Ice rinks near Romford
Romford is well placed for skating. As well as Sapphire Ice & Leisure in the town centre, there are year-round rinks in Leyton, Chelmsford and south London, each with a different character.
| Rink | Where | Ice | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapphire Ice & Leisure | Romford town centre | One full-size pad (56 × 26 m) | Local public skating, lessons, Raiders games |
| Lee Valley Ice Centre | Lea Bridge Road, Leyton | Two Olympic-size rinks | Lots of public sessions, discos, serious training |
| Riverside Leisure Centre | Chelmsford city centre | One rink | Mid-Essex skaters, Chelmsford Chieftains hockey |
| Streatham Ice & Leisure Centre | Streatham, south London | One rink | A long skating tradition, south London hockey |
How to choose
- Closest and easiest: for most of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Brentwood and Thurrock, Sapphire is nearest, and it is a short walk from Romford station.
- Most ice time: Lee Valley's two pads mean more public sessions and more space for figure skaters and hockey alongside each other.
- Mid and north Essex: Chelmsford's Riverside is the natural choice from Chelmsford, Maldon, Witham and Braintree.
- South Essex: Basildon, Southend and Canvey have no permanent rink; see skating near Basildon.
Seasonal outdoor rinks
Every winter, temporary rinks appear in London and some Essex towns, often from November to early January. They are great fun but the ice is smaller, often softer, and sessions are short. Locations change from year to year, so check local listings. For learning properly, a year-round indoor rink is better.
Before you travel
Every rink here publishes its own timetable, and sessions move around hockey games, competitions and maintenance. Always check and book on the rink's own website first. This guide is independent and not connected with any of them.