Skating in North West

The eighteen places here split three ways: ice rinks, roller rinks, and skateparks for boards, scooters and BMX. Planet Ice Blackburn Arena, Planet Ice Altrincham and Planet Ice Widnes all run public sessions, lessons and parties year-round according to North West for kids; reviewers single out Widnes for instructors who ease nervous first-timers onto the ice, Blackburn for quick progression in lessons but poorly sharpened hire skates, and Altrincham for Storm hockey nights rather than its crowded public sessions. Pleasure Beach Arena in Blackpool is, on reviewers' account, better booked for the Hot Ice show than for skating, since training groups take most of the rink.

Roller rinks are where beginners and party bookings get the most attention. Northwest Rollersports CIC in Manchester earns praise for one-to-one help that keeps children from quitting, and DesignMyNight calls it one of the city's most affordable options. Wigan Roller Rink is said by We're going on an adventure to claim Europe's largest indoor floor, though its own site says the Eckersley Mill home closed at the end of August 2026, so confirm where it now runs before setting off. Rollercity Rochdale, Kippax in Colne, The Fun House Of Colne and Picture Me Rollin Burnley are reviewed chiefly as party venues with hands-on staff. Rollers Club Mobile Roller Discos in Macclesfield suits parents skating alongside their children, but Saturdays reportedly exceed 125 skaters. Two separate reviews of Coast Riders Roller Rink in Blackpool describe rude staff, including towards children.

For ramps, Projekts MCR Skatepark near Piccadilly runs Toddler Takeover sessions from age two with coaches who approach beginners; Ramp 1 in Warrington has a micro mini ramp for starters and a shop on site; Bolton Skatepark and Platt Fields Skate Park suit confident children of ten and up, and Platt Fields stays wet for days after rain.