Aylesbury has it’s very own real ice rink, just in time for Christmas! Chiltern View Ice Rink has re-opened we went back to review the changes they’ve made this year. It’s actually part of the Chiltern View Nursery and this year I looks like it’s inside the nursery itself instead of inside the separate tent!! After the disappointment of World’s End Nursery not doing their winter wonderland walk through it’s really nice to have something festive to look forward to!
We were very kindly invited to review Chiltern View Ice Rink but they did not see the post before publication and had no input in its contents.
The ice rink
First of all – the Chiltern View Ice Rink is actual ice. None of the artificial skating stuff here. Even though the ice was nicely roughed up when we got on, OMG it’s incredibly slippy. Thankfully it didn’t take that long for us to start getting used to it again.
If you follow me on Facebook you’ll know that I roller skate, and I used to roller blade when I was a teenager. I’ve been ice skating before but not since last year when we did our 2021 review of Chiltern View Ice Rink. I’ll admit I was still nervous as hell, getting back out there, and was clinging on to Smallest Child’s skating aid for dear life for most of the session – taking her had its advantages. Honestly, I clearly need to go ice skating more often.
The Chiltern View Ice Rink is small enough to be manageable for all skill levels. It did feel quite busy at times on our first visit, and sold out, so it was as busy as it’s ever going to be. On our second visit it was much quieter so only ever felt “congested” around the exit. There are stewards in the middle of the rink keeping an eye on everything. If someone falls over they go straight over to help them up. This year they also have posts in the middle of the Ice rink which are useful to grab onto if you need them!
Each session lasts for 40 minutes. If you’re late for your session then your skating time will be reduced.
What to wear
It’s cold – because it’s made of ice! You’ll want to wear a coat if it’s a chilly day / night. I was also wearing a jumper, but then I’m permanently cold. Actually once I got going I was a bit warm. Sadly there’s nowhere secure to put your bags / coat so it’s a case of either keep it on or leave it on a bench. I’d kind of assumed this would be the case so hadn’t taken my handbag with me and took my skating bumbag to keep stuff safe. A lack of lockers is a bit of a pain TBH.
Probably don’t bother with hats / gloves etc. Unless it’s REALLY cold outside I doubt you’ll need it. You will be working pretty hard trying not to fall over after all.
Can you hire skates / skating aids?
Yes, skates are included on a first-come-first-served basis. This year it’s a much more professional set-up and they’ve got even more than before. They recommend that you get there 30 minutes before your skating session to get your skates on and complete the disclaimer. If you’ve very little ones then they have their own special ice skates that are safer and more stable!
If you have your own skates then you are allowed to take those with you.
There are also skating aids for £2.50 per session. This year I took Smallest Child for the first time and she didn’t really like being on the actual ice so went for the “seated on the skating aid being pushed around like Miss Daisy” option. I’m currently recovering from a really bad back so I was worried about making it worse whilst pushing this around. It wasn’t great for it, but bending the knees helped, and it meant I didn’t break a hip (and my pride) by falling over on the ice.
Can you just watch?
Yes, but not on Saturday evenings from 6-9pm when they have live entertainment. Otherwise it’s free to watch.
What else is there to do at Chiltern View Ice Rink?
At weekends they have entertainment. On some nights this will be a DJ and on others it will be live entertainment. When we went Anthony Costa was singing. He got old! (Turns out his a couple of months older than me. Oh dear!)
Santa’s VR Sleigh Ride
New for 2022 is the Santa’s VR Sleigh Ride. You get up to 6 people on per ride and it takes you on a virtual ride in Santa’s sleigh. Obviously. As part of our review of Chiltern View Ice Rink we were given a ride. It’s very cool and the kids absolutely loved it. It’s only about 3 or 4 minutes long though and £5 per person if pre-booked (£6 per person for walk-ups). I think that’s quite a lot of money, although on a par with other VR rides I’ve seen.
Thankfully it’s easily avoided if you don’t want to do it. You could always try and tell the kids this is the sleigh ride! Or just tell them have you to pre-book and it was sold out. That’s what I usually say.
Our Chiltern View Ice Rink Review
We had so much fun! Yes, I was nervous I’d break a hip, but it was such a giggle. Real ice really is much better than the artificial stuff. It was well organised, even though it was a very busy night. I spoke to a couple of other people who were they and they all agreed – it’s great! I literally didn’t see anyone looking like they weren’t having a good time, even when they fell over.
The downside – the toilets were pretty grim last year. I think they’re using their normal shop ones this year but I forgot to check. I know toilets was something they were looking to improve this year.
It’s cold – but then what do you expect? Oh, and hard cover ice skates are not the most comfortable things in the world. They’re nice and easy to get on but, if you’re not used to them then you’re legs and feet will start to ache after a while. The 40 minute session was just about right for us. Proven by the fact that both the kids and I had given up and left the ice about 30 seconds before he announced the session was about to close!
Admission Cost
Off peak – £25 for a family of 4. Peak – £35 for a family of 4.
Weekend evenings (6pm-9pm) – £45 for a family of 4.
Tickets can be pre-booked on their website. Currently tickets are available until the end of December but it might get extended. All prices correct at the time this review if Chiltern View Ice Rink was updated.
Toilets
Port-a-loos on site and some others out the back I forgot to check out.
Food
Available on site. Own food not allowed.
Parking / How to get there
Plenty of free parking on site
Address – Chiltern View Nursery, Wendover Rd, Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury HP22 5GX
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I’m Vicky and I am a mum of three living in Aylesbury. I set up Free Time with the Kids to review free and cheap family days out in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire, mainly because I kept forgetting all the fabulous places that were recommended to me!! I love getting out and about with the kids (and hubby of course) and we have adventures all over the place. My reviews tell you all the things you need to know about the family days out and activities we’ve done such as how much it costs, if there’s parking, toilets and if there’s a cafe or if picnics are allowed. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook