Ice Skating & Santa at Manor Walks Cramlington

AD - we were invited to press night but have not been asked or paid to share this post.

Ice Skating at Manor Walks Cramlington

This ice rink at Manor Walks is located outside between Concordia and Asda. It is made from real ice and measures 32 x 15m. The ice rink is open daily from 11am - 9pm from 2 December - 2 January 2022.

The ice rink is closed on Christmas Day but it is open on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day so worth considering if you are looking for something to do on these dates.

Booking in advance is recommended but walk-ups may be accommodated if there is space.

Prices are £9 per adult and £6 per child with skating aids available to hire on the day for £5. Skate hire is included in these prices or you can bring your own skates if you prefer.

Lockers are available for £1 (subject to availability) and sessions last for 1 hour. Manor Walks worked out as the 4th best value and the 5th cheapest place for ice skating in the North East (from a list of 12 - click here to see the full list).

I haven't been able to find the age children can skate unaccompanied - I hope to find this out though so will let you know asap.

Alongside the ice rink, you can enjoy Bratwurst sausages and hot chocolates.

Here are the t&cs:

Each session will last for 60 minutes this includes getting on and off of the ice.
Please allow extra time prior to your booked slot to scan your tickets and collect your skates from the boot room.
We do not swap your personal shoes for ice skating boots, you simply request your size from our member of staff in the boot room and return them once you are finished. If you leave before the session has ended you will not be able to re enter. We have lockers available in the changing zone (subject to availability) for £1 to secure your belongings.
The venue will not be held responsible for any loss or damages to your personal belongings. Our rink is an outdoor open air attraction and will be open daily weather permitting.
Should the weather mean we are unable to safely open on the day of your booked session your tickets will be transferable to any other session.
All skaters are reminded they are skating at their own risk and that the use of an ice skating rink and its facillities have an inherent risk.
Any participant is totally at the users own risk.
No responsibility is accepted or undertaken for the wellbeing of either the user or their property.
This list of Ice Rules outlines ways we intend to reduce the risk to you, our customers on the ice.
Do skate at a moderate pace in an anti-clockwise direction
Do keep moving on the ice.
Step off if you want to stand still and chat.
Do wear trousers and long sleeves. Do wear gloves. Do enjoy yourself.
Do take your time in the exchange area, use the seating provided. Do follow instructions of skating marshals.
Use bins provided. Secure your skates and ensure they are worn correctly No digging, chipping, or throwing ice.
No phones or cameras on the ice. No carrying of others including children and infants. No anti-social behaviour. (This includes shouting, swearing, spitting, fighting, vandalism, petting, bullying and boisterousness).
No entry onto the ice without skates. No littering or smoking within the entire site. No hockey stick, puck or ball playing on the ice or in the spectator areas.
Don’t sit, climb, or put feet on the barrier Don’t use personal stereos or other headsets permitted.
Do not eat, drink, smoke or use mobile phones on the ice. Do not play tag or any other games on the ice. Do not skate in chains.
If a customer is not following instruction from the event staff, they are increasing the risk for themselves, and for other customers.
In this case the customer would be asked to leave the ice.
Your Ticket Is Currently Non-Refundable (Unless We Cancel The Event). You Will Be Required To Wear A Face Covering In, And Around The Venue. The Venue Will Have In Place Additional Covid-19 Measures Which May Be Subject To Change At Short Notice. We Reserve The Right To Refuse Entry Should You Or Any Party Member Refuse To Comply With These Measures.

Our Photos & Tips

Key points to keep in mind: 

 Hot chocolate / Bratwurst Stalls are cash only. The hot chocolate was lovely and perfect to enjoy after skating 

TOP TIP - Visit Catling Bakery Dessert Bar which is inside the mall directly behind the ice rink (opposite the entrance to ASDA). They are open until 9pm every evening excluding Sunday and are offering half price gourmet hot chocolates across the month of December. 

 Everyone under the age of 15 needs to be accompanied by an adult on the ice 

 When you collect your boots, you keep hold of your shoes. Lockers are £1 if you need somewhere to keep them 

 Festive music is playing 

 Under 4s are not permitted to skate (edit to add - this is what the sign at the ice rink says but on their website you can book tickets for 3 year olds. If you wish to skate with a 3 year old, I'd recommend getting in touch with them to ask/asking at the booking kiosk). 

 Skating aids are available to hire for £5 

 Gloves are available to purchase for £2.50 

 You can book in advance or just turn up. However if a session is full, walk ins will not be accommodated 

 Open daily from 11am - 9pm (excluding Christmas Day)

 The ice was pretty smooth to skate on. It's real ice

 Seating is available for spectators 

 The whole area is uncovered 

 The ice rink has passed all health & safety inspections

We had a lovely evening and are so pleased to see an attraction like this in Cramlington 

L.O.L Surprise! LIVE Ice Disco

On 6 December from 5pm-7pm, the ice rink is hosting a special L.O.L Surprise! LIVE themed ice disco with 100 tickets to the live show to giveaway across the evening, spot prizes and music from the upcoming tour.

Santa's Grotto at Manor Walks Cramlington

Santa's Grotto at Manor Walks in FREE to visit this year. You can either book a timeslot ahead online or just 'turn up and queue' between 11am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays and from 20-24 December (although they do say, they may have to close the queue earlier during busy periods). Children will receive a certificate and a chocolate.

Manor Walks | Parking & Public Transport

There are over 1500 parking spaces at Manor Walks and it is free to park there for up to four hours with no ticket required but if you plan on staying a little longer, you can pick up a parking extension from Concordia, Vue or a Manor Walks restaurant which will provide you with an additional 2 hours parking (so 6 hours in total) which should be more than enough time.

There are several car parks to choose from around the centre. Please read notices so you are aware of the rules as parking attendants do monitor parking.

If you are looking to stay even longer, there are small, free car parks at Smithy Square and Middle Farm which are just across the road from Manor Walks. There is also paid parking at the train station. Please park responsibly.

I must say, parking does get very busy at Manor Walks on weekends in December and I would urge you to use public transport if you can. There is a bus stop outside of Sainsburys / across from Vue and there are regular buses from across the region. Cramlington Train Station is also an easy 5 minutes walk from Manor Walks and there are trains every hour (ish) from Morpeth, Newcastle and more.

Festive Dining Options in Cramlington

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Cramlington. Here are some recommendations:

Nandos - Nandos in probably our go-to in Cramlington. Find them in Manor Walks opposite Vue. No booking required, just turn up. You can also order to takeaway and enjoy at home.
Catling Snack Bar - Find the Snack Bar in Manor Walks near Lloyds. They specialise in things like loaded hot dogs, waffles, pancakes, bubble tea and shakes so ideal for visiting with tweens/teens.
Bettini's - Find Bettini's in Manor Walks near Boots Opticians. They make a cracking bacon sandwich here.
Venue - Venue is located near Vue at Manor Walks. The menu is fairly varied with roast dinners, pizzas, chicken dishes and more.

Lal Qila - Find Lal Qila opposite Sainsburys Car Park. They are a lovely Indian / Tandoori restaurant.
Mandarin Bay - Mandarin Bay is opposite Lal Qila at the entrance of Cramlington Village. It is a beautiful Oriental restaurant with popular all-you-can eat a la carte nights.
Panuccis - A little local Italian in Smithy Square opposite Manor Walks with various dining deals available.
Sambucas - Famous for their Happy Hour menus, Sambucas Cramlington is a popular option with families. Find them near Vue.
Costa - Costa is next to M&S and although small, does have some good festive options. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas too (although there are only a couple of tables outside).
The Blagdon Arms - The Blagdon is a friendly neighbourhood pub located in the heart of Cramlington Village. This festive season you'll find Turkey dinners, festive burgers, festive pies and meat-free options alongside more traditional offerings.
McDonalds - Located just across the road from the ice rink, McDonalds is a quick and easy choice.
Dunelm Cafe - Dunelm is in the retail park close to the ice rink and they have a nice little cafe upstairs. It's one of our favourite spots to grab a coffee.
Concordia Bar/Cafe - The bar/cafe next to the Bowling Alley upstairs is a good spot for a cheap and quick hot meal.
Subway - My kids love a trip to Subway and it is right by the cinema. If you are looking to save some cash, I recommend getting a meal deal with unlimited drinks and refilling your drink before you leave to take to the cinema afterwards. Much cheaper than buying at Vue.
Willow Farm Cramlington - Willow Farm is slightly out of the town centre and near Moor Farm Roundabout. Famous for the carveries and the only pub in Cramlington with an indoor play area for little ones.
Beefeater Cramlington - Again, close to Moor Farm, Beefeater are famous for their 'Kids Eat Free' breakfasts if you want to load up before skating. They also have a festive menu running over Christmas.
The Bay Horse - The Bay Horse is a Sizzling Pub and located just outside of the village centre. It is a good option if you are looking for a super cheap meal - there are always lots of good deals. Also, it is just across the road from the entrance to the Giant Spoon walkway.
Thyme Bistro - Thyme Bistro is a lovely neighbourhood restaurant with home-cooked food at super reasonable prices. They usually run a very good early mid-week special and steak nights on a Friday. Find them in the Brockwell Centre.
Keel Row - I've included the Keel Row as it is just a short drive from Cramlington and their decorations are usually lovely and festive. Dogs are very welcome in the bar here. They offer traditional pub food at reasonable prices, a decent GF menu and afternoon tea.
Secret Garden Seaton Delaval - Again, just a short drive from Cramlington, I have included the Secret Garden as it's lovely and festive with firepits and an Alpine Lodge theme.
Blacksmiths at Milkhope Centre - This coffee shop near Blagdon Farm Shop is super popular but with good reason. Always good service and delicious homemade food and drinks.
Also see Plants Plus Garden Centre and Northumberland Cheese Loft below. The cafe at Azure Garden Centre has now reopened after their refurbishment but I haven't visited since it has changed so can't share much info on that yet.

What to do Nearby

If you'd like to combine ice skating / visiting Santa with another activity and make a day of it, here are some ideas:

Vue Cramlington - Vue Cramlington is one of the cheapest cinemas around and tickets are generally £4.99 per person when booked in advance. Meerkat Movies work too and in the run up to the festive season they show older Christmas films for kids on a Saturday and Sunday morning (plus school holidays) for just £2.49. Bargain! Check their website for listings. I also recommend looking out for films in Vue Extreme which has a larger screen than IMAX at Metrocentre and is still only £4.99/£5.99 per ticket.
Concordia - Concordia is right next to the Ice Rink and there are lots of activities to enjoy here including swimming, clip n climb, bowling and soft play. Most activities will require you to book ahead.
Shopping at Manor Walks - Lots of shops to choose from including M&S Food, Next, Dunelm, New Look, Pets at Home, Wilko, Home Bargains and more.
Azure Garden Centre - Azure Garden Centre is a short drive from Manor Walks and home to one of the best displays of Christmas decorations in the North East in my opinion. There are no reindeer here this year but the cafe has re-opened. It's free to visit and as you are so close, I think you might as well pop in.
Northumberlandia - Northumberlandia is on the outskirts of Cramlington, free to visit and ideal for a walk to blow away the cobwebs. No news yet but they do usually run some kind of festive trail in the run up to Christmas too. There is a cafe and the Snowy Owl pub is next door too. Read my guide to visiting here.
Northumberland Cheese Farm & Loft Cafe - The Northumberland Cheese Farm is a short drive from Cramlington and a lovely place to pop into to stock up on local Christmas cheeses and enjoy a cheese themed meal in the cafe. They usually have some kind of festive toastie option, are welcoming to kids and I highly recommend their cheese soup too. It's lovely!
Plants Plus Garden Centre - Plants Plus is just up from Northumberland Cheese Farm and one of my favourites. This Christmas, you can visit Donkeys here (they're on holiday from a nearby sanctuary), take a ride on a Santa Sleigh VR and there are Christmas wreaths and real Christmas trees. Their cafe is also superb and well worth checking out.
Seaton Delaval Hall - Seaton Delaval Hall is a short drive from Cramlington and lovely for a festive stroll. Entry is included with your National Trust Membership and this festive season they have some lovely events running including Percy the Park Keeper's Winter Trail (small additional charge), Christmas Carols and Festive Storytelling (see their website for timings).
CJ's Funhouse - CJ's Funhouse is a recently renovated soft play centre in Cramlington with reasonable entry prices. You can read my review here.
The Giant Spoon - There is a giant spoon hidden in Cramlington! Click here for directions (I'd recommend wellies / walking boots if it's been raining as it's along a track).
East Cramlington Nature Reserve - East Cramlington Nature Reserve is nice for a walk and you might spot some red squirrels. Read our guide to visiting here.