Oxford Ice Rink
Oxford Ice Rink
3.5
6:15 AM - 8:45 PM
Monday
6:15 AM - 7:15 PM
Tuesday
6:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:15 AM - 8:45 PM
Saturday
6:15 AM - 8:45 PM
Sunday
6:15 AM - 8:45 PM
About
Ice Rink located in the centre of Oxford. General skating, disco skating, skate school, parties, meetings, cafe and much more.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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3.5
72 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
18
Average
18
Poor
8
Terrible
12
Joe H
Oxford, UK26 contributions
Jan 2022
Trip to Oxford Ice rink over the festive period with family (2 adults & 3 children).
On-line booking system only in place currently due to Covid-19, system very confusing & not user friendly, Website clearly details that the wearing of face coverings is mandatory.
Please allow extra time if arriving by car as car park seems to being used as an overflow for shopping parking.
On arrival the Ice Rink seemed to be short staffed, first noticed with a queue to gain entry & surprisingly a customer who had incorrectly completed the on line booking system, the single member of staff was extremely helpful with the customer in correctly the mistake however creating a lengthy queue.
Please also be aware this is now a cashless site that requires a 20 pence coin for the lockers with no where on site to obtain any change / cash, although a member of staff went over & above in supplying her own 20 pence coin that is non refundable.
Upon entry to the Ice rink the ice itself was in an extremely poor condition with severe deep grooves in the ice at the beginning of a 2.5 hour public skate session, even for an experienced skater it was very difficult to successfully skate with the ice in this poor condition.
Also it was very obvious although this is clearly an inside activity face mask were not in place / enforced for safety by approx. 90% of customers inside the venue including the single ice skating steward on duty.
Unfortunately the fire alarm did activate whilst in the session and clearly not all members of staff had sufficient training of the evacuation process as people were advised to leave the ice & stand next to a fire exit but shouted at when they went out through the fire exits. Thankfully this was a false alarm although it sound for over 5 mins with a clear instruction not to evacuate the building!
Please also be aware currently there are no facilities in place including the single onsite upstairs café which is still currently still advertised as open on the website!
Toilets very run down with faulty equipment identified on 5th / 6th December still not rectified, no hot water in the male toilets although reported very clean in the females toilets.
Overall very poor family experience would not recommended due to the run down dated look & feel plus expensive.
Oxford City Council you need to consider the Fusion contract before this is forced to close!
On-line booking system only in place currently due to Covid-19, system very confusing & not user friendly, Website clearly details that the wearing of face coverings is mandatory.
Please allow extra time if arriving by car as car park seems to being used as an overflow for shopping parking.
On arrival the Ice Rink seemed to be short staffed, first noticed with a queue to gain entry & surprisingly a customer who had incorrectly completed the on line booking system, the single member of staff was extremely helpful with the customer in correctly the mistake however creating a lengthy queue.
Please also be aware this is now a cashless site that requires a 20 pence coin for the lockers with no where on site to obtain any change / cash, although a member of staff went over & above in supplying her own 20 pence coin that is non refundable.
Upon entry to the Ice rink the ice itself was in an extremely poor condition with severe deep grooves in the ice at the beginning of a 2.5 hour public skate session, even for an experienced skater it was very difficult to successfully skate with the ice in this poor condition.
Also it was very obvious although this is clearly an inside activity face mask were not in place / enforced for safety by approx. 90% of customers inside the venue including the single ice skating steward on duty.
Unfortunately the fire alarm did activate whilst in the session and clearly not all members of staff had sufficient training of the evacuation process as people were advised to leave the ice & stand next to a fire exit but shouted at when they went out through the fire exits. Thankfully this was a false alarm although it sound for over 5 mins with a clear instruction not to evacuate the building!
Please also be aware currently there are no facilities in place including the single onsite upstairs café which is still currently still advertised as open on the website!
Toilets very run down with faulty equipment identified on 5th / 6th December still not rectified, no hot water in the male toilets although reported very clean in the females toilets.
Overall very poor family experience would not recommended due to the run down dated look & feel plus expensive.
Oxford City Council you need to consider the Fusion contract before this is forced to close!
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maz
Northampton, UK34 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
BEWARE: this is the only website in the world where they put your name as the adult then you can add a number of adults and children using the +- buttons. It's so unclear that your name is the first adult. I ended up paying for 2 adults and a child for me and my niece and they wouldn't budge on a refund.
You also need to book skates and skating aids separately as I was reminded when I rang to beg for a refund on the second non existant adult. "You can't book them on the day"
This didn't seem to matter for the family infront of us who were just waved through when they asked about skate hire.
Staff were grumpy as anything and I got a telling off for trying to film Lola on her frost ice skating trip. "can you put your phone away please?" I apologised and said I wasn't aware it wasn't allowed and was told very sharply there was an announcement at the beginning of the session. No explanation was given as to why I couldn't take a pic for her mum.
