Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland
Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland
Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland
3.5
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
About
York’s favourite festive event, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, offers a magical winter experience for all ages, with an outdoor ice rink, vintage funfair, Santa's Grotto and The Chalet alpine cafe. Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland is free to enter, with separate tickets required for skating at The Ice Factor and for Santa's Grotto. Tokens for the funfair rides can be purchased on site. The Ice Factor is the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink, with 975 sq m of real ice and a 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree as its centrepiece. Surrounded by illuminated trees, log cabins, the rinkside cafe and a viewing platform, this magical setting makes for the perfect festive experience for all ages.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
449 reviews
Excellent
200
Very good
93
Average
54
Poor
31
Terrible
71
Darv K
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
We had booked online to go ice skating on 18/11/2023 at 2.15pm. We arrived 15mins late as when we were dropped off at York designer outlet (after the morning in York at the Xmas market) the winter wonderland was not clearly signposted for pedestrians and we didn’t want to walk along the busy road with our 2 small children.
We eventually arrived to the skating kiosk and the pleasant staff members recognised we were slightly late by offering to move us to the next time slot and gave us all wristbands for the following session. We happily accepted the offer so we could make the most of the experience and have the full hour on the ice rink.
In the meantime, we took advantage of the few fairground rides that were there not only to pass the time but to entertain the kids until our go on the ice skating. £25 on rides did not last long put it that way!
When it was our turn we all went to the area to exchange our shoes for some skates and waited to be directed onto the ice.
Unfortunately due to warmer than expected weather conditions the ice rink had become a giant icey puddle so in accordance with health and safety rules, our session was promptly cancelled and we were instructed to get our shoes back and then head to the kiosk to claim a refund.
We did as instructed and the lady at the kiosk took our details including booking reference and kindly informed us that a refund would be sent out to our bank that day as we had paid online. We asked about the session change and if this would be an issue to which she ensured it would all be fine and to keep an eye out for the refund in our bank the following week. We left disappointed but relieved we would be able to get a refund so we weren’t too disgruntled.
The following day back at home in Lincoln, I decided to chase this up only to be told I would not be receiving a refund as we had swapped sessions and not gone on the original session we booked online.
We were offered to rebook for another date but as we live 70 miles away it wasn’t a viable option to us and we requested a refund again only to be refused and now ignored.
If we had been warned that a refund would not have been an option should the next session be cancelled for whatever reason, then we would of not accepted their offer and just lost out on 15mins skating time - we still would of had 45mins to enjoy. But they gave no such warning and now they are refusing any refund and are ignoring us.
We have 2 very disappointed children and at £58 for a family of 4 to skate we cannot not use that money to take them somewhere closer to home to make amends.
Very harsh and very disappointed. They’ve stopped replying to my emails so I wanted to warn people on here not to accept their offers to move sessions if you’re late as it could end in you being out of pocket and further disappointment if it gets cancelled!!!
We eventually arrived to the skating kiosk and the pleasant staff members recognised we were slightly late by offering to move us to the next time slot and gave us all wristbands for the following session. We happily accepted the offer so we could make the most of the experience and have the full hour on the ice rink.
In the meantime, we took advantage of the few fairground rides that were there not only to pass the time but to entertain the kids until our go on the ice skating. £25 on rides did not last long put it that way!
When it was our turn we all went to the area to exchange our shoes for some skates and waited to be directed onto the ice.
Unfortunately due to warmer than expected weather conditions the ice rink had become a giant icey puddle so in accordance with health and safety rules, our session was promptly cancelled and we were instructed to get our shoes back and then head to the kiosk to claim a refund.
We did as instructed and the lady at the kiosk took our details including booking reference and kindly informed us that a refund would be sent out to our bank that day as we had paid online. We asked about the session change and if this would be an issue to which she ensured it would all be fine and to keep an eye out for the refund in our bank the following week. We left disappointed but relieved we would be able to get a refund so we weren’t too disgruntled.
The following day back at home in Lincoln, I decided to chase this up only to be told I would not be receiving a refund as we had swapped sessions and not gone on the original session we booked online.
We were offered to rebook for another date but as we live 70 miles away it wasn’t a viable option to us and we requested a refund again only to be refused and now ignored.
If we had been warned that a refund would not have been an option should the next session be cancelled for whatever reason, then we would of not accepted their offer and just lost out on 15mins skating time - we still would of had 45mins to enjoy. But they gave no such warning and now they are refusing any refund and are ignoring us.
We have 2 very disappointed children and at £58 for a family of 4 to skate we cannot not use that money to take them somewhere closer to home to make amends.
Very harsh and very disappointed. They’ve stopped replying to my emails so I wanted to warn people on here not to accept their offers to move sessions if you’re late as it could end in you being out of pocket and further disappointment if it gets cancelled!!!
