An undercover rink and an open-air ice trail in the grounds of Cardiff Castle
Currently out of season Cardiff's Winter Wonderland opens on 12 November and runs to 3 January, with the ice rink and ice trail in Cardiff Castle (closed 25 and 26 December); ice skating needs a pre-booked ticket. Official schedule update
Cardiff's Winter Wonderland turns Cardiff Castle into a winter escape, with an undercover ice rink and an open-air ice trail that weaves through the castle grounds under the stars. The main rink is covered, but the ice trail is not, so skaters are asked to bring suitable outdoor clothing for it. New for 2026 is Bavarian curling on the ice in the EisBahn at Cardiff Castle.
The castle's original motte and bailey was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort. Burges remodelled it in a Gothic revival style, lavishing money and attention on the main lodgings. During the Second World War air raid shelters built in the castle walls could hold up to 1,800 people, and when the 4th Marquess died in 1947 the castle was given to the City of Cardiff.
Quiet sessions on set dates offer lower levels of music, announcements and lighting, with limited capacity and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Admission, rentals and arrival details, researched from official rink information. Source checks stay current for 30 days.
Ice skating needs a ticket booked through the online box office; there is no onsite box office, and rink tickets can be exchanged for a future date of equivalent value up to 24 hours before the session.
Source checked · · Official source
Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Source checked · · Official source
There is no parking at Cardiff Castle; general and accessible parking is available in the city centre car parks.
Source checked · · Official source
Wheelchair users and accessible customers are welcome at any ice skating session.
Source checked · · Official source
Children under 3 are not permitted on the ice.
Source checked · · Official source
A source check records what the rink published on that date. Session-specific booking details take precedence.
