Ice rinks this Christmas including Bluewater, Tunbridge Wells, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Brighton's Royal Pavilion
If you want to feel fully festive you'll need to wrap up warm and book some time on the ice.
We've found some rinks opening in and around Kent this year.
Skate Tunbridge Wells
The ice rink at Calverley Gardens in Tunbridge Wells will return for the 11th year, as part of festive events in the town, from Friday, November 19, until Monday, January 3.
The site will be open seven days a week (apart from Christmas Day) and there will be two rinks, with the second smaller one dedicated to parents and toddlers during the day, and to Bavarian curling in the evenings. There will also be a Polar Bar and local coffee shop Fine Grind in residence, plus other stalls. Tickets from £13 an adult and £8 for children. Seal skating for children from two to eight is £4. To book click here.
Bluewater Ice Rink
The outdoor, undercover ice rink returns this year with a clear roof. Opening on Thursday, November 18, and running until Sunday, January 2, it will be suitable for all ages, with quiet sessions and parent and toddler sessions. There will also be penguin and seal skating aids available for little ones. There will also be party nights to skate to classic party anthems. Tickets are £14.50 for ages 13 and over, £12.50 for ages 12 and under and £44 for a family ticket of either two adults and two children, or one adult and three children. To book click here.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Ice skating isn't just for Christmas at Canary Wharf in London this year. Located in Canada Square Park, you can skate beneath the stunning skyline of Canary Wharf during the rink's longest run yet - from now, in time for Halloween, through Christmas and beyond Valentine's Day, ending on Saturday, February 26. There will be a traditional alpine theme, and the covered rink will have hundreds of twinkling fairy lights.
It is open from 9.45am seven days a week, with varying closing times, the earliest being 9.45am.
Tickets cost £17.95 for an adult or teen 13 or over; £11.95 for children from four to 12, accompanied by a paying adult, and £49.50 for a family or two adults and two children, or one adult and three children. Book here.
Skate at Somerset House, London
This year the rink returns with a new partnership with Moët & Chandon. The ice rink transforms the neoclassical courtyard into a must-see winter destination, complete with a 40ft Christmas tree, and specially curated decorations from Moët & Chandon.
There will also be trailblazing DJs on rink-side decks; gourmet dining and a Skate Lounge by Moët & Chandon, where champagne and cocktails await. The rink is open from Wednesday, November 17 to Sunday, January 16, 2022, adult tickets cost £11 with a booking fee. Book by clicking here.
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, Brighton
The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink aims to be greener as the ice is powered by wind and solar energy.
Running from Saturday, October 30, to Sunday, January 9, it has a rinkside bar and restaurant.
It costs £15 for ages 12 and over and £10 for under 12s. Book tickets by clicking here.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland has the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, set around Hyde Park’s Victorian bandstand under a canopy of sparkling lights.
This year it will be open from Friday, November 19, to Monday, January 3, is open to all ages and abilities and is wheelchair accessible. Open from 10am to 9pm daily, session times run every hour and visitors are asked to arrive 20 minutes before their session. Tickets are from £10.50 for off-peak and for children £7.50, and for peak tickets it costs £15.50 and £10.50 for children. Book by clicking here.
* The Tower of London Ice Rink is not returning for 2021.
For more suggestions of things to do with the kids this Christmas visit My Kent Family
