More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
You'll need to get your skates on for the coolest Christmas activity around. We round up where you can go ice skating this festive season.
Tickets have been selling like hot cakes for the sessions in Calverley Grounds, which run from Friday, November 16 to Tuesday, January 1, 2019. Calverley Grounds will be transformed into a wintry wonderland for the ice rink, with the amphitheatre decorated with twinkling festive lights, plus festive food and drink, music and Christmas shopping inspiration.
Main skating sessions will take place from 11am to 8pm, except on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Year’s Day when it will be 6pm. Skating costs £14.50 and £9.75 for children, including skate hire. Dedicated 30-minute parent and toddler sessions for two to four-year-olds will be held every morning at 9.45am, 10.15am and 2pm until the school holidays, at £9.50, including toddler and adult tickets and a seal skating aid. To book, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on
Ice skating is set to return to the exclusive Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel and Spa near Ashford, from Friday, November 23, and run until Wednesday, January 2. Get into the festive spirit with mulled wine, hot chocolate, toasted chestnuts and mince pies. Last year the ice rink was launched at the exclusive venue after evidence was found that Queen Victoria used to skate on the frozen lake there almost 150 years ago. Visitors can also do some shopping at Champneys' Christmas boutique. A 50-minute session and skate hire costs £14.50 and £9.50 for under 12s. Bring the family and have festive afternoon tea with 50 minutes of skating and skate hire for £99 for two adults and two children, or £39 for adults and £19 for under 12s.
To book call 0843 561 2019 or 01233 213000.
Maidstone Panto is this year being held at the Friars, Ayleford, and there's double the festive fun as there's also a Winter Wonderland, with an ice rink, fun fair and food and market stalls. The Wonderland is free to enter and runs from Friday, November 30 to Monday, December 31, (excluding Christmas Day), the same dates as the panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. For more information go to maidstonepanto.com
The White Cliffs Christmas ICE-travaganza returns to the Port of Dover on Sunday, December 2. The historic Dover Marine Station - Cruise Terminal One - will be decked out with Christmas decorations and will feature indoor ice skating, Father Christmas in his grotto, rides, stalls, food and a new bar managed by Breakwater Brewery. Events run from 10am to 8pm, with live music from local bands. Sponsored by DFDS, it runs until Tuesday, January 1. Book at whitecliffschristmas.co.uk
Skating of a less chilly variety is on offer with a Festive Roller Rink where you can skate indoors in the Roller Disco, along to tunes from the Frosted FM DJ, between noon and 4pm on Saturdays December 1, 8, 15, 22nd and Sunday, December 23 and Christmas Eve. Other festive events include a visit from The Snowman and the Snow Dog and a giant snow globe. To find out more go to dreamland.co.uk
The rink, which boasts a Winter Terrace and bar, will be open daily until Saturday, February 16 2019 (except Christmas Day). Its unique feature is a 40sq metre LED screen which allows skaters to upload pictures from their Instagram feed. The minimum age to skate is four and there are polar bear skate aids for children. Tickets are £16.95 and £10.95 for children up to 12 years. Book at icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk Read our review here.
