Where to get your skates on

As the county goes full-on festive, slide into the season as more ice rinks open

AYLESFORD

Alongside this year’s Maidstone Panto will be a Winter Wonderland at the Friars in Aylesford, which opens this weekend. There will be an ice rink, fun fair and food and market stalls. The Wonderland is free to enter and runs from Friday, November 30 to Monday, December 31, (excluding Christmas Day), the same dates as the panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

BLUEWATER

The undercover outdoor attraction by the lakes at The Village, is open until Sunday, January 6. There will be DJ sets to entertain skaters by kmfm on Fridays. Skating costs £11, £10 for 13 to 16-year-olds and £9 for children. Book at bluewater.co.uk

DREAMLAND

Skating of a less chilly variety is on offer with a Festive Roller Rink where you can skate indoors in the Roller Disco, along to tunes from the Frosted FM DJ, between noon and 4pm on Saturdays, starting this weekend, on Saturday, December 1, and other Saturdays December 8, 15, 22 and Sunday, December 23 and Christmas Eve. Other festive events include a visit from The Snowman and the Snow Dog and a giant snow globe. Book at dreamland.co.uk

EASTWELL MANOR,

Ice skating returned to the exclusive Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel and Spa near Ashford, this week, launched by Dancing On Ice star Jake Quickenden. Running until Wednesday, January 2, mulled wine, hot chocolate, toasted chestnuts and mince pies will be on offer to help you feel festive. Visitors can also do some shopping at Champneys’ Christmas boutique. A 50-minute session and skate hire costs £14.50 and £9.50 for under 12s. Bring the family and have festive afternoon tea with 50 minutes of skating and skate hire for £99 for two adults and two children, or £39 for adults and £19 for under 12s. Book on 0843 561 2019 or 01233 213000.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

The ice rink is open in Calverley Grounds, with the amphitheatre decorated with twinkling festive lights, plus festive food and drink, music and Christmas shopping inspiration. Main skating sessions will take place from 11am to 8pm, except on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day when it will be 6pm. Skating costs £14.50 and £9.75 for children, including skate hire. Dedicated 30-minute parent and toddler sessions for two to fouryear-olds will be held every morning at 9.45am, 10.15am and 2pm until the school holidays, at £9.50, including toddler and adult tickets and a seal skating aid. Book at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on

TOWER OF LONDON

Home of the Crown jewels, the Tower is one of the capital’s most iconic sites - and now is also the scene of a stunning ice skating experience. With the Thames flowing just a stone’s throw away, take a spin on the ice, with a backdrop like no other. The rink is open until Sunday, January 6, daily from 11am until 9pm, except on Christmas

Day when it will be closed. Tickets cost £14,50, and £12.50 for ages 15 and under. Children aged 12 and under, who must be accompanied by an adult, can skate for £10.50. Book at toweroflondonicerink.co.uk

CANARY WHARF

The rink, which boasts a Winter Terrace and bar, will be open daily until Saturday, February 16 2019 (except Christmas Day). Its unique feature is a 40sq metre screen which allows skaters to upload pictures from their Instagram feed. The minimum ag ge to skate is four and there are polar bear sk kate aids for children. Tickets are £16.95 and £10.95 for children up to 12 years. Book at icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

Ice skating at the Tower of London, left, and, above, Eastwell Manor