The Cotswold Ice Rink reveals new name and expanded Christmas experience

Cirencester

• Season dates: 19 November 2026– 17 January 2027. (closed Christmas Day)

The Relish Group expects to welcome 40,000 visitors for real-ice skating, a new pop-up Christmas market, character appearances and live DJ sessions.

The Relish Group has announced an expanded festive experience for Christmas 2026 as The Gateway Ice Rink becomes The Cotswold Ice Rink, remaining at its familiar home at The Gateway Centre in the Cotswold Lakes.

Running from 19 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, the attraction is expected to welcome 40,000 visitors to skate, eat, drink and celebrate the season in its lakeside setting.

The only seasonal ice rink in the Cotswolds with REAL ICE, The Cotswold Ice Rink offers an authentic skating experience within a fully covered and enclosed rink. Preparing the ice takes more than a week as it is built up and frozen before opening. Once the final skating session finishes on 17 January, the ice takes another week to thaw, bringing the operation to a close in late January.

This year marks a significant expansion of the festive offering, with a new pop-up Christmas market and an enhanced selection of seasonal food and drink. Visitors will be able to combine time on the ice with Christmas shopping, festive treats and a relaxed meal or drink with family and friends.

Special skating sessions featuring Disney princess characters will bring extra magic for younger visitors throughout the season, while late skating sessions with live DJ sets will add music and energy to evenings on the ice.

Food and drink will be central to the experience, with options including The Gateway Café & Bar, wood-fired pizzas from Pizzeria 720, sweet treats from The Donut Stop, bratwurst from The Sizzle Shack and drinks at Hideout Lakeside Bar.

The Relish Group is also pleased to continue its support for Pied Piper Appeal this Christmas. The Gloucestershire charity makes a difference to the lives of sick and disabled children across the county through its support for hospitals, SEND schools, Wish Holidays and children’s experiences in mental health facilities.

Robert Goves of The Relish Group said:
“We’re delighted to introduce The Cotswold Ice Rink and welcome everyone back to our usual home at The Gateway Centre. This year, we’re bringing even more to the experience, from our new pop-up Christmas market and seasonal food and drink to princess appearances and late skating sessions with live DJs. We’re looking forward to welcoming 40,000 visitors to enjoy everything we have planned.

“There’s something special about skating on real ice, and a huge amount of preparation goes into creating the rink each year. We want that care and enthusiasm to shine through in every part of our visitors’ experience.

“We’re especially pleased to be supporting the local charity Pied Piper Appeal again this Christmas. Its work makes a real difference to sick and disabled children and their families across Gloucestershire, and we’re proud to continue supporting such an important local cause.”

 

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