A covered, weatherproof ice rink in Cathedral Gardens beside Manchester Victoria station
Currently out of season Skate Manchester is open from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, except on Christmas Day: daily 11am to 9pm until 6 December, then 10am to 9pm, with the last session starting at 8pm. Official schedule update
Skate Manchester sets up in Cathedral Gardens each winter, in a covered and weatherproof location in the heart of the city. In 2026 a 15-metre Fatboy Spin wind turbine stands in the gardens, partially powering the rink and replacing the traditional Christmas tree as the festive centrepiece, as part of a partnership with Octopus Energy.
Cathedral Gardens is an open space of grassy plots, paved walking areas and stylised concrete seating. After Victoria railway station was built in the 1860s the site housed travellers, hotels and shops, until urban planning in the 1980s demolished the hotel that faced south on Fennel Street and the Corn Exchange. It was then used as a car park until the regeneration of Manchester city centre, which followed the 1996 bombing, when the government granted Manchester City Council several million pounds to redevelop the most damaged sites.
Alongside general skating the rink plans themed nights, competitions, Quiet Skates and community sessions, with special offers for Blue Light workers and parents with little ones.
Admission, rentals and arrival details, researched from official rink information. Source checks stay current for 30 days.
Prices include skate hire but exclude the booking fee: adults and teens aged 13 and over pay £15.00 to £21.00, children aged 12 and under £13.75 to £15.50, and a family ticket (1 adult and 3 children, or 2 adults and 2 children) £44.00 to £59.00.
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Skate hire is included in the ticket price, in sizes from J8 to 14, and you can bring your own skates if you prefer.
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Sessions last up to 45 minutes, and the rink recommends arriving 30 to 40 minutes before your session to get ready.
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Children under 3 cannot skate, and children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over on the ice; one adult can supervise up to five children.
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Parking is available in Chapel Street or near Manchester Victoria Station.
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The rink can accommodate both manual and electric wheelchair users.
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A source check records what the rink published on that date. Session-specific booking details take precedence.