National Ice Center, Nottingham
The National Ice Centre (NIC) in Nottingham is a landmark venue for both ice sports and live entertainment. Located just east of the city center near the historic Lace Market, the NIC made history as the UK’s first twin Olympic-sized ice pad facility, symbolizing a new chapter in the country’s ice skating development.
Built on the site of the old Nottingham Ice Stadium-once the training ground of Olympic legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean-the center opened in April 2000 with the first rink inaugurated by Torvill herself. A second Olympic-sized rink followed in April 2001. The transformation required extensive demolition, including several older buildings and even a 19th-century graveyard, the remains of which were carefully exhumed. During the build, archaeologists also uncovered a rare 1,100-year-old Saxon jug, now on display at the Nottingham Castle Museum. In tribute to Torvill and Dean’s legacy, the square in front of the venue was named Bolero Square.
At the heart of the complex is the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham (formerly Nottingham Arena), a versatile space that accommodates 7,500 spectators for ice sports and up to 10,000 for concerts. The ice can be covered, transforming the arena into a leading venue for national and international live events.
The NIC serves as a hub for a wide range of ice disciplines: figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating, and synchronized skating. It's open to everyone-from complete beginners enjoying public skate sessions to elite athletes in training. The National Ice Skating Association has recognized the NIC as a Centre of Excellence for Short Track Speed Skating. It’s home to the GB Short Track Speed Skating Squad, who trained there ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
One of its most celebrated athletes is Elise Christie, triple ISU World Champion in 2017. Her record-breaking 500m performance in Salt Lake City earned her a banner in the venue, honoring her as the “fastest woman on ice.”
Today, the National Ice Centre continues to inspire, train, and entertain-blending sporting excellence with community spirit and world-class events.
Built on the site of the old Nottingham Ice Stadium-once the training ground of Olympic legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean-the center opened in April 2000 with the first rink inaugurated by Torvill herself. A second Olympic-sized rink followed in April 2001. The transformation required extensive demolition, including several older buildings and even a 19th-century graveyard, the remains of which were carefully exhumed. During the build, archaeologists also uncovered a rare 1,100-year-old Saxon jug, now on display at the Nottingham Castle Museum. In tribute to Torvill and Dean’s legacy, the square in front of the venue was named Bolero Square.
At the heart of the complex is the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham (formerly Nottingham Arena), a versatile space that accommodates 7,500 spectators for ice sports and up to 10,000 for concerts. The ice can be covered, transforming the arena into a leading venue for national and international live events.
The NIC serves as a hub for a wide range of ice disciplines: figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating, and synchronized skating. It's open to everyone-from complete beginners enjoying public skate sessions to elite athletes in training. The National Ice Skating Association has recognized the NIC as a Centre of Excellence for Short Track Speed Skating. It’s home to the GB Short Track Speed Skating Squad, who trained there ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
One of its most celebrated athletes is Elise Christie, triple ISU World Champion in 2017. Her record-breaking 500m performance in Salt Lake City earned her a banner in the venue, honoring her as the “fastest woman on ice.”
Today, the National Ice Centre continues to inspire, train, and entertain-blending sporting excellence with community spirit and world-class events.
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National Ice Center on Map
Sight Name: National Ice Center
Sight Location: Nottingham, England (See walking tours in Nottingham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Nottingham, England (See walking tours in Nottingham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Nottingham, England
Create Your Own Walk in Nottingham
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nottingham is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Nottingham Introduction Walking Tour
Nottingham was known only as "The Place of Caves" in 600 AD. A Saxon chief named Snot ruled "Snotingaham", or, "the home of Snot's people." It was part of Danelaw in the 7th century, administered from a stone Hall on High Pavement, the first street of Nottingham.
In 1068 Norman invaders built a wooden motte-and-bailey fortress on a high sandstone promontory.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
In 1068 Norman invaders built a wooden motte-and-bailey fortress on a high sandstone promontory.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Robin Hood Trail
There's hardly anyone on this planet who hasn't heard of Robin Hood. Apparently, a Saxon nobleman born in 1160 in Loxley, this hero of numerous ballads, some dating back as far as the 14th century, earned fame by robbing from the rich and giving it back to the poor. A skilled archer and sword fighter as he was, Robin Hood famously defended villagers from attacks by corrupt noblemen,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Nottingham's Historical Buildings
Given the variety of architectural styles and designs in Nottingham, England, it is safe to call it the city of contrasts. The tapestry of historical buildings found here, each weaving a unique story of the city's past, is quite rich and worthy of attention.
Among these architectural treasures is the Bell Inn, a charming establishment steeped in history and character. Its traditional... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Among these architectural treasures is the Bell Inn, a charming establishment steeped in history and character. Its traditional... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles