Skates on! Fab festive ice rinks to visit this winter
Get your skates on because these fab Christmas ice-rinks within sliding distance of Kent are all opening this month. Head here for more festive frolics than a Mariah Carey music video.
SKATE at Calverley Park, Tunbridge Wells, 29 Nov – 5 Jan 2025
SKATE Tunbridge Wells is back! Calverley Grounds transforms again into a magical ice rink, bringing festive cheer to Tunbridge Wells. Experience the thrill of skating under the lights in the heart of the town plus Bavarian Curling, rides on the Christmas Wheel and delicious street food and a bar. So grab your mittens and skates, and get read to make unforgettable memories with family and friends this festive season. Open seven a days a week from Fri 29 Nov til Sun 5 Jan 2025 (closed Christmas Day). The outdoor ice rink and festive stalls are only a five-minute walk from the train station and town centre.
Bluewater Shopping Centre, 12 Nov – 5 Jan 2025
Bluewater’s Ice Rink is back! Offering a fun-filled activity come rain, snow or shine, the undercover rink will be open throughout the festive period (excluding Christmas Day) until Sun Jan. There’ll be quiet sessions, as well as parent and toddler sessions for budding skaters. Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones plus bob skates to help guests stay steady on the ice. What’s more, disco nights are back by popular demand this year!
Glow Wild, Wakehurst, Haywards Heath, 28 Nov – 1 Jan 2025
It’s back… with bells on. The transfixing light trail, Glow Wild, returns to Wakehurst’s wild gardens for another awe-inspiring light-themed trail over the Christmas period. The gardens in the Sussex High Weald play host to an illuminated installation of over 1,000 hand-crafted lanterns and bespoke art installations including a giant owl soaring about the glittering lawns below to a dragon and floating water display – there’s something to capture everyone’s interest and imagination.
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, 22 Nov – 5 Jan 2025
Fancy skating in the shadow of Henry VIII’s old gaff? This open air ice rink has spectacular views of the historic Tudor palace, floodlit with colours for the evening. Skating sessions are 45 minutes, and booking is recommended. It’s outdoors, so don’t forget to wrap up warm. And then when you’re finished, the on-site café serves up mince pies, hot choc and mulled wine, plus sandwiches, wraps and sharing boards. Make a day of it and tour the palace while you’re there.
Reigate on Ice, Priory Park, 29 Nov – 1 Jan 2025
Skate into the festive spirit at the largest open-air ice rink outside of London! Swap your shoes for skates and glide under a giant, all-weather igloo around the picturesque Priory Park in Reigate. Alongside the festive fair, kids play area and café it’s the perfect way to start your festive fun, whether you’re there for a first date, a fun family outing, or a day with friends.
Winter Ice Skating at Beaverbrook, Beaverbrook, near Leatherhead, 23 Nov – 30 Jan 2025
With the historic Beaverbrook house and the gorgeous Surrey Hills as your backdrop, skating here will be memorable. There’s a skate and dine package, as well as a stay, skate and dine package if you’re looking for a weekend of festive fun. Those who simply want to skate can book the Skate Experience which includes 45 minutes on the ice, plus a glass of bubbles for adults, and a sweet treat for children. Guests at Beaverbrook have unlimited access during their stay.
Guildford Spectrum Ice Rink, Guildford, open all year round
Not just for Christmas, this permanent Olympic-size rink is well set up for skaters of all abilities all year round. There are family-friendly skate-for-all sessions at various time every day. Each session is 90 minutes and penguins and snowmen are available for hire. Check skating times here. From Thurs-Sun there are ice discos.
Royal Pavilion, Brighton, until 5 Jan 2025
Stunning, twinkly, romantic, child-friendly… and powered entirely by green energy! Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is open until January so you can get your festive feels in the shadow of the magnificent palace. There’s a rink side bar and kitchen offering drinks and snacks including festive favourites – mulled wine and hot chocolate.
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY
Glide at Battersea Power Station, Fri 8 Nov – Sun 5 Jan
Book a skate session at this Thames-side rink, or should we say three interconnecting rinks around a massive Christmas tree, against the stunning backdrop of the vast power station. You reward yourself with drinks or dinner at one of the many riverside eateries and bars in the area, or stay rink-side and book an igloo for that real apres-ski experience. Tickets from £8.50.
Somerset House, Wed 13 Nov – Sun 12 Jan
The classic festive skate destination in the gorgeous neoclassical courtyard of Somerset House is an absolute winner. Head along to some festive fun including skating lessons with Skate School, Chilled Out sessions for mellow skaters, DJs on rink-side decks, and a vintage clothes pop-up.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, Thu 21 Nov – Sun 5 Jan
Get your skates on at the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, built around the iconic Victorian bandstand in Hyde Park as part of Winter Wonderland and open until 10pm daily — did someone say romantic evening skate? All welcome, including wheelchairs. Tickets cost £11.50 for adults and £8.50 for kids.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, Richmond, Fri 22 Nov – Sun 5 Jan
Frolic in Henry VIII’s front yard at this huge outdoor rink. Frankly, a bit of historic splendour is what’s been missing from our previous skate trips! There are plenty of festive refreshments also available. if you fancy skating through history, then pre-booking is essential.
Alexandra Palace, London, year-round
A mainstay for icy frolics, the rink at Alexandra Palace caters for all abilities, from toddling toddlers to acrobatic athletes. Things get especially fun at Christmas, with mulled wine and mince pies thrown into the mix. You can even skate under falling snow around a Christmas tree, or skate the night away to cheesy festive tunes. Are you in or are you in?
Looking for more Christmas fun?
Best local wreath-making workshops
Time to book these pantos & cracking Christmas shows
Words by Mollie Manning