Skating goalkeeper opens ‘royal’ rink

Former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman will open the ice rink that’s coming to Eastwell Manor in Boughton Aluph, in the run-up to Christmas and the new year.

The ex-Arsenal player and his Celebrity Dancing on Ice wife Frankie Poultney will be christening the attraction next week.

The arrival of the ice rink has been inspired by evidence that Queen Victoria used to skate there. Reviving the tradition of ice skating at Eastwell Manor came about after old drawings were discovered, believed to show Queen Victoria skating on the frozen lake there almost 150 years ago. She was a regular visitor there when the estate was the family home of her second son Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh.

It is the first time Eastwell Manor Champneys Spa Hotel has opened an ice rink.

Champneys bought the resort last year and has carried out a major refurbishment of the historic grounds and house that dates back to the 1500s.

Along with the establishment of the rink in the hotel courtyard, reindeer will also be on site.

Champneys owner Stephen Purdew said: “We wanted to do something really special to mark our first year at Eastwell Manor. The historic building and ice rink will offer a fantastic festive experience, and we really look forward to welcoming people.”

David Seaman and Frankie Poultney will open the rink on Monday.

The pair fell in love when they were partnered up together on the Dancing On Ice live tour in 2008 and after the former footballer finished fourth in the 2006 series. They got engaged in 2013 and married in 2015.

Ice skating will be available at Eastwell Manor from tomorrow (Friday) until Tuesday, January 2, between noon and 7pm. Entry is £14.50, with under 12s £9.50.

For details visit eastwellmanor.co.uk or eastwellmanor.co.uk/christmasat-eastwell-manor/ice-rink

David Seaman will open the ice rink coming to Eastwell Manor