Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is delighted to announce that the open air ice rink is returning for its third successive year. Situated within the natural amphitheatre of Calverley Grounds, the ice rink is a popular and established Christmas attraction.
It will be open seven days a week from Friday 22 Nov 2013 – Sunday 5 Jan 2014 and promises you an experience to remember. There will be added attractions alongside the rink of traditional style wooden chalets housing local independent businesses selling a wide range of quality gifts, just perfect for Christmas.
More than 29,000 people took to the ice last Christmas and the organisers, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, say that in excess of 55,000 people have visited it since it first opened – with interest growing each subsequent year.
Councillor Jane March, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development says: “We are keen to enhance our local economy and see the rink as a way of doing this during the Christmas period. Calverley Grounds is a beautiful, natural setting and we are delighted to offer this exciting winter activity for everyone to enjoy – our very own real ice rink”.
The 600 square metre ice rink has capacity for 200 skaters at a time. There are dedicated parent and toddler sessions, children can use seal skating aids, which are available to hire but on a first come first served basis and are great for helping children skate with more confidence. Children under the age of 12 years will need to be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 years. Wheelchairs are welcome on the ice but must be pre-booked in advance as space is limited. Marshals are on hand to offer tips and advice during every session.
Skaters and spectators will be able to enjoy the delights of authentic wooden chalets, selling local and seasonal produce, traditional Christmas food and much more. The ice rink will be open for public skating daily from Friday 22 Nov – Sun 5 Jan 2014 (closed Christmas Day). The cost for skating including boot hire is from £6 for children and £8 for adults subject to session dates and times, expect to have about 45 minutes on the ice. Early booking is advisable, especially during the festive season when tickets sell out fast.
Tickets are already available and can be booked online at www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com or from the Assembly Hall Theatre Box Office in person or by calling 01892 554645. Group and wheelchair bookings can be made by calling 01892 554173. Once the ice rink is open tickets can be purchased from the onsite Box Office. The onsite Box Office will be open from 18 November.
Family tickets, school and groups rates (15+) are available and Go! Card holders will enjoy concessionary rates. You’ll even earn a loyalty stamp every time you skate!
Parking is easy with a Pay and Display car park situated next to Calverley Grounds. Parking is also available above Morrisons, located next to Tunbridge Wells Station, as well as in the multi-storey car park by the Assembly Hall Theatre in Crescent Road.
The Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Ice Rink project is supported by AXA PPP healthcare, the Kent & Sussex Courier and Heart.