Written November 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jim b
Yorkshire, UK14 contributions
Dec 2021
Family pre booked for a child's birthday treat. Got there to find that the event had been closed without any announcement in an age of instant telephone communication. Management attitude was poor, given the distance we had travelled and the enthusiasm for the children at a special event.
It seems to us that a greater degree of responsibility for the provision of a pre paid service needs to be adopted here. Simply not good enough.
It seems to us that a greater degree of responsibility for the provision of a pre paid service needs to be adopted here. Simply not good enough.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
princesspink38
York, UK4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
The worst Santa experience, don’t waste your money!!
I had to wait over 1 hr in the cold with a 1 yr old baby, I paid to book a specific time slot for Santa. My baby ended up falling asleep twice and got very restless. I am not unreasonable, I do expect a short wait but when I booked 12.03pm and we get to see Santa at 1.10pm, this is ridiculous. I went to see the elves who looked totally bored and fed up of life. I explained that I was waiting on my own with a 1 year old who at this point was screaming and why the wait was so long, they didn’t really care and just looked blank and expressionless. They said I had to just wait like every else. Parents in front of me said I was able to go in front of them as they could see my child was getting restless but the elves said this wasn’t allowed. When we finally got into see Santa, it was underwhelming, my daughter got a cheap colour book which she didn’t show any interest in and has gone straight in the charity bag. I asked the elves on my way out how to speak to a customer service about my experience and they said just go online and search. I did, contacted them. No reply. Avoid this grotto and book Dobbies, well worth the extra £2 and my daughter got a decent wooden toy.
I had to wait over 1 hr in the cold with a 1 yr old baby, I paid to book a specific time slot for Santa. My baby ended up falling asleep twice and got very restless. I am not unreasonable, I do expect a short wait but when I booked 12.03pm and we get to see Santa at 1.10pm, this is ridiculous. I went to see the elves who looked totally bored and fed up of life. I explained that I was waiting on my own with a 1 year old who at this point was screaming and why the wait was so long, they didn’t really care and just looked blank and expressionless. They said I had to just wait like every else. Parents in front of me said I was able to go in front of them as they could see my child was getting restless but the elves said this wasn’t allowed. When we finally got into see Santa, it was underwhelming, my daughter got a cheap colour book which she didn’t show any interest in and has gone straight in the charity bag. I asked the elves on my way out how to speak to a customer service about my experience and they said just go online and search. I did, contacted them. No reply. Avoid this grotto and book Dobbies, well worth the extra £2 and my daughter got a decent wooden toy.
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
larascarborough
scarborough11 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
As stated in previous reviews rink was very wet , lasted 10 mins , waste of 70 quid for our family. Rang up today to complain as had noticed they were shut today due to that reason. Was told by a very unhelpful lady that yesterday was safe to skate on which it wasnt in my opinion. Never again it needs shutting diwn
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
familyo975
West Yorkshire, UK22 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Water logged ice rink, resembling a pond. The excess water made it difficult to stop, and if you should accidentally fall, clothing would be sopping wet due to the excess water.
The crowded rink, skates that were already wet inside when given out and the difficulty stopping, meant we lasted 15 minutes before leaving. We weren’t on our own. Others with small children who had fell into the cold water on the rink, did the same. A very expensive and disappointing afternoon out.
Staff not interested, just a money making exercise.
Never will I visit here again. We have been to several pop up rinks, and have never experienced anything like this!
The crowded rink, skates that were already wet inside when given out and the difficulty stopping, meant we lasted 15 minutes before leaving. We weren’t on our own. Others with small children who had fell into the cold water on the rink, did the same. A very expensive and disappointing afternoon out.
Staff not interested, just a money making exercise.
Never will I visit here again. We have been to several pop up rinks, and have never experienced anything like this!
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethan P
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Friends
Went on a Wednesday as I’m quite a good skater and wanted it to be quiet. When I got there I was told that I could do what I liked. Was doing jumps and spins which I have had training to do when I am told to leave the ice 15 mins in. Thought that this wasn’t right as I was getting told 2 different things from other people. Asked for a refund as only got 15 mins in and they refused. Manager and staff rude on the ice, will not be coming back.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheena W
5 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Awful experience on the ice, total waste of money! The rink was too wet making it really difficult to skate as it was so slippery. My youngest fell over and got soaking wet, staff weren’t helpful at assisting with the penguins on the ice. Really badly organised and clearly a money making exercise - avoid at all costs!!
Written November 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YorkExplorer1096
2 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
After having to re-mortgage my house just to take the children ice skating here, we encountered the worst family day out we’ve ever had. Not only was the ice an absolute mess with huge chunks missing, not one member of staff offered to help my child to skate even after he was declined a skating aid. I then made a complaint and although I know you don’t give refunds I’d have liked some alternative. The man I was referred too - the ‘manager’ - was the most helpless human and was so rude. He was more interested in flirting with the girl in the box office than talking to me. I’ve been the last two years and it was wonderful, obviously management has gone down hill. Such a shame.
