Skating to Blackburn (Blackburn Ice Arena)

Member Name: blondie_lauren

Product:	Blackburn Ice Arena
Date:	29/06/09 (58 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great day out

Disadvantages: None really, can be busy

Blackburn Ice Arena is one of the only ice skating rinks in the north-west. It used to be a big tourist attraction but doesn't attract that many people now. I used to go quite a lot when I was younger but havn't been in a couple of years now. There is a carpark outside and is next to a new business park that includes Vue cinema/bowling complex, Matalan, Staples, Pizza Hut, Chiqitos, Frankie and Bennys, etc so theres plenty of things to chose from to do afterwards! It is also close to a retail park with Asda, Mothercare, TKMaxx, Boots etc.

The Ice rink is massive so holds a lot of people. When it is busy you may find it harder to skate around especially if you can't skate very well. The sides are quite easy to hold on to ha!!

A couple of years ago, Friday nights were the most popular nights as young teenagers would crowd into the ice arena to skate. Not sure if that happens anymore but watch out for that. The attendents would play games so not really for people over to age of 15 or 16, but the kids were much younger when I used to skate there.

Throughout the days the ice arena is pretty much dead apart from a couple of older people or people who want to practice skating so if you want a relaxing time or to practice skating then day times are the best time.
The ice arena also has lots of seats around the rink because Blackburn's ice hockey team Blackburn Hawks play and practice here, however the seats are generally out of bounds when the arena is open to the public. Ice skating lessons are also offered at the arena, which is open 7 days a week.

The ice arena plays out music, but this is usually dance music as opposed to chart music. The price of a days skating is usually about £5, however I havn't been in a couple of years so they may offer deals now. In my opinion the ice arena has become less popular over the years. There is a small cafe that people go into with their skates on so watch out for people standing on your feet! It sells chips/drinks etc at reasonable prices but because it is only a cheap cafe don't expect a gormet meal or anything!

I would recommend a visit especially those who enjoy ice skating. It is worth a visit since it is one of the only ones in the north-west and since there are lots of eateries, shops and a cinema/bowling complex is close by it is worth a day visit from surrounding towns. The ice arena is one of the only tourist attraction Blackburn has to offer.

Summary: Great day out