It’s time to get your skates on – and your gloves and ear muffs too – as The Royal Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink returns this Winter for another season of festive skating fun. The outdoor ice rink, set in the picturesque natural amphitheatre of Calverley Grounds, offers spectacular views of the park.
Open seven days a week from Friday 21st Nov – Sunday 4th Jan 2015 the ice rink welcomes skaters of all ages and ability. As well as the real ice rink added attractions include rinkside traditional wooden chalets which sell local and seasonal produce, Christmas gifts, and much more and with aromatic winter food and drinks on offer, this is the ideal venue for family skating with children, romantic dates – or just a great fun night out with friends.
Last year I took my young son to Tunbridge Wells for his first experience of ice skating and we had a simply fantastic time. He said, “It was brilliant. I never tried ice skating before but they had Binky the Seal who I used to skate with and he stopped me from falling over. Then, when I got tired I could sit on him and then you could push me round on the ice. It was very cold there, mostly on my face, but because I had my scarf and gloves on it felt a lot like a really special Christmas. With all the little shops and the sparkly lights in the trees it was a bit like being in the North Pole. Please may we go again this year?”
Councillor Jane March, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development says: “I am so pleased that the ice rink is back in Royal Tunbridge Wells for 2014. It’s become an established event in the local Christmas calendar and I think that a visit to the ice rink is now included in many people’s plans for the festive season”.
The 600 square metre ice rink has capacity for 200 skaters at a time. There are dedicated parent and toddler sessions and children can use seal skating aids, which are available to hire. Wheelchairs are welcome on the ice but must be pre-booked in advance. Marshals are on hand to offer tips and advice during every session.
The ice rink will be open for public skating daily from Friday 21st Nov – Sun 4th Jan 2015 (closed Christmas Day). Tickets went on sale on Monday 1st September and, as the Christmas holiday sessions get booked up very early, now would be a good time to go online at www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com or to head to the Assembly Hall Theatre Box Office in person or to call 01892 554645 and make sure you get yours. Group and wheelchair bookings can be made by calling 01892 554173. Adult tickets are from £9.50 and children from £7.00. Sessions last for one hour – including time to fit your skates so expect to have approximately 45 minutes on the ice.
