Bournemouth International Centre hosts south coast’s largest indoor ice rink until mid-February

A twinkling winter wonderland awaits at Bournemouth’s Purbeck Hall as Cool Coast Ice Rink continues until mid-February.

Decked out with pretty lights and Scandi-style wooden huts, the BIC hall has been transformed into a wintery scene housing the south coast’s largest indoor ice skating rink.

Welcoming novice, keen and super skaters, the seasonal indoor ice rink will be open to skaters whatever the weather until Sunday 18th February.

The pretty rink, featuring spectacular ribbons, festoon lights, festive fir trees and decorative icicles, is maintained at a chilly -10C while promising a welcome that couldn’t be warmer.

There is a dedicated area for spectators, and a cosy Alpine-inspired bar serves up warming hot chocolates, along with other drinks and snacks.

The venue, behind the main BIC building, employs skate marshals to help beginners and maintain rink safety, and boosts a team of penguin ‘skate mates’, a practice area to warm up and 600 pairs of skates ready to hire.

All sessions include 15 minutes to put skates on, an hour on the ice, and 15 mins at the end to take skates off. Prices include skate hire; however, visitors may bring their own skates. Entry is free for spectators when accompanying paying skaters.

Perfect for the skilled, seasoned skater, brave beginners and everyone in between, participants are advised to dress for icy conditions with warm socks, gloves and hats to avoid the chill.

This year the venue has also introduced relaxed skate sessions, with more lighting and no loud music, for users with additional needs or sensory requirements as well as those who are neurodivergent.

Relaxed skating sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 4pm to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 11am to 12:30pm. Wheelchair users are welcome at all skate sessions, with accessible skate tickets, which include free skate access for one carer, also available to book online.

Tickets are £13 for adults and £12 for children/seniors, with group bookings and discounts also available. The venue is also available for private hire events and is open seven days a week with varying times between 11am to 8.45pm. For more information and bookings, visit www.coolcoasticerink.co.uk

• The Advertiser & Times has teamed up with BH Live to give away a family ticket (two adults and two children) to the rink in this week’s edition. Make sure you pick up your copy this Friday (19th January) for the entry form.