The largest indoor ice rink on the South Coast, set up each winter in the BIC's Purbeck Hall
Currently out of season Cool Coast Ice Rink opens in Bournemouth International Centre's Purbeck Hall on 28 November 2026 and runs to 21 February 2027, with sessions of 60 minutes from 9:00am to 8:45pm (times vary). Official schedule update
Cool Coast Ice Rink is billed as the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast, located seasonally in Bournemouth International Centre. It sits in the centre of the circular Purbeck Hall, with a themed Alpine Terrace for those who prefer to watch, and relaxed sessions are quieter, with the main hall and festoon lighting switched on. An artificial snow machine may be used during sessions. Because the rink is indoors, skating goes ahead regardless of the weather outside, and its operators describe it as a great way to stay fit and active over the wintery months.
The BIC was opened in September 1984 and is one of the largest venues for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and events in southern England. The circular Purbeck Hall was added in 1990, and Margaret Thatcher made her last Conservative Party Conference speech at the venue in 1990.
Admission, rentals and arrival details, researched from official rink information. Source checks stay current for 30 days.
Adults aged 12 and over pay £14.00 off-peak or £15.00 peak, children aged 4 to 11 £12.50 or £13.50, students and seniors (ID required) £14.00 at both times, and a family ticket (up to 4 people and at most 2 adults) £46.00 or £47.00.
Source checked · · Official source
Skates are available for children and adults, and you can bring your own at no extra charge; penguin skate mates can be hired in limited numbers.
Source checked · · Official source
Bookings can be changed up to 24 hours before your session; booking in advance is advised, but you can also pay on arrival at a cashless self-service kiosk, subject to session availability, and you should allow up to 15 minutes to collect skates.
Source checked · · Official source
The BIC has a cashless multi-storey public car park with 644 spaces, open 24 hours a day.
Source checked · · Official source
The rink is wheelchair accessible for any skate session, with up to 10 wheelchairs on the ice at a time.
Source checked · · Official source
Under-4s are not permitted on the ice, and under-12s must be accompanied on the ice, with one adult allowed to accompany up to three under-12s.
Source checked · · Official source
A source check records what the rink published on that date. Session-specific booking details take precedence.
