Oxford Ice Rink
Oxpens Road, Oxford, OX1 1RX, GB
Rating: 4.1 ★ (843 ratings)
Details
Oxpens Road is home to Oxford Ice Rink, a year-round facility offering a wide array of ice-based activities for all ages and skill levels. You can glide into general skating sessions, or if you're new to the ice, take advantage of skating lessons to build your confidence. For younger visitors, penguin and snowman skating aids are available to help them find their feet, and Skate Tots sessions provide a fun introduction to the ice for children aged five and under. The rink is also the proud home of the Oxford City Stars ice hockey team, and you can often catch one of their thrilling matches. Throughout the week, there are dedicated times for public skating, training, and even ice hockey, ensuring there's always something happening.
Beyond casual skating, Oxford Ice Rink hosts lively disco sessions, including popular Friday night events and seasonal themed nights, perfect for a fun outing with friends or family. If you're planning a celebration, the rink offers birthday party packages which can include private ice time and a host. For those looking to develop their skills further, the Oxford Figure Ice Skating Club and the Oxford Junior Ice Dance Club offer structured training in a supportive environment. The venue also features a café to relax and grab a hot drink or snack, and a skate shop for any necessary gear. Conveniently located near Oxford city centre and the railway station, with parking available nearby, it's an accessible and enjoyable destination for a day out.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:15 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:45 PM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM
Contact
+44 1865 305010
Comments
The staff on reception didn’t seem friendly - just visibly bored and looking like they would rather be anywhere else in the world. The cafe was closed but we had not been made aware as there was no notice on the website, so we arrived really hungry with nothing to eat. All that was available was an overpriced vending machine.
The toilets were absolutely disgusting. They looked and smelled like they hadn’t been cleaned in months.
I was also really disappointment with staff. It felt like the whole place was run by teenagers who generally didn’t care. A few went on the ice and just messed around. One bumped into a man and another nearly bumped into some of the younger children that were there as they seemed to just be showing off to each other. I saw a girl who was probably about 7 years old fall over and her penguin support flew across the ice. A staff member went across (I thought to help the child) but completely ignored the child and just talked to their colleague instead rather than helping. Others congregated in the top area just drinking energy drinks and using their phones. I didn’t think they were staff at first, until I saw that some were wearing staff t-shirts and others went back behind the reception desk. Whilst I get that there would be quiet periods where they probably are bored, it just comes across as really lazy and doesn’t project a great image. It gave the impression of a manager being away and staff being left to do what they like.
It’s a real shame as with decent management and decent cleaning this place could be great but would recommend going elsewhere.
Tips:
-lockers are available, though bear in mind are 0.20p coins (you can ask reception for coins); no bags are allowed on the rink.
-I would recommend parking at the Seacourt Park and Ride then taking the shuttle bus and walking to the venue if you plan to be around Oxford for the whole day; more space and better value.