Ice skating at Riverside

What to expect when you visit  

To keep staff and customers safe, there are some changes to how we operate:

Booking

• You must book and pay for all ice sessions and patch in advance on the website or via our app.
• If you have not booked in advance, you will not be able to use the centre.
• Each individual customer must have their own  ourChelmsford account to book. 
• Booking limits apply (terms and conditions).
• Family ice skating sessions cannot be booked online, please call our reception to book family ice skating (not currently running). 

Sessions in the rink

• We will be running a restricted timetable. Public ice skating sessions are not currently running.
• Skate hire is available.
• For skaters who are Skate Grade 8 or above, we offer closed patch sessions where you can develop your skills or practice routines. These sessions are not open to the public. 
  
• You can also book private lessons with an instructor.
• No penguin skate aids will be available.
• There will be one-way systems in place on the walkways around the ice rink.
• One spectator per skater under 14 will be allowed into the ice rink.
• Social distancing should be observed at all times.
  

Face coverings

• You will need to wear a face covering inside our leisure centres whenever you aren't exercising, unless you have an exemption. Find out more about face coverings.
• We recommend that you do not wear a face covering during exercise. Please leave it with your possessions during your activity.

Cleaning

• We will be cleaning in between sessions.
• We will provide hand sanitiser and there will be cleaning stations around the rink for you to use before and after you use equipment.
  
• Hire ice skates will be disinfected between use.

When you arrive and leave

• Before you arrive, you can download the NHS COVID-19 app. You can open the app and scan the QR code displayed at the entrance to the centre on arrival.
  
• You will enter via the river entrance only. For public sessions you will queue on the cafe terrace and wait to be called in.
• For patch sessions you will not need to queue and can go straight into the centre. However you will not be allowed into the centre until 15 minutes before your lesson time.
• If you have a buggy or accessible needs, you will be able to make your way straight in to reception.

• You should only arrive 15  minutes before your session time to avoid queuing congestion.
• Follow the signs and one-way system around the centre to get to and from your activity.
• You will go up the purple stairs towards the ice rink. At the top of the stairs, follow the signs and turn left through the doors.
• You will change your shoes on one of the designated chairs at the far side of the rink.
• You will enter and exit the ice pad at designated doors. These will be sign-posted.
• When you exit, you will follow the signs and go through the clear link door down the green stairs and out via the car park exit.
• You will need to leave the centre straight after your session.

Monthly members

• You will need to book a session in advance
• You will need to check in for your session at the turnstiles at the bottom of the stairs
• If you do not check-in, we will charge you the full amount for the session
  
• Please make sure that you have registered your email address with us in order to book online. 

Get In! Skate School ice skating lessons

Our Get In! Skate School courses follow the British Ice Skating (formerly NISA) approved  Skate UK programme and offers weekly lessons and free public ice skating, all for a low monthly fee. 

Find out about our Skate School

Prices

Things you need to know

About ice skating