There is no ice rink in Brighton this Christmas, so if you want to skate you need to travel. Brighton & Hove City Council and the operator Laine Ltd say the rink returns in 2027 at the Old Steine, as we reported in our ice rink story. Until then, two rinks along the south coast have confirmed their 2026 seasons: Worthing, about 10 miles west of Brighton, and Portsmouth, about 40 miles west, both measured in a straight line.
The season at a glance
Worthing Ice Rink
The Worthing Ice Rink website says the doors are open from Saturday 7 November 2026 to 21 February 2027. The rink is in Steyne Gardens, Brighton Road, Worthing, BN11 3EA, and is run by Town Centre Ice Rinks Ltd.
Sessions. Every session lasts one hour. Monday to Friday in term time the rink runs from 1.45pm to 9pm. At weekends and in school holidays it runs from 10am to 9pm. The last session starts at 8pm.
Festive week and booking. In the festive week of 19 to 24 December the adult ticket rises to £16.50 and the child ticket to £14.50. The site lists slightly higher prices for online booking, so check the total at checkout. Tickets are sold online and at the box office on arrival, though the rink says you may have to wait for a turn on the ice if you turn up. Tickets are non-refundable.
Access. The rink says it is wheelchair accessible and that wheelchair users are welcome at any session. Penguin skate aids can be hired for £5, with a height limit of 120cm. Carers skate free and do not need a ticket, though they may be asked for ID. Safety helmets are free on request. Skaters must be at least 4 years old.
Portsmouth On Ice
Visit Portsmouth lists Portsmouth On Ice from Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 in Guildhall Square. It is open every day except Christmas Day, and the rink has a clear canopy so it runs in all weather.
Sessions. Each skate lasts one hour. The first session starts at 9am every day. Last sessions are at 8pm from Sunday to Wednesday and from 9.15pm from Thursday to Saturday.
Quiet and special sessions. There are early quiet skates in the 9am to 10am slot, plus dedicated slots for families and for people with additional needs, and live DJ sessions.
Prices and booking. The Visit Portsmouth page does not list ticket prices, so use the booking link on that page before you travel.
When Brighton skates again
“The move gives us the opportunity to build a long-term future for the rink in a location that is accessible, sustainable and right at the heart of the city centre.”
Councillor David McGregor, Cabinet member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism
The Old Steine, rebuilt in the final phase of Valley Gardens (see our Valley Gardens 3 report), is the preferred home from 2027 onwards. Opening dates can change, so check each rink’s own page before you go.
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