Best Ice Skating in Kent for Christmas 2025

Glide into the Festive Season on Kent’s Top Ice Rinks

For a festive outing with friends or family this December, there’s nothing quite like lace-up and take to the ice. Kent offers several excellent seasonal ice skating rinks - indoors, outdoors, and under cover - perfect for beginners, families, couples or groups of friends. Here’s our guide to the top ice skating destinations and ice rinks in Kent this Christmas.

1. Calverley Grounds - “Skate 2025”, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Location: Calverley Grounds, Mountfield Gardens, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RG
Dates: 5 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 (closed Christmas Day)
Price: From £12

The Skate Tunbridge Wells event in Calverley Grounds is one of Kent’s most atmospheric ice rinks. Set beneath the trees and surrounded by festive lights, it offers daily skating sessions, a large covered café-bar, and a separate rink for younger skaters.

Why visit: A traditional open-air rink with plenty of Christmas charm, right in the centre of one of Kent’s most picturesque towns.

Calverley Grounds Ice Skating - photography from Times

2. Ruxley Manor Ice Rink, Sidcup (North Kent)

Location: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup DA14 5BQ
Dates: 14 November 2025 – 5 January 2026
Prices: From £6-£15

The covered Ruxley Manor Ice Rink is ideal for families, couples and beginners. It offers themed sessions such as Little Penguin Club for toddlers and inclusive SEN sessions. The rink sits beside Ruxley’s huge Christmas store, café, and garden centre displays.

Why visit: A covered rink that’s perfect whatever the weather, with plenty of festive shopping and food nearby.

3. The Manor on Ice - The Manor at Bickley

Location: The Manor at Bickley, Thornet Wood Road, Bickley BR1 2LW
Dates: 1 December 2025 – 5 January 2026
Prices: Child £12, Adult £15

The elegant Manor at Bickley hosts a winter celebration with its indoor Manor on Ice rink. Sessions last around 45 minutes and include skate hire, festive music and access to the venue’s Christmas bar and dining area.

Why visit: A more luxurious, atmospheric ice-skating experience, ideal for groups and festive date nights.

4. Bluewater Ice Rink - Greenhithe

Location: Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe DA9 9ST
Dates: 7 November 2025 – 5 January 2026
Prices: Adults from £15, Children from £13

One of the largest and most popular rinks in the South East, Bluewater Ice Rink offers a full-scale festive experience under its clear-roofed marquee. With thousands of twinkling lights above and a Christmas village alongside, it’s a brilliant option for both families and shoppers.

Why visit: A destination rink combining world-class shopping, dining, and festive fun. Skate hire, refreshments and family sessions are all included, and parking is free.

The Kent Tourist tip: Visit in the late afternoon to combine skating, dinner and a stroll through Bluewater’s Christmas market.

Plan Your Ice Skating Outing

• Pre-book online: All Kent ice rinks require timed entry and advance booking.

• Dress for the weather: Gloves, warm layers, and thick socks are a must.

• Allow extra time: Arrive 15–20 minutes early for skate hire and fitting.

• Family sessions: Look for “family”, “beginner” or “Little Penguin” slots.

Make it a full day out by pairing your skating with Kent’s Christmas markets, light trails, or a festive meal at one of the county’s winter pubs.

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