Get your skates on...it’s the run-up to Christmas. Wrap up warm and get out on the ice as we show you where to head for some festive fun that’s really cool.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Tunbridge Wells likes to go all out for festivities each Christmas. The ice rink in the amphitheatre is a highlight of the festive calendar for the town each year.

Running to New Year’s Day, the amphitheatre is transformed into a winter wonderland, with skating, festive food and drink, music and shopping inspiration.

The 35 x 20m rink has a capacity for up to 250 skaters and will be open seven days a week (but will be closed on Christmas Day). The Fuggles Beer Cafe will be providing an apres skate drink with seasonal classics such as 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.

The Basil Cafe will offer food with wholesome ingredients, new festive-inspired cakes and bakes and a winter barbecue. Main skating sessions will take place from 11am until 8pm. The last skating session will be 6pm on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Dedicated 30-minute parent and toddler sessions will take place each morning at 9.45am, 10.15am and 2pm until the schools break up, priced at £9.50 which includes toddler and adult ticket and a seal skating aid.

Skate tickets for main sessions cost £14 and for children £9.50, including skate hire. Tickets are on sale at tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com.

Motorised and non-motorised wheelchair users are welcome to enjoy the rink in their own wheelchair but must be accompanied by a companion.

Father Christmas will be in his cosy log cabin until Christmas Eve on selected midweek and weekend dates.

To book call 01892 523693 or visit thelittleboxoffice.com/darrylcurcherevents.

BLUEWATER

The popular ice rink will be outside by the lakes in the West Village, near Zizzi’s until Sunday, January 7. There are seal skating aids for children and bