WestQuay On Ice Southampton 2026: Our Family Review, Prices & Tips

We were kindly invited by Westquay to attend a special preview evening of WestQuay On Ice. The following review is based on our own family experience.

There is something lovely about getting wrapped up, putting on a pair of ice skates and spending time together as a family. Throw in hundreds of twinkling lights, a brilliant atmosphere and a performance from a Team GB Olympian, and you’ve got a pretty memorable evening!

We were recently invited to the preview of WestQuay On Ice in Southampton, ahead of its opening for the 2026 Christmas season. Having lived in Hampshire all our lives, we’re always interested in finding enjoyable family activities close to home, especially ones that get everyone involved.

We had a fantastic evening, with plenty of laughs, a few wobbly moments and some very impressive skating to watch. Here’s what we thought, along with everything you need to know before planning your own visit.

WestQuay On Ice Southampton: What to Expect

WestQuay On Ice is situated on Westquay’s Esplanade in Southampton, close to the city’s historic medieval walls and just a short walk from the shopping centre.

The first thing that caught our attention was how lovely the rink looked. The spacious ice-skating area sits beneath a clear covered roof decorated with strings of warm lights, while illuminated Christmas wreaths and greenery run along the sides.

As the evening gets darker, the lights really start to stand out. It creates a welcoming winter atmosphere without feeling overly Christmassy, particularly if you’re visiting earlier in the season.

There’s plenty of room to move around the rink, and we liked that people of different ages and abilities were skating together. Some were confidently gliding around, while others were taking things a little more cautiously!

Our Family Ice Skating Experience

We spent a lovely few hours at the preview evening, enjoying the atmosphere and having some family fun.

Getting onto the ice is always entertaining, particularly when everyone has different levels of confidence. Some of us found our feet fairly quickly, while others preferred staying a little closer to the side until they got going!

That’s all part of the fun, though. There were plenty of smiles, a few laughs and a real sense that everyone was simply enjoying themselves.

We also noticed ice marshals around the rink, helping people who needed a little guidance. That was reassuring to see, especially for families with younger children or anyone trying skating for the first time.

One of the things we particularly liked was being able to skate under the covered roof. You still get that outdoor winter feeling, but with some protection from the weather.

Watching Team GB Olympian Kristen Spours Perform

One of the biggest highlights of our evening was watching Kristen Spours, a Team GB Olympic figure skater, perform right in front of us.

Kristen represented Great Britain at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, competing in the women’s singles and team figure-skating events.

Watching someone perform at that level is completely different from seeing it on television. The control, balance and precision involved were incredible, and she made some very difficult movements look almost effortless.

It was a real privilege to see her skating up close and certainly made our preview evening even more special.

There was also live saxophone music on the ice, which added another enjoyable touch to the occasion.

Please note that these performances were part of the special preview evening and should not be expected during regular public skating sessions.

Is WestQuay On Ice Suitable for Children and Beginners?

Yes, we think it’s a great option for families, including those who haven’t been ice skating before.

The rink has ice marshals available to offer help and advice, and younger children can use penguin skating aids, subject to availability and the organiser’s restrictions.

The minimum skating age is three years old. Penguin skating aids cost an additional £5 and are restricted to children under 10 who are also under 110cm tall.

If you’re visiting with younger children, we’d recommend checking the skating-aid requirements before booking, as they’re not suitable for every child.

For anyone who’s a little nervous, there’s no need to race around the rink. Take your time, keep close to the barrier while you build confidence and enjoy it at your own pace.

WestQuay On Ice Ticket Prices for 2026

Here are the advertised prices for the 2026/27 season:

• Adults (13+): £15 per person
• Children (12 and under): £13 per person
• Family ticket (four people): £50, including one or two adults
• Students: £13 with valid student ID, available at the box office
• Penguin skating aid: £5 extra, subject to restrictions and availability

Skate hire is included in the standard ticket price, so there’s no need to own a pair of skates.

For a family of four, we’d definitely recommend checking the family ticket first rather than purchasing individual tickets.

Prices and availability may change, so always check the official booking website before visiting.

Opening Dates and Skating Sessions

WestQuay On Ice opens on Friday 23 October 2026 and runs until Sunday 3 January 2027.

Each skating session lasts 45 minutes and begins on the hour, with a short break between sessions for ice resurfacing.

The organisers recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before your session. This gives you time to check in, collect your skates and get ready without feeling rushed.

Standard weekday sessions run from 3pm, with earlier sessions available at weekends and during selected holiday periods. The rink is closed on Christmas Day.

We would recommend pre-booking online, particularly if you’re planning to visit over a weekend, during October half-term or closer to Christmas.

Where Is WestQuay On Ice and Where Can You Park?

You’ll find the ice rink at Westquay’s Esplanade, Southampton, SO15 1FQ, beside the historic city walls.

It’s a convenient location for a family outing because you can easily combine your skating session with shopping, lunch or dinner.

If you’re driving, parking is available at Westquay Shopping Centre, including its multi-storey and Podium car parks. We’d suggest checking the current parking charges before travelling.

If you’re arriving by train, Southampton Central is the nearest main railway station, with the rink accessible on foot from the city centre.

Our Tips for Visiting WestQuay On Ice With Children

After our visit, here are a few things we’d recommend to families planning to go:

• Arrive early: Allow at least 20 minutes before your session to collect skates and get organised.
• Wear warm layers: A comfortable jacket, gloves and suitable socks will make your session more enjoyable.
• Choose comfortable clothing: You want to be able to move easily while skating.
• Consider younger children: Check whether your child meets the requirements for a skating aid and book one early if needed.
• Book ahead: Popular weekend and holiday sessions may become busy.
• Allow time afterwards: There are plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby if you want to turn skating into a longer family outing.
• Take plenty of photos: The illuminated rink makes a lovely backdrop, particularly as it gets darker.

And perhaps our most important tip? Don’t worry if you’re not a brilliant skater. Half the enjoyment is having a laugh and learning together!

Can You Make a Full Family Day Out of It?

Absolutely. One of the advantages of WestQuay On Ice is its central Southampton location.

With a 45-minute skating session, it’s easy to combine your visit with something else rather than making a special journey for skating alone.

You could enjoy some Christmas shopping, stop somewhere for lunch or treat the children to a hot chocolate afterwards.

It’s also a great option if you’re looking for something to do during October half-term, with the rink opening well before Christmas.

For families who enjoy seasonal activities, we’d say it’s definitely worth adding to your list of things to do in Hampshire this autumn and winter.

Is WestQuay On Ice Worth Visiting? Our Verdict

We had a genuinely enjoyable evening at WestQuay On Ice and came away with lots of lovely memories.

The covered rink, twinkling lights and friendly atmosphere make it an appealing place for families. We particularly liked seeing everyone getting involved, regardless of whether they were experienced skaters or complete beginners.

Seeing Kristen Spours perform was an unforgettable bonus, although that was an exclusive part of the preview rather than the usual visitor experience.

For a regular family visit, we’d recommend going for the opportunity to enjoy some time together on the ice and perhaps making an afternoon or evening of it by exploring Southampton afterwards.

If you’re looking for Christmas activities in Southampton, family days out in Hampshire or ice skating near you, WestQuay On Ice is certainly worth considering.

How to Book WestQuay On Ice

WestQuay On Ice runs from 23 October 2026 until 3 January 2027.

To check session times, ticket prices and availability, visit the official WestQuay On Ice website.

A big thank you to Westquay for kindly inviting us along to the preview evening. We had a brilliant time!

For more inspiration, visit our Days Out In Hampshire blog, where we share our family adventures, local attractions and ideas for days out across Hampshire and beyond.

Information correct at the time of writing in October 2026. Prices, opening times and activities may change. Always confirm details with the organiser before travelling.