At 1900 on the dot we were told to get off the ice, a few people went to complain that the session was billed at 75 mins therefore we should be on till quarter past. The woman's response, which I'd heard a lot from the staff there, "its just what I've been told" a minute later another announcement was made that we had 14 minutes left on the ice.
Lola enjoyed herself and there was plenty of space on the ice. I had a bitter taste left in my mouth, unhelpful staff and money grabbing policies.
You also need to book skates and skating aids separately as I was reminded when I rang to beg for a refund on the second non existant adult. "You can't book them on the day"
This didn't seem to matter for the family infront of us who were just waved through when they asked about skate hire.
Staff were grumpy as anything and I got a telling off for trying to film Lola on her frost ice skating trip. "can you put your phone away please?" I apologised and said I wasn't aware it wasn't allowed and was told very sharply there was an announcement at the beginning of the session. No explanation was given as to why I couldn't take a pic for her mum.
At 1900 on the dot we were told to get off the ice, a few people went to complain that the session was billed at 75 mins therefore we should be on till quarter past. The woman's response, which I'd heard a lot from the staff there, "its just what I've been told" a minute later another announcement was made that we had 14 minutes left on the ice.
Lola enjoyed herself and there was plenty of space on the ice. I had a bitter taste left in my mouth, unhelpful staff and money grabbing policies.
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Woodsfamily
Banbury, UK2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I was so looking forward to a trip ice skating with my children. It's been years since I went to Oxford ice rink.
But what a disappointment. To start with we saw quite a few rats running around outside.
Then once in the ice rink your unwelcomed by rude reception staff who quite frankly didnt want to serve anybody.
I was given no help with my pushchair down the stairs and told the lift was out of order and hadn't worked in a long time.
The hired skates look as old as the building, i was even given odd boots for one child.
My eldest child triped over the rubber floor as it was sticking up near the door to the ice and fell in a dirty puddle so not a very pleasant start.
The toilets are awful, very dirty with many loos out of order and no paper in the few cubicle that were in order.
The skating was fun although very busy and the ice was a bit bumpy.
The cafe sold nice coffee but again rude staff and not much on offer for food or a quick snack.
Unfortunately it really is looking very dated and in need of a facelift inside and out.
But with the eco/electric city plans for the city centre is this none environmental hazard needed any longer oh somthing better put in it's place.
I am very let down.
I doubt we will return.
But what a disappointment. To start with we saw quite a few rats running around outside.
Then once in the ice rink your unwelcomed by rude reception staff who quite frankly didnt want to serve anybody.
I was given no help with my pushchair down the stairs and told the lift was out of order and hadn't worked in a long time.
The hired skates look as old as the building, i was even given odd boots for one child.
My eldest child triped over the rubber floor as it was sticking up near the door to the ice and fell in a dirty puddle so not a very pleasant start.
The toilets are awful, very dirty with many loos out of order and no paper in the few cubicle that were in order.
The skating was fun although very busy and the ice was a bit bumpy.
The cafe sold nice coffee but again rude staff and not much on offer for food or a quick snack.
Unfortunately it really is looking very dated and in need of a facelift inside and out.
But with the eco/electric city plans for the city centre is this none environmental hazard needed any longer oh somthing better put in it's place.
I am very let down.
I doubt we will return.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShinHyung R
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
I am a skater who uses the rink very often.
I have heard several times that all ear sets/headsets, including iPods, are prohibited.
It seems like a necessary safety measure to be aware of skaters approaching.
I don't understand why so many people want to use electronic devices on the ice pad.
In fact, I believe this measure is necessary for safety reasons.
The staff are really friendly, but they probably can't handle anything that goes beyond their work regulations or is beyond their authority.
I was told that there were some cases they will not provide a refund but will do their best to ensure that the person could use the recall next time.
Many of the staff are actual skaters who live around Oxford. So, unless someone is practising skating skills too dangerously, they don't discipline new customers very much.
Many regular customers know the level of limitation which could be permitted.
I have used several rinks in southern England, but compared to other facilities, the ice pad condition is quite excellent, and although the facilities are a bit old, they are well maintained. Considering that it is a facility that is over 30 years old, it is an amazingly well-maintained rink.
The downside is that the surrounding parking lot, not the rink itself, is not free.
However, even though this parking lot is located in Oxford city center, it is the cheapest parking lot in Oxford city.
Additionally, the usage fee is slightly cheaper than other rinks, so even considering parking fees, it is not that expensive.
In fact, I've seen many Oxford residents use bicycles because of parking costs.
Since the rink is actually located in the center of Oxford, the fact that it is operated at that price is great for a variety of reasons.
I have heard several times that all ear sets/headsets, including iPods, are prohibited.
It seems like a necessary safety measure to be aware of skaters approaching.
I don't understand why so many people want to use electronic devices on the ice pad.
In fact, I believe this measure is necessary for safety reasons.
The staff are really friendly, but they probably can't handle anything that goes beyond their work regulations or is beyond their authority.
I was told that there were some cases they will not provide a refund but will do their best to ensure that the person could use the recall next time.
