Skating in East Midlands

East Midlands has two indoor skating options here, and they are different sports. National Ice Centre in Nottingham is ice, with a Level 1 to 8 lesson programme and skating aids to hire for children still finding their balance. Reviewers keep coming back to the ice quality and facilities, but also to weekend crowd density and to hire skates that vary in condition. Our verdict is that it suits families whose children already have some experience or are signing up for lessons; first-timers and nervous children are likely to find a busy weekend session overwhelming, and weekdays are far quieter. It is pram friendly and wheelchair accessible, with parking on site, and hosts birthday parties.

Rollerworld Derby is roller skating in a loud disco environment, and the strongest theme in reviews is the party hosting. Staff on the rink floor are described as stepping in to help nervous and first-time skaters without being asked. The trade-offs are noise, so ear protection is worth packing for sound-sensitive children, and food that reviewers call basic, so eat beforehand. Parking is free and there is a cafe. The Federation of Inline Speed Skating lists it as the training venue for East Midlands Racing, a speed skating club based in Derby. Our verdict puts it best for birthday groups aged roughly 6 to 16 who want energy rather than a calm skate.

Both carry a 4.4 Google rating, so the decision rests on your child: lessons and proper ice in Nottingham, or a hosted, high-energy roller party in Derby. Check Rollerworld's session schedule online, since family and adult-only times differ.