Outdoor Ice Skating Tips for Beginners

Where to Go Ice Skating in Yorkshire

Come to Stockeld Park for an exciting day of ice skating in Yorkshire! From the 18th of November to the 8th of January 2024, all are welcome to whizz around our excellent ice rink. 

Skate around 630 square metres of ice carefully covered to protect you from the elements. Around the rink, you’ll have panoramic views of the park’s Enchanted Forest, lit with magical Winter Illuminations throughout the Christmas Adventure. 

During the Christmas Adventure, the last entry to the ice rink is at 8:30pm (closes 9pm), so you have lots of time to make beautiful memories! Plus, you can skate during our Winter Weekends and February Adventure. By early next year, you’ll be an ice skating pro.  

Want the ice rink to yourself? We offer ice skating parties for up 20 children! Get one hour of skating alongside a delicious feast of pizzas at our Woodland Cafe. Bring along balloons, cake, party bags and anything else you need to celebrate! Book your skate party today for an exhilarating birthday experience. 

Children between the ages of 4 and 8 always require adult supervision. For children aged 8-16, our team will require parents to supervise from the side of the rink. 

6 Tips for Ice Skating 

1. Dress Smartly 

Ice skating is a great way to warm you on those cold winter days. Dress in layers that you can easily remove if you get too hot. Avoid skinny jeans, long skirts or floaty items as they restrict free movement. 

2. Select the Right Skates 

At Stockeld Park, we rent out ice skates, so you don’t need to bring your own. When you arrive, borrow a pair that fits your feet comfortably. If they feel too loose or tight, select a different size to avoid the risk of injury.

3. Tie Skates Correctly 

Our ice skates come with a clip for you to start skating in no time. Sit on a bench and fasten the clips so your feet feel snug but not tight. Having your skates loose won’t provide enough support for your ankles, so get wrapped up! 

4. Keep Your Head Up

Ice skating is all about good balance. Often, people will spend their time looking at the ground rather than up ahead. Don’t do this! Look in the direction you’re going to avoid clashing with other skaters.

5. Don’t Lean Backwards

When you learn back, you’ll end up flying onto your backside. Ouch! Bend your knees, lean forward and hold on to the barriers if you’re worried about slipping.

6. Get Back Up Safely

We all start like Bambi on ice when we first start skating. If you trip over, don’t ask someone to help you up, as it can result in them falling alongside you. Turn onto your knees, place one foot down and use your hands to keep balance as you bring your body up. 

Get an Ice Skating Membership at Stockeld Park

Love ice skating? Get unlimited access to our exceptional ice rink across our opening dates between the 18th of November, 2023, and the 18th of February, 2024.

Get your ‘Skate Only’ or ‘Illumination & Skate’ tickets online for single sessions. Book now to avoid disappointment!