Ice Ice Baby!

Exeter does Christmas well — we know that. From Cathedral Yard to the Quay, the city has a knack for creating moments that feel uniquely ours.

But this year, the spotlight shifted a little east, to Westpoint, where the brand-new Icescape rink opened and instantly staked its claim as Exeter’s newest festive tradition.

At over 12,000 square metres, this covered rink isn’t just big; it’s a statement. 

The launch on December 12 felt like a proper Exeter event — friendly, buzzing, and unmistakably local. The doors swung open at 6pm, revealing a sea of twinkling lights and that distinct winter smell of cold air and anticipation. Moments later, professional skaters, including Team GB performers, carved across the ice, giving the sort of opening that gets even the most cynical among us smiling.

For families, it’s a dream. With space for up to 400 skaters each session, there’s room for everyone: the confident, the cautious, and the “I haven’t skated since 1998” brigade.

We saw grandparents holding hands with grandkids, teenagers attempting spins they had absolutely no business attempting, and parents rediscovering muscles they’d forgotten existed. It felt like Exeter — joyful, unpretentious, and full of familiar faces.

What really stands out is the atmosphere. Westpoint has always been a place for big gatherings, but Icescape has transformed it into something warmer and more intimate. It’s the sort of event you can imagine becoming part of the city’s seasonal rhythm — the annual skate before Christmas, the place you bring visiting relatives, the moment December truly begins.

Running until January 5, Icescape is more than just an ice rink; it’s a reminder of why Exeter is such a brilliant place to live. It brings people together, gives families something new to share, and adds a fresh sparkle to the city’s festive calendar.