Whitley Bay Ice Rink and the Whitley Warriors keep the coast on ice

On a cold autumn evening in Whitley Bay, there are few livelier places than the ice rink on Hillheads Road. Whitley Bay Ice Rink opened in 1955 and has been a fixture of family life on the coast ever since, offering public skating all year round and hosting thrilling nights of ice hockey.

The rink describes itself as the most established ice rink in the country, and over the years it has hosted many Olympic stars. It was built with a simple idea: to provide a fun and unusual way for families to keep fit together, whatever the weather.

At its heart is the Whitley Warriors, one of British ice hockey's most storied clubs. Founded in 1957 as the Bees, the team became the Warriors in 1964 and spent much of its history at the highest level of the British game. Its honours list includes British Championship titles in 1972/73 and 1973/74, as well as a string of English National League championships in the early 2000s.

The club has never stood still. Ahead of the 2025-26 season the Warriors moved into the Scottish National League, while continuing to play home games at Whitley Bay, and the new rivalries have brought fresh energy to match nights. Edinburgh Capitals are next in town on Sunday 1 November.

The club's junior structure runs all the way from the Under 9 Mischiefs to the Under 20 Renegades, alongside the Beacons ladies team, so there is a pathway for young players right on the doorstep. Children and adults can also try ice hockey lessons, with no equipment needed to start off.

For those who would rather glide than tackle, there are skating lessons every week for ages two and upwards, public sessions that last two hours, and a newly built dance and fitness studio with a sprung floor. The rink's own shop, Ice Box Skating, has been supplying skating goods from Whitley Bay for more than 80 years, and the autumn calendar includes a Halloween party and a spooky adult skatecation.

The rink is a short walk from Monkseaton and Whitley Bay Metro stations, with free parking on site. Session times, prices and Warriors tickets are on the Whitley Bay Ice Rink website.