Written April 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie R
Bridlington, UK35 contributions
Dec 2013
Don't bother going!! We went after hearing all the advertising on the radio plenty on the Internet... Only to get there and be totally disappointed! It's advertised as yorkshires winter wonderland and it just don't compare to the London winter wonderland it's not even close!! Tiny ice rink and a rubbish fair that's looks like something brid gets in October...
Written January 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leo Gillespie
1 contribution
Dec 2017 • Couples
Myself and wife travelled from Newcastle upon Tyne after seeing amazing photos of York's WW. The photographer deserves a pay rise - he managed to make it look like a dream, when in reality, York's Winter Wonderland is a few stalls in a car park next to a sub-standard ice rink.
On discovering how small this attraction is, we decided we would not use our tickets and asked for a refund. We were told we'd receive a full refund as we had not used any of their services but we'd have to contact 'Head Office.'
We did as were advised and received rude, unhelpful responses from a "Maria" who said no refund would be given.
This was a Birthday treat to me from my wife who was devastated. She thought she was taking me to a wonderful Christmas themed fun fair, instead, we went to a car park where there was "hook-the-duck" and an ice rink which is smaller (and not as good) as the many in Newcastle (Centre for Life, Whitley Bay, The Baltic Quays etc).
I do NOT recommend this and believe they over price their tickets in order to take advantage of families in search of winter joy.
On discovering how small this attraction is, we decided we would not use our tickets and asked for a refund. We were told we'd receive a full refund as we had not used any of their services but we'd have to contact 'Head Office.'
We did as were advised and received rude, unhelpful responses from a "Maria" who said no refund would be given.
This was a Birthday treat to me from my wife who was devastated. She thought she was taking me to a wonderful Christmas themed fun fair, instead, we went to a car park where there was "hook-the-duck" and an ice rink which is smaller (and not as good) as the many in Newcastle (Centre for Life, Whitley Bay, The Baltic Quays etc).
I do NOT recommend this and believe they over price their tickets in order to take advantage of families in search of winter joy.
Written November 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your response which we read with great disappointment.
Our pricing is in line with other rinks around the country and our event is advertised exactly as it is…you can skate, play, shop, dine. Nearly 20,000 people have already had an enjoyable experience this year. We never try to pretend to be anything we are not and our photos are in no way doctored or photoshopped to hide this.
Regards,
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland.
Written December 12, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew
1 contribution
Can i pay at the venue to skate
Marc Dominic T
Barnsley, UK201 contributions
Yes it avoids the hidden online booking costs BUT you might not get the next session
beverley
Sheffield, UK68 contributions
When you said expensive how much was it per person pls
Price includes skate hire, sessions are 1 hour. Group discounts are available. Tickets & details at their website.
Adult £11.50;
Under 16'S £9.95;
Concessions £9.95;
Family of 3 £29;
Family of 4 £39;
Family of 5 £49;
Can you wear your own ice skates here?
Jamboree Entertainment
Malton, UK1 contribution
Hello, yes of course you can. There is no additional fee or saving in doing so. You can place your shoes in the main skate hire marquee as they have specific shelving for customers with their own skates :) Thanks, YWW team
Is there a minimum age for skating?
Jamboree Entertainment
Malton, UK1 contribution
Hello, there is no minimum age range, if they can walk we can get them skating :) Thanks, YWW team
simplygill
Sheffield, UK1 contribution
Hi we are visiting York on the 24th November and are planning to visit the winter wonderland on the 25th but unsure what is a good time be it after breakfast or evening time, also is it advisable to purchase tickets for the rink and other rides in advance, can you please also say what are the opening and closing times. Thank you
simplygill
Sheffield, UK1 contribution
Hi we are visiting York on the 24th November and plan to visit the winter wonderland on the 25th but not sure what is a good time be it around after breakfast or around evening time, also is it advisable to book tickets for the rink and rides before hand, can you advice please.
carolegerada
Scarborough, UK
Do we need to book ice skating tickets in advance or can we get tickets on the day (Sunday)?
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Claim your listingYorkshire's Winter Wonderland - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland
- Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
- Sat - Sun 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
- Hotels near Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland:
- (0.77 mi) The Plough Inn
- (0.94 mi) Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
- (1.24 mi) Ashbourne House
- (1.28 mi) The Limes
- (0.35 mi) Holiday home for guests of all ages and abilities in the Vale of York
- Restaurants near Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland:
- (0.00 mi) Cafe Nero
- (0.00 mi) Bagel Nash - York Designer Outlet
- (0.02 mi) 200 Degrees Coffee Shop, York Designer Outlet
- (0.17 mi) Starbucks
- (0.32 mi) wagamama york designer outlet
Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland Information
Excellent Reviews | 200 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 93 |
Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland Photos | 78 |