We tried out Lancaster On Ice and here’s how it went

The festive season is finally back, and Lancaster has gone all-out once again. Lancaster On Ice has taken over Dalton Square, equipped with a huge ice rink, Ferris Wheel, tipi bar, and some gorgeous traditional Christmas market stalls.

Spending a freezing cold night in Dalton Square during the winter months feels like a right of passage for a Lancs student, so we headed over during the week to see what there was to offer and we were not disappointed. The square looked stunning; you can follow the 120 feet tall Ferris Wheel from anywhere in the city to find your way there. The wheel is Europe’s largest portable observation wheel (how cool is that?!) and lights up the whole area when it gets dark. If you fancy some incredible views over Lancaster and the Lake District, now is your chance!

Lancaster On Ice 2023

The website boasts that the rink was voted one of the best ice-rinks in the UK & Europe, and they’re definitely not wrong! The 800m² ice surrounds the iconic Queen Victoria Memorial and the coloured lights definitely make it a sight to see. The sessions run every hour, including sorting your skates out and getting on the ice, so it’s well worth booking in advance and getting there on time to make the most out of your skate.

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Once on the ice, the skating itself was extremely enjoyable. There was no pressure to be an entirely competent skater as many people fell over and everyone around instantly helped them up, that’s Lancaster for you. We were unashamedly very grateful that there was no frosty reception. The rink also had a banging soundtrack to keep the spirits high and we couldn’t resist singing along to some of the tunes.

Everything about the skating is wheelchair accessible, if you speak to a member of staff before your booking, which is great for encouraging everyone to get involved. For those who are less inclined to skate, don’t worry! There is a free viewing platform which was brilliant for spectating friends and family… and becoming a makeshift wardrobe when the skaters started warming up.

Once your session is over and you’re sufficiently exhausted, there are loads of traditional wooden food stalls ready to fill your appetite, selling everything from gyros to the most delicious-smelling crepes. Next to the rink, there’s also a huge tipi bar which is the most cosy sanctuary from the cold weather. There’s a full bar, fairy lights, and a few open fires for some marshmallow toasting (and to warm up your fingers)!

Overall, we would entirely recommend heading over to Dalton Square at some point before the end of term, and can’t wait for it to come back again next year.

Lancaster On Ice runs from 23rd November to 5th January.