From Friday 18th November, Calverley Grounds in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells will be transformed into a beautiful winter ice rink offering something for skaters, shoppers and spectators across the festive season as open air ice skating returns for 2016 with stylish skating, festive food and drink, music and Christmas cheer.
Supported by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the 35 x 20 metre ice rink, with a capacity of up to 250 skaters, will be open seven days a week (closed Christmas Day). The ice rink welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities and is perfect for a family day out, a romantic first date, a festive office party or just a great fun night out with friends. For those wishing to watch friends and family enjoying themselves, the spectator’s area is back, adjacent to the rink and offers a range of drinks and food.
Councillor Jane March, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development says: “When the ice rink opens in Royal Tunbridge Wells, it’s a sign that Christmas is coming! If you haven’t visited the rink in Calverley Grounds you really should, it’s a lovely thing to do with a truly festive feel”.
Dedicated thirty minute parent and toddler sessions take place every morning from 9.45am to 10.15am and 10.15am to 10.45am and on Monday to Friday at 2pm from Mon 21st November to Friday 16th December. These sessions cost from £7.00 – this allows one adult to skate with each toddler, with seal skating aids available.
Main skating sessions, take place from 11am until 9pm – last skating session 8pm. Please note the last skating session will be 5pm on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Years Eve and New Year’s Day. The rink is closed on Christmas Day.
Booking for peak times is essential – Thursday and Friday evenings, all day Saturday and Sunday and Christmas week. Adult tickets cost from £10.50 and children’s tickets (aged 4 years and above) from £7.00. Family tickets, concessions and Go! Card tickets are also available. Ticket price includes hire of skating boots and the session lasts for 45 minutes. New this year is the Season Ticket, priced at £150 which allows unlimited skating across the whole six weeks.
Inside the ice rink marquee, ‘Fuggles Beer Café’ will be selling real ale and craft beers, some Belgian classics and Christmas beers, alongside their famous mulled cider, mulled wine and a range of seasonal gins, wines and soft drinks. Fuggles Cafe, open every evening Monday – Friday and all day at weekends, provides the perfect spot to watch the skating whilst enjoying a festive drink inside the heated, indoor café.
The basil café will be selling more festive goodies to feast on! From freshly ground coffee and specialty hot chocolate to delicious mulled wine and daily soup specialties – along with a fabulous selection of award-winning cakes and bakes – including gluten free options. Open 7 days a week. Bookings for small parties available, call 01892 739383 www.foodbasil.com.
There will be lots of other good food – Apple & Cor! are delighted to be at the ice rink for the second year. They will be serving their gourmet 16 hour BBQ Smoked Pulled Pork Brioche, gourmet Steak Burger Brioche, gourmet Jumbo Sausage & Onions served in a roll. For something sweeter why not try their homemade mince pies or apple strudel with a glass of mulled wine! They do parties & corporate group rates and will need 24 hour notice, for further information please call 07808 338466 and speak to Ben.
And no family visit to the ice rink would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas. To book your tickets in advance or for further information and reviews go to www.fatherchristmasmarket.co.uk.
Skate at the Royal Tunbridge Wells ice rink from Friday 18th November 2016 to Monday 2nd January 2017. Skating tickets, Adults from £10.50 Children from £7.00 are available online at www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com or by phone on 01892 554645 or in person at the Assembly Hall Theatre Box Office. The onsite ice rink Box Office opens on Friday 18th November.