Ice skating near Basildon
People often search for an ice rink in Basildon, but the town does not have a permanent one. South Essex skaters travel to Romford, Chelmsford or Leyton instead. Here is how the options compare from Basildon.
The nearest rinks
| Rink | By car from Basildon | By train |
|---|---|---|
| Sapphire Ice & Leisure, Romford | About 25–35 minutes via the A127 | c2c or Greater Anglia towards London, changing for Romford; the rink is a short walk from Romford station |
| Riverside, Chelmsford | About 25–35 minutes via the A130 and A12 | Via Shenfield |
| Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton | About 40–50 minutes | Into London, then via Stratford to Lea Bridge |
Journey times are rough guides outside rush hour; check a journey planner on the day.
Which to pick
- For a family session or party: Romford or Chelmsford, whichever is easier from your side of town.
- For lessons every week: pick the rink you can reach reliably after school; a 30-minute drive each way adds up over a term.
- For hockey: the Romford Raiders and Buccaneers at the Sapphire, or the Chelmsford Chieftains at Riverside. See ice hockey.
Seasonal and pop-up rinks
Temporary rinks sometimes appear in south Essex town centres and shopping centres around Christmas. They change from year to year and are small, so check local listings each winter. For learning to skate properly, a permanent rink is the better bet.
Other things to do in Basildon
If you want an indoor alternative closer to home, Basildon's Festival Leisure Park has bowling and other family activities, and Gloucester Park has the town's main sports facilities. For skating, though, it is a short trip west or north.