Everyone's welcome
on the ice.
We want THOR'S On Ice to feel welcoming, fun and easy to enjoy for everyone. Accessibility is something we are building into the rink from the very beginning, not adding as an afterthought.
As our plans develop, we will continue working with accessibility partners, local organisations and York Museum Gardens to keep this guide clear, accurate and genuinely useful. It will be updated as final site plans, facilities and operating procedures are confirmed.
Arriving at THOR'S on Ice
THOR’S on Ice is located within York Museum Gardens, close to York city centre and within easy walking distance of York Railway Station. The site layout has been designed to make moving around as straightforward as possible while protecting the historic surroundings of the gardens.
Visitors can expect:
- Clearly signposted entrances and exits
- Wide pedestrian routes where possible
- Step-free access to the rink and spectator areas, where site conditions allow.
- Clear routes between the entrance, ticket desk, rink, food and drink areas and toilets
- Regular checks by our event team to keep walkways clear
Please note that some paths within Museum Gardens are existing heritage pathways and surface conditions may vary.
Ice rink accessibility
We want as many people as possible to enjoy skating at THOR’S on Ice. Before opening, we’ll publish detailed information about:
- Step-free access to the rink entrance
- How to access the skate hire area
- Whether skating aids are available
- Information for wheelchair users
- Guidance for visitors with mobility impairments
- Any age, height or safety requirements
Our team will always do their best to support visitors and discuss any individual access requirements before your visit.
Accessible facilities
Accessibility has been considered throughout the design of THOR’S on Ice. This includes:
- Step-free routes where possible
- Clear entrance points
- Good visibility of signage
- Safe cable management
- Appropriate lighting
- Space for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users and pushchairs to move safely
- Accessible viewing areas where practical
Further information will be published once final plans have been completed.
Toilets
Accessible toilet provision will be confirmed before THOR’S on Ice opens. Once final arrangements are in place, this page will include:
- Accessible toilet locations
- Standard toilet locations
- Baby changing facilities, where available
- Nearest Changing Places toilet information, where applicable
- Opening hours
- Any access information visitors may find helpful before arriving
Toilet information will be clearly signposted on-site and available on our website.
Signage and wayfinding
Clear signage will help visitors find key areas around the site, including:
- Ice rink entrance
- Ticket collection
- Skate hire
- Accessible toilets
- Standard toilets
- First aid
- Food and drink
- Spectator areas
- Entrances and exits
Lighting
The rink will be illuminated using festive lighting to create a magical winter atmosphere while maintaining safe visibility. Particular attention will be given to:
- Entrances
- Queueing areas
- Walkways
- Skate hire
- Toilets
- First aid
- Access routes
Event staff
Our event staff will receive accessibility briefings before opening and throughout the season. Staff will be familiar with:
- Accessible routes
- Toilet locations
- First aid procedures
- Quiet Sessions
- Lost child procedures
- Supporting visitors who require assistance
- Emergency procedures
- Keeping access routes clear
If you need assistance during your visit, please speak to a member of the THOR’S on Ice team.
First aid
A clearly signed first aid point will be available throughout the event. Its location will be shown on-site and on the visitor map before opening.
Quiet space
We are exploring options for a designated quiet space close to the rink where visitors can take a break if they need some time away from the activity. Details will be confirmed nearer to opening.
Public transport
THOR’S on Ice is located within York Museum Gardens, close to York Railway Station and city centre bus routes. Closer to opening, this page will include:
- Walking routes from York Station
- Bus information
- Taxi and drop-off points
- Accessible parking information
- Blue Badge parking information
We encourage visitors to travel by public transport where possible. See our Find Us page for directions.
Shopmobility
Information about York Shopmobility services will be added before opening. This will include:
- Location
- Opening hours
- Contact details
- Booking information
- Distance from the venue
Busy and quieter times
BUSIEST
- Friday evenings
- Saturdays and Sundays
- School holidays
- The weeks leading up to Christmas
QUIETER
- Weekday mornings
- Early weekday afternoons
If you would prefer shorter queues and a more relaxed atmosphere, we recommend visiting during these quieter periods.
Food and drink
Food and drink will be available close to the rink throughout the season. Menus and dietary information will be published where available before opening. Visitors with allergies or dietary requirements are encouraged to speak directly with individual vendors.
Website accessibility
We want our website to be easy to use for everyone — opening times, ticket information, travel information, accessibility information, FAQs and contact details, presented clearly and easy to find before you visit.