Looking for a new hobby? Whether you're an expert at zipping around on wheels or you've hit the floor more times than you'd like to admit, roller skating is always fun for everyone involved. Originally invented in the 18th century for use on stage, this quirky pastime saw booms in popularity in the 1950s and 1980s, with our love of nostalgia bringing it back around today. It's a great choice for unusual date nights, nostalgic birthday plans or just a high-energy group outing, and this city is full of cracking places to unleash your inner sports star - from old-school discos with cheesy tunes to outdoor skate parks. So to find out where the excitement's at? Read on for our guide to the very best Manchester roller skating rinks.
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Paradise Skate World
Situated on Deansgate, Paradise Skate World is a great choice for indoor roller skating in Manchester city centre. You'll feel like you're gliding around outer space here thanks to the neon lights and galaxy-inspired decor, making for a great Instagram backdrop. There's an impressive 4500 square foot wood-sprung rink allowing you plenty of space to skate, with 60-minute sessions starting from as little as £10.50 - including all the necessary equipment. Head down on Tuesday or Sunday for a quieter session that's perfect for beginners, or if you're looking for a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of people to show off your skills to, Friday and Saturday nights are where it's at. You can hire this funky space for private parties too, and be sure to take advantage of their cosmic cocktails - we recommend the Mercury Rising that comes with edible glitter. And if you get peckish, there are tasty pizzas for just £8, as well as loaded nachos and mochi ice cream.
Head to Paradise Skate World for groovy backdrops and cocktails alike.
The Forum Wythenshawe
Located slightly further away from the city centre, The Forum Wythenshawe hosts a brilliant roller disco every single Friday, in collaboration with North West events company Rollers Club. There are two sessions to choose from: one starting at 5.45pm that's perfect for families and another at 7.15 which suits advanced skaters better. Tickets start from as little as £5 per person to these fun-filled events, setting you back just £2 extra if you want to hire equipment as well. And if you fancy throwing a party of your own? You can hire out the rink for private events too.
Get your skate on without breaking the bank at The Forum.
North West Roller Sports CIC
Also known as Atherton Roller Rink, North West Roller Sports CIC is one of the most affordable destinations on our list. It costs just £5 to enter their roller discos that take place Thursday to Sunday every week, with an additional £3 charge to hire skates if you haven't got your own. They also host skating lessons on Tuesdays for the same price, as well as a popular in-line hockey club, with a bar and cafe serving all kinds of tasty snacks and hot drinks for after you've had your fill of fun. In need of extra entertainment? They've even got pool tables here too.
Why not try out hockey on skates?
Projekts MCR Skatepark
Looking for outdoor places to roller skate in Manchester? Then you're bound to be a fan of Projekts MCR Skatepark on Baring Street: an accessible, affordable space that anyone can practice their skills at - whether that's roller skating or skateboarding. This non-profit location is all about building a local community, with events like queer skate and creative meetups taking place regularly. You can secure a day pass for just £15, a week pass for £30, or simply book an hour slot for as little as £6 each. They also offer coaching sessions starting from £10 per person, so whatever your ability there's something for you here. There's also an independent cafe on site, serving delicious homemade food and freshly baked cakes.
This welcoming outdoor space is welcoming for all abilities.
Rollercity Rochdale
One of the biggest rinks in the whole of the North West, Rollercity Rochdale has space for over 100 skaters at a time. They offer a range of sessions from Friday to Sunday, with prices starting from £15 per person for an hour. Beginners can also get involved in their skate school from 12 'til 1pm on weekends, where you can learn the art of this sport and boost your confidence before hitting the open rink. You'll even find tribute nights to everyone from Michael Jackson to Taylor Swift here occasionally, and if you're after a roller disco in Manchester then they offer those on a regular basis as well. As for afterwards? Chill out in their two laidback lounge areas, completed with licensed bars, indulgent milkshakes and delicious eats.
You can nab roller skating lessons in Manchester here.
Nevada Roller Rink
You might have to venture a little further for this one as it's located in Bolton, but trust us, it's well worth the journey. Nevada Roller Rink is perfect when it comes to roller skating in Manchester for adults and kids alike, thanks to both daytime and evening sessions. Their prices start from as little as £3.50 for a two-hour slot (an absolute bargain if you ask us), with Wednesday night lessons coming in at £6 per person and old-school roller discos on the weekends. There's no need to book here and they've got skates for hire in every size, as well as free protective equipment. The food is equally affordable if you fancy a bite to eat afterwards - we're talking £2.20 toasties or pizza and chips for £3.50. They even offer meal deals on certain sessions, where you can add food onto your ticket for an extra £2 each.
You won't find a much more affordable spot than Nevada Roller Rink.
Ardwick Sports Hall
You'll find Ardwick Sports Hall on Stockport Road, offering all kinds of fun activities. But the real highlight at this leisure centre has got to be their roller disco, taking place every Saturday from 3 until 5pm - costing only £5 per person to attend. But that's not all, as this place also hosts a roller hockey club, with groups for kids right through to seniors. Anyone can join these high-energy training sessions, and they've even got teams in local, regional and national competitions.
Ardwick Sports Hall is home to a cracking roller skating rink in Manchester.
Can't get enough? Be sure to check out our guide to all the other quirky activities this city has to offer, and sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date.
