What is Rockhopper Rink?
Rockhopper Rink is a 20m synthetic skating rink. Its Edinburgh's only environmentally friendly rink alternative that is perfect for novice skaters (and experts alike!) and little chicks aged 3+.
From Friday 1 December – Sunday 7 January 2024, Rockhopper Rink will be available to book in 30-minute slots throughout the day.
The rink is located on the main lawn in front of the Mansion House.
Please note, your skating ticket does not include your entry into Edinburgh Zoo – this must be purchased separately. Skating can be purchased on a walk-up basis, but to save disappointment we advise booking this online in advance! Book your zoo admission tickets
Who can participate?
Children and adults of all skating abilities can participate! Children must be aged 3 years + and those aged under 8 must have an accompanying adult on the rink with them. Children aged 8 – 15 must be supervised by an adult (aged 16+) from the perimeter if not participating themselves.
Wheelchair users can enter the rink, provided the wheels are non-heavy duty and with white or grey tyres.
We advise the rink is not used by those who are pregnant or have existing neck, knee, ankle or joint issues.
How long will my skating session last and what is included?
Each skater has 30 minutes to enjoy their slot. We advise arriving to our rink on the main lawn 10 minutes prior to your slot to change into the skates provided. Our skates are adjustable, fitting a range of shoe sizes.
The skates provided are specifically tailored for use on this rink. Please do not bring your own skates and note that socks must be worn.
Skating aids are available but not guaranteed.
Rink staff will be on hand for your safety and their instructions must be followed at all times.
How much are skating tickets and why do I need a time slot?
Daytime
Rockhopper Rink skating tickets are a set price per participant, and there is no distinct adult/child pricing. It is £9 per participant and £6.50 for RZSS Members and Patrons.
We also have special group rates. For groups sizes of 15 – 49 skaters, it is £7.70 per person.
For 50 – 100 skaters, it is £7.20.
Day entry tickets to the zoo must be purchased separately, skating tickets do not permit you entry into Edinburgh Zoo. If you have a valid RZSS membership, you do not need to purchase day entry tickets, only those for skating.
We have specific timeslots as there is a maximum capacity of skaters allowed to be skating on the rink at one time. This ensures there is no overcrowding, and it is a safe environment for those participating.
Evening
Rockhopper Rink will be open late on the following evenings:
Dec 2023 - 1, 2, 8, 9, 16, 16, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31
Jan 2024 – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
During the evening, it is £11 per participant to skate and £8.50 for RZSS Members and Patrons.
We also have special evening group rates. For groups sizes of 15 – 49 skaters, it is £9.35 per person. For 50 – 100 skaters, it is £8.80.
Please note, if you are attending but are not skating yourself, there is a £2 spectator fee add-on ticket that is required. If you are an RZSS member or patron, this does not need to be paid but proof of valid membership must be shown.
No zoo day entry tickets are required for evening skating as the animals are tucked up in bed and will not be accessible or visible. Only a small, designated area of the zoo will be lit up for the Winter Village making Rockhopper Rink a safe environment for evening skating.
Where can I purchase skating tickets?
We recommend you buy your skating tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment, however tickets will be available to purchase on the day subject to availability. Book your tickets
Is Rockhopper Rink accessible?
Yes, the rink is on the main lawn within the zoo and on a step-free route. This is fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, but it is worth nothing zoo is situated on Corstorphine Hill and therefore on an incline.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at events@rzss.org.uk for further details on accessibility.
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring your Eventbrite ticket with you on the day. This can either be printed or shown on a mobile device.
What should I wear?
As the rink is outdoors, please wrap up in warm outdoor clothing. There is a chance you may fall on the rink, therefore trousers may be preferable over exposed legs. You will want to be comfortable on the rink, so clothes that do not limit your flexibility are recommended.
Is there somewhere I can leave my belongings whilst I skate?
We will store your shoes when we distribute your skates. If you are skating during the daytime, there are a small number of lockers available for hire on a first come first serve basis in our main entrance. The lockers are 40cm x 80cm x 40cm and are suitable for a small wheelie case. Please ask at the front desk for more information about this service. A fee applies for the locker rental, please ask on arrival for pricing and availability.
There are also some smaller lockers available up by the rink also available on a first come first serve basis. Any items left unattended at the rink are left at the owner’s risk.
Is there food and drink available?
Rockhopper rink is part of our Winter Village experience encompasses a Christmas market in Lemur Lodge, a festive grotto with Mr & Mrs Clause* and a variety of food and drink options from the Gannet restaurant and smaller kiosks.
Food and drink can be enjoyed by spectators of the rink, but cannot be taken onto it.
*We strongly recommend booking a grotto slot in advance to avoid disappointment. Grotto available until 24 December.
Can I take photos?
Yes! You’re welcome to take and share as many photos as you like. If you are posting on social media, remember to tag us using @edinburghzoo.
Can I change my date/time slot?
Skating tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable and non-transferable unless the event is cancelled by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
Your tickets are only valid for the date and time specified on your email confirmation. If there are special circumstances, please email events@rzss.org.uk.
Can I get a refund?
No, tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable and non-transferable unless the event is cancelled by RZSS. No refunds or exchanges will be issued for event bookings should you no longer be able to attend.
If there are special circumstances, please email events@rzss.org.uk.
Will skating go ahead in bad weather?
The rink will still be in operation if it is raining. We would only cancel your skating slot if the weather is deemed unsafe due to high winds or extreme conditions. We will contact all attendees if this is the case.