Many of the staff are actual skaters who live around Oxford. So, unless someone is practising skating skills too dangerously, they don't discipline new customers very much.
Many regular customers know the level of limitation which could be permitted.
I have used several rinks in southern England, but compared to other facilities, the ice pad condition is quite excellent, and although the facilities are a bit old, they are well maintained. Considering that it is a facility that is over 30 years old, it is an amazingly well-maintained rink.
The downside is that the surrounding parking lot, not the rink itself, is not free.
However, even though this parking lot is located in Oxford city center, it is the cheapest parking lot in Oxford city.
Additionally, the usage fee is slightly cheaper than other rinks, so even considering parking fees, it is not that expensive.
In fact, I've seen many Oxford residents use bicycles because of parking costs.
Since the rink is actually located in the center of Oxford, the fact that it is operated at that price is great for a variety of reasons.
Written 10 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika P
10 contributions
Aug 2021
Check in was a breeze and I was surprised with the rentals (at least the ones I had were better than the hard plastic boots others had). Ice was in good condition and it wasn't overly busy, which made it nice. 1 1/2 hours are enough for a good basic session!
HOWEVER, the whole experience was ruined by this employee very rudely telling me I couldn't wear my AirPods - I don't remember having seen the rule as I did read them while waiting for my check in...but in the end, please inform your employees to be NICE...Trust me, I understand the policy for safety, but FYI, AirPods Pro do have a function for transparency where you can PERFECTLY hear your music and the scratching of the ice, hence any voice or warning sound. For safety, ok, not all headphones have this option but it's no excuse to be rude about it.
HOWEVER, the whole experience was ruined by this employee very rudely telling me I couldn't wear my AirPods - I don't remember having seen the rule as I did read them while waiting for my check in...but in the end, please inform your employees to be NICE...Trust me, I understand the policy for safety, but FYI, AirPods Pro do have a function for transparency where you can PERFECTLY hear your music and the scratching of the ice, hence any voice or warning sound. For safety, ok, not all headphones have this option but it's no excuse to be rude about it.
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma S
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Friends
Parking isint even funny after 20 mins of driving round I squeezed in a bay. Consider myself lucky as some were waiting over 45 mins. Luckily junior stars are a lovely team. Shame about the staff at the rink kids asking for a wee. Nope (they had been travelling 2 hrs. Women don’t even think about it. Men not a chance u can all wait. (We wernt allowed into facility until the staff deemed it acceptable. Which just caused chaos as they let us in the same time they let public out.) (Have u seen hockey bags😬or 9-11 year old kids carrying them 🤦♀️🤦♀️) Obviously u would wanna coffee after the wait to get in. Well forget that nothing on site even machines out of order but it’s ok because the tantrum team (staff) have great advice on where to get one, Or not!! Disabled don’t be looking for help ur not getting none. Not sure if there’s a lift because if you ask staff there likely to give u some snidey rude answer. Yep r snap your head off. Well done to Oxford junior Ice Hockey for managing to put up with them week in and out 😳😳
Written 17 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bella
Liverpool, UK78 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We came to Oxford ice rink for the first time and will not be coming back. The staff are not friendly at all.My daughter who is a good skater was so excited to try a new ice rink... and came out despondent! To start with she was told off for wearing air pods, then was told off for doing some figure skating stuff on ice (she was very careful!). The man who told her off was very rude the way he spoken.So skaters be aware, if u want to practice anything except of skating forwards you are not allowed for some strange reasons! We have been to lots of different ice rinks around UK and have never been met with there kind of rules that seem made up as they go. The toilets were not clean and the car park is not free.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katie
England, UK82 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
I’ve been here twice now and both times were great fun. Staff were lovely and informative, the rink was tidy and organised and very budget friendly. Fun activity to do all year round. Good location as very close to westgate. Parking isn’t amazing though I’d say park in westgate car park which isn’t free
Written 20 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sa C
1 contribution
Nov 2021 • Family
Waited nearly an hour to get onto the ice with no communication as to why there was a delay. Some staff were rude and abrupt and some obviously overwhelmed with queue. No extra time to compensate for time lost on the ice. Such a shame as this was a birthday treat for my daughter.
Written 30 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian B
Cheltenham, UK17 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
Like myself, I’ve seen a few other reviews where people have gone to book and not realised that the website design automatically counts your user login as an adult ticket. So you go to normally book in, (in my case 3 adults) and thus selected 3 adults, but when I paid, I noticed there was 4 bookings. Customer service won’t budge at all regarding a refund so very much a scam that they are reeping the benefits from. A shame to be honest, wouldn’t take a lot to change the website to function like pretty much every other booking site in the world lol. Additionally, having to book skates along side the original booking is a bit of a pain. They have stated that this is all in their T/C’s which is fine, just a bit morally wrong. But oh well. Let’s just hope the actual ice skating is good.
Written 10 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Has anyone tried family skate lessons ( offered 5 consecutive days, 30 min sessions) ? Any good?
Written 9 November 2019
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