above. Includes:
- unlimited access to Public Skating sessions
- unlimited access to Ice Patch sessions
- free skate hire
Better Health UK Junior Play:
Access to all Better UK locations (200+ centres) [View all locations]
Includes*:
- Casual Ice Sessions
- Junior Gym (One session per day)
- Junior Fitness Classes
- Swimming
- Trampoline Parks
- Soft Play
- Inflatable Sessions
- Clip N Climb
- Puttify Golf
*Access subject to availability, refer to your local centre webpage for product availability and age restrictions. Full terms and conditions at https://www.better.org.uk/terms.
For Adults
Better Ice Adult:
Includes:
- unlimited access to Public Skating sessions
- free skate hire
Better Ice Adult Patch:
Suitable for those level 5 and above.
Includes:
- unlimited access to Public Skating sessions
- unlimited access to Ice Patch sessions
- free skate hire
Better Health Partnership Plus Ice:
Includes:
- access to all Better Swindon Centres
- unlimited access to Gym
- unlimited access to Swimming
- unlimited access to Fitness Classes
- unlimited access to Public Ice Skating sessions
- free skate hire
- a free Gym Induction to get you started, and monthly re-focus sessions to keep you on track
- up to 30% off other activities (see price list)
- advanced booking from 7 days prior
- access to Live Better online content (including on-demand classes, Healthy Habits Coach, Virtual Health Advice, and Wellbeing partners)
For casual users
Pay As You Go:
Choose Better Adult or Better Junior. Concession options available.
Pay As You Go is as simple as it sounds. With a small annual upfront fee, you’ll enjoy discounted activity prices each time you visit — with no monthly commitment.
- Pay only when you visit
- Up to 30% off activity prices - view price list
- Access to all Better Swindon centres - view locations
Better Flex:
Choose Better Flex Adult or Better Flex Junior. Concession options available.
Better Flex gives you a little extra while keeping things flexible. Pay a small monthly fee by Direct Debit and get one free session every month, plus discounted rates on any additional bookings.
- One free session each month
- Up to 30% off further activities
- Access to 270+ Better UK centres - find a centre
- Please note: activity prices may vary by centre. Check individual centre pages for full details. Click here to view Link Centre Activity Prices.