Booking & check-in
Entry to Christmas in Cambridge is free, but some of the most popular attractions and experiences are bookable and can sell out in advance.
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SKATE Cambridge
Cambridge's largest outdoor ice rink, on Parker's Piece, which some regard as football's birthplace
Public skating at SKATE Cambridge: the next 7 days
Currently out of season SKATE Cambridge returns to Parker's Piece for Christmas 2026, from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027; tickets and opening times are on the Christmas in Cambridge site. Official schedule update
- Address
- Parker's Piece, Cambridge, CB1 1NA
- Website
- skatecambridge.co.uk
Skating on Parker's Piece
SKATE Cambridge takes centre stage at Christmas in Cambridge on Parker's Piece, which it bills as Cambridge's largest outdoor ice rink and a real, genuine ice surface. In winter 2026 the common is once again transformed into a festive destination filled with twinkling lights, Christmas entertainment and great food and drink, and skaters can enjoy festive treats from the rink side catering units.
Parker's Piece is regarded by some as the birthplace of the rules of association football: the Cambridge University Football Club Laws were first used on the Piece and adopted by the Football Association in 1863. Before 1613 it was owned by Trinity College, and it takes its name from Edward Parker, a Trinity College cook who had leased 15 acres of the land from the college since 1587. A feast for 15,000 guests was held here in 1838 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria, and the single lamp-post at the junction of the paths is colloquially known as Reality Checkpoint.
Before you head out.
Admission, rentals and arrival details, researched from official rink information. Source checks stay current for 30 days.
Skating with children
Skaters from about age 2 are welcome (the smallest skate is a child's size 7). Skate aids are available to help balance or to sit on while being pushed, but the child still needs a ticket and skates. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the ice.
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Parking & arrival
Parker's Piece is within about 200 metres of the Queen Anne Terrace car park.
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Accessibility
The rink is wheelchair accessible and wheelchair users are welcome at any skate session; the wheels of an electric wheelchair may not work properly in rain. Accessible toilets are on site.
Source checked · · Official source
A source check records what the rink published on that date. Session-specific booking details take precedence.