** REVIEW Icescape Westpoint **

With four kids between us aged 12 to 18, organising a festive family outing usually involves spreadsheets, negotiations and at least one teenager muttering, “Do I have to come?” under their breath.

So when Icescape Westpoint announced its much-anticipated return, we jumped at the chance to test whether it could deliver that rare miracle: something all of them would enjoy.

Spoiler: it did.

This year we went all in — two extra friends, nanny and grandad in tow (strictly spectators, though grandad did talk a big game about his 1970s skating skills).

The moment we arrived it was clear that Icescape had levelled up. The whole venue now feels like a mini Christmas carnival. Funfair rides, stalls, bright lights, the works. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes even the cool, “unbothered” teens crack a smile.

The Christmas music doesn’t hurt either. As our aspiring Torvilles and Deans laced up their skates, you could feel the anticipation building — a mix of excitement, nerves and the unspoken hope that nobody would end up as that person who goes down hard the moment they step onto the ice.

Credit where it’s due: the operation is slick. There are plenty of staff both on and off the ice and if anyone took a tumble, help arrived instantly. It’s reassuring, especially when you’ve brought half the neighbourhood with you.

What really impressed us was how quickly everyone found their groove. Our group ranged from fairly competent skaters to people who have the balance of a newborn giraffe, but within minutes they were all gliding (or at least wobbling) confidently around the rink.

The 45-minute session disappeared in a flash because they were all genuinely having fun. No sulks, no drama, no passive-aggressive scrolling from the sidelines. A Christmas miracle.

Afterwards, snacks and drinks were on hand for essential refuelling. Because nothing builds an appetite quite like trying not to fall over for three-quarters of an hour.

Icescape Westpoint is running now through to Sunday 5 January 2026, and if you’re looking for something festive that bridges the impossible gap between kids and teens, this is it.

We’ll go again — and that’s not something we say lightly.

Highly recommended.

Opening Times

Icescape operates in multiple timed skating sessions daily.
Typical daily schedule:

• Monday–Friday: 10am – 9pm

• Saturday–Sunday: 9am – 10pm

(Exact session times vary — check the live schedule at icescapewestpoint.com before booking.)

Getting There

Venue:
Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DJ

By Car:

• Just off the A3052, minutes from M5 Junction 30

• Plenty of on-site parking

By Bus:

• Stagecoach services 9 and 9A stop nearby at Westpoint

• Short walk from the stop to the entrance

By Train:

• Closest stations: Exeter St David’s, Exeter Central, Pinhoe

• Then bus or taxi to Westpoint