Cool Coast Ice Rink, the South Coast’s largest seasonal indoor ice-skating rink, returns to Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) this month.

Last year, the popular attraction saw more than 40,000 attendances. And this year there are lots of new sessions to accommodate even more.

Skate sessions will run between 9:00am-10:00pm (session times vary) seven days a week from Saturday 30 November 2024 – Sunday 23 February 2025. A range of skate sessions and ticket types will be on sale, including individual, accessible, and family rates. Group concessions and private rink hire are also available.

Last year’s season saw the introduction of Cool Coast Ice Rink’s relaxed sessions, an opportunity for visitors to skate without loud music and with the rink’s main hall and festoon lighting switched on to provide a calmer, relaxed experience for individuals.

This year’s relaxed skating sessions will return on Wednesdays 4pm-5:15pm and Saturdays 11am-12:15pm. These sessions may benefit those with additional needs or sensory requirements, such as sensitivities to loud noises or limited vision, as well as those with learning difficulties or who are neurodivergent.

Brand-new for this year is the introduction of the advanced skate session, an opportunity for more confident skaters to show off their skills on the ice every Saturday at 8:45pm (age restrictions apply).

Want the rink all to yourself? Cool Coast Ice Rink’s new private hire packages give you exclusive access to the rink for an hour for up to 250 people. It’s an ideal option for schools looking to make their PE lessons ‘cooler’ or for large groups looking to organise a celebratory occasion, corporate team-building session, party, or more*.

The Alpine Bar returns to provide the perfect space for spectators, serving up a delicious selection of hot and cold drinks, grab-and-go food, as well as winter warmer treats such as mince pies, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.

Cool Coast Ice Rink is operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

This year, visitors to Cool Coast Ice Rink will enjoy an enhanced welcome to the venue thanks to a multi-million-pound partnership project by BCP Council and BH Live. In addition to technological advancements, refurbishments have completed in the venue’s Purbeck foyer, which include the installation of a living roof, and a modernised entrance complete with brand-new glazing, improved outdoor signage, and bathroom facilities.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues shared;

“We are delighted to welcome visitors back to Cool Coast Ice Rink to enjoy some seasonal active fun during the winter months. Cool Coast Ice Rinkis already a much-anticipated attraction enjoyed by skaters of all abilities. We’re really pleased to be able to deliver a more accessible experience this year by providing advanced skate sessions and relaxed sessions. We hope that these new sessions provide a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for all.”

For more information about Cool Coast Ice Rink, including booking, opening times, and relaxed sessions, visit coolcoasticerink.co.uk. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.