Ice Skating Edinburgh

16 November 2022|Read time 2 mins

Edinburgh offers first timers and experienced ice skaters the chance to shine on the rink, with ice skating on offer throughout the year.

One of the most famous images of Edinburgh features a gentleman skating on the frozen surface of Duddingston Loch. For many people this Raeburn painting sums up how they imagine Edinburgh.

Ice skating in Edinburgh

However, in reality, the weather in Edinburgh does not often get cold enough to go skating on nearby ponds.

So if you are interested in skating, you might consider heading over to the Murrayfield Ice Arena.

Skating is available all year round and is a great way to get active during your self-catering break.

Murrayfield Ice Arena, Edinburgh

The Murrayfield Ice Arena seats 3,500 spectators.

It is located next door to the famous BT Murrayfield Stadium, home to international rugby matches.

The arena's bar is open on rugby match days, offering a great place to soak up the atmosphere.

You can find it just off the city's Corstorphine Road and can take bus routes 26 and 31 to reach the venue. 

It was built in 1939 but the army requisitioned the building during the war.

It only opened to the public after the war ended. It's an Edinburgh institution, on par with the Royal Commonwealth Pool or the National Museum of Scotland.

Generations of Edinburgh youngsters (including me) have tottered around the Murrayfield rink. 

Even all these years later I can remember the exhilaration of plucking up the confidence to let go of the rink's edge.

There were some proud moments. Though, sadly, I usually ended up on my bottom minutes later.

However, as my experience shows, you don't have to be Torvill or Dean to enjoy skating. 

Strobe lighting and chart music give Murrayfield a party atmosphere for events.

Disco evenings are especially popular with teenagers and students.

There are separate sessions aimed at those with different skill levels so you can choose to skate with others of similar ability.

Most skaters are aged between seven and twenty-one, but some regulars are in their eighties.

Enjoy ice skating at Murrayfield

The rink offers skating lessons to all customers.

Check the website to find out more about holiday courses, lasting over several weeks, for children. 

If you don't fancy hitting the ice yourself, why not enjoy watching other skaters, or perhaps the city's ice hockey team, Edinburgh Capitals? For match spectators, there is free skating afterwards until 10 pm!

The rink also hires out skates, ranging in size from a child's size four to an adult's fourteen, plus there's free parking.

Ice skating in Edinburgh at Christmas

If you're in Edinburgh over Christmas or the New Year, skating could be just the thing to help you keep in tune with the festive season.

Why not also consider skiing at the artificial ski slope at Midlothian Snowsports Centre?

Browse the Reserve Apartments portfolio and enjoy!

Murrayfield Ice arena, Riverdale Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 5YN 0131 337 6933