Welcome to the Link Centre Ice Rink.
Home to an international size ice pad (26x56 metres) and over 1000 spectator seats,
the rink provides an extensive Public Ice Skating and Skating Lessons programme for beginners to elite.
Skating is a way to improve balance and coordination and is great for muscle tone and core strength.
Accessible to all ages and abilities, our Public Skating sessions are the perfect activity to have fun with friends and family!
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 ealier 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.
OUR PUBLIC SKATING SESSIONS
To view all our skating programme, please check our activities timetable here. For school holidays programme, please have a look at our Holiday Activities page.
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 Monday 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!
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. Skate hire is available.
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.
SEND Ice Skating
Renamed from Inclusive Skate. This is a dedicated session suitable for children and adults with additional needs and abilities. Skating aids such as penguins and snowmen are available. Wheelchairs are welcome on the ice. We regret the Link Centre will not provide extra wheelchairs.
Each ticket allows one free carers' entry. Additional carers will need to hold their own ticket. This session capacity is limited, so we strongly recommend pre-booking tickets to avoid disappointment. Please note we're a cashless centre and can accept card payments only.
Sessions take place every Tuesday*:
- Availability:
- Term-time: Tuesday, 11am
- School holidays: Tuesday, 12pm
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Admission: £4.50
- Tickets are available to book from 14 days prior, from the time of the session.
Coffee Skate
Join our friendly instructor Karen for an hour 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.
Availabillity: Monday, at 11am (term time only)
Duration: 60 minutes
Admission: £10.00
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. Package includes a dedicated party room with food, skate hire and a party host.
Parties with a skating lesson led by a qualified instructor are also available.
Click below to find out all details on our packages and book online now!
LEARN TO SKATE
Whether you're a beginner or pro, our Learn to Skate programme will give you skills to become a better skater. We have ice skating lessons suitable for all ages and abilities, for children as young as 3 years old, up to adults of any age. Our Learn to Skate programme will see you develop through our nationally recognised National Ice Skating Association (NISA) programme. Lessons are taught in groups up to 15 by our team of friendly and highly qualified ice coaches.
Lessons run weekly for 50 weeks a year, with a 2 weeks' break over the Christmas Holidays. Apart for those 2 weeks, lessons run through all half-terms, summer holidays and Bank Holidays. You can start the lessons anytime as the children are individually assessed during each lesson, allowing each child to progress at their own pace.
The instructor will tell them once they have completed 100% of the criterias in their current level, and are ready to move to the next one. Please note the next lessons may be at a different time or day. As the movement is not automated, please check online or talk to our team at reception. You can also track their progress online on your Home Portal. Download the Better UK app for easy access to your account for one or multiple children. The app will also allow you to scan your member card(s) at the gates and skip the queues at reception.
As an added bonus, Learn to Skate pupils also get free access to Public Skating sessions to practice their new skills. Skate hire is also included.
Click on the below to view all classes availability and prices.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN (SKATE UK LEVEL PASS CRITERIA)
Once you become proficient on the ice you can then progress on to our advanced dance and free skating awards. You could also try different activities on ice such as figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey. Speak to a member of staff for more details on how you can get involved.
ONE-TO-ONE SKATING LESSONS
Our team of resident instructors also offer one-to-one lessons to all ages and abilities. Please get in touch with them directly to discuss prices and availability.
Please find their profiles and contact details further below.
If you're not a member, please be advised you'll have to book separately for the session your private lesson will take place on (patch or public skate). For any further question, please ask a member of staff or email our centre's team here.
MEET OUR ICE SKATING COACHES
Chris Boyadji
- Current British Pair Skating Champions with Zoe Jones, 3x British Senior Pairs Champion, Participated 3x at European Championships and World Championship.
- Part of Team GB Olympic Athletes, Guiness World Record holder.
- Coached for 4 years in France, 3 years in the European Training centre of Obstertdorf
- Specialist in Jumping Technique and Skating skills
Happy to coach from beginner to championship level skaters, I coach in a team with Zoe Jones.
Phone: 07578 101 818
Email: chrisboyadji@hotmail.com
David Phillips
- Level 4 Ice dance and Level 4 Synchronized Skating coaching qualifications
- BITA Senior Certification
- Coach at Senior & Junior World Championships, Coach to youth Olympic Games Nominees
- Former GB Olympic squad member
- Coached at the Junior world championships
Specialist in Ice Dance (Solo & Couples) and Synchronized skating. Happy to teach all levels.
Phone: 07912 889 431
Email: davidjohnphillips601@gmail.com
Fiona MacKellar-Clenton
A word from Fiona: "I am a professional full time, fully Qualified British Ice Skating Level 2 coach. I have over 10 years of coaching experience and spent much of my younger years training in The Ice Castle in California with world and Olympic coaches.
I enjoy coaching all ages from toddlers to adults and I love the opportunity to pass my knowledge on to help each skater find their moment to shine, whether it's for the competitor, performer ot those that would like to have fun and learn some new skills. Enjoying the journey is just as important as reaching your goals."
Phone: 07786 527 426
Email: fiona.clenton@outlook.com
Harry Mattick
A word from Harry: "My name is Harry Mattick. I have been competing for Team GB since I was 13 years old and now have multiple decades experience in the sport of figure skating. Along the way I have achieved ten national championships medals and in 2018 made history by becoming the first British skater to land a quad in competition.
I’ve had the opportunity to compete and train in over 25 countries all over the world in competitions such as the European championships, junior world championships and Youth Olympics; even having the pleasure to work with Olympic champions and their coaches.
Now it’s time to pass that knowledge on to you!"
Available for private lessons. All levels welcome.
Phone: 07999 081 195
Email: harrymattick@googlemail.com
Jan Andrews
- BIS (NISA) Level 2 Coach
- National and International competitor
- Level 9 (Ice Dance, Free and Skills)
- NISA Judge 2005-2014
- NLP practitionner (helping overcome nerves and negative thinking)
A word from Jan: "I have worked with National skaters to improve their performance. I enjoy teaching all levels of skaters from Beginners to National Competitors, Children and Adults as well as Hockey Skaters to improve their Edge Work and Skills. My aim is to help all skaters improve and enjoy this wonderful sport."
Phone: 07747 014 915
Email: jandrews446@btinternet.com
Josh Petty
- Level 2 BIS (NISA) Coach
- Competed nationally in Junior Ice Dance
- Coached internationally alongside top coaches
A word from Josh: “I believe in creating a friendly and supportive environment for my students. I am committed to helping them achieve their goals and become confident skaters. I teach all levels, ages and disciples of skaters and specialise in ice dance”
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447811318027
Email: info@jpskate.co.uk
Karen Wood
- NISA Level 2 Coach, Silver, Free, Inter-Silver Figures, Prelim Dance
- competed in competitions throughout the country
- coaches both competitive and recreational skaters from beginner upwards
Enjoys teaching all ages and abilities.
Price: £10.00 per 15 minutes
Email: kjwoods@hotmail.co.uk
Kelly Daniels
- National Ice Skating association Level 2 Coach
- Achieved Inter-Gold firgure and free aged 11
- Competed Nationally for over 10 years in free skating including 4 British Championships
- Sponsored by Oxford City Council for sporting excellence
I welcome all levels and ages of skaters to join me on the ice whether you are a beginner, hockey player or a competitive skater.
Phone: 07584 735 344
Email: kellydaniels08@hotmail.com
Lloyd Jones
- Senior French National Champion
- World University Champion
- Principal Show Skater
- Coached skaters competing at the Europeans, Worlds, and Olympic games
- Creator of Ice Coach Online
- Certified Level 2 Coach and Level 3 Personal Trainer
Happy to work with all levels and ages of skaters.
Phone: 07482 321 647
Email: lloydjones88@hotmail.com
Zoe Jones
- Current British Pair Skating Champion with Christopher Boyadji, and two times Senior Ladies Champion
- Part of Team GB Athletes, Guinness World Record holder
- Trained with the top US, Russian and Canadian coaches
- Coached 10 years in Canada and 5 years in the UK
Happy to teach from beginner to championship level skaters, I coach in a team with Christopher Boyadji.
Phone: 07999 483 514
Email: zjones_80@hotmail.com
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!
JUNIOR MEMBERSHIPS (for 11-17s):
- Better Ice Junior: includes unlimited access to Public Skating sessions
- Better Ice Junior Patch: suitable for those level 5 and above, includes unlimited access to Public Skating and Training Patch sessions
ADULT MEMBERSHIPS (16+):
- Better Health Partnership Plus Ice: includes unlimited access to Gym, Swimming, Fitness Classes and Public Ice Skating sessions
- Better Ice Adult: includes unlimited access to Public Skating sessions
- Better Ice Adult Patch: suitable for those level 5 and above, includes unlimited access to Public Skating and Training Patch sessions
PAY AS YOU GO MEMBERSHIPS:
Adult, Junior and Concession options available. Pay As You Go is as simple as it sounds, for a small upfront fee paid annually, you save up to 30% off activity prices when you pay as you go. Includes access to all Swindon centres.
Click below to view all membership details and prices.
*For discounted activity prices, please refer to our Pay as you Go price list here.