Skating in East of England

Two of the six are ice rinks and four are roller rinks, so the first decision is which surface your children want. Riverside Leisure Centre in Chelmsford pairs its rink with a pool, and reviewers say recent upgrades have improved both; the same reviews describe overcrowding at busy times, school groups taking over the gym on weekday afternoons, and admission policies that vary depending on who is on the desk, so confirming arrangements online or in person before you travel is sensible, since the phone lines are reported to be unreliable. Planet Ice Hemel Hempstead is the one reviewers pick for younger beginners, with skate aids for hire, dedicated party hosts and free parking outside, though the rink is compact with support columns on the ice, which limits it for anyone wanting proper practice.

On wheels, Rollacity in Rochford has the highest rating of the group and is described by reviewers as a birthday venue first, with a DJ who shouts out the birthday child. It suits children of six and up who can manage skates on their own, younger ones may tire within the hour, and earlier or later sessions are reportedly quieter than midday. Roller City at Campus West Welwyn Garden City offers free skate hire and a perimeter bar for beginners, but spectators pay their own entry, so it works best when the whole family skates; reviewers also flag an uneven patch of flooring near the fire exit.

The two smallest venues are the ones to check before committing. Wheelie Roller Disco in Loughton runs in a small hall that reviewers say fills fast at peak sessions, and its refund policy is strict. Sk8ters Roller Rink in Maldon, inside Madison Heights, has toddler-specific sessions and well-reviewed Sunday family slots, but a no-refund policy means it suits children who are already sure they want to skate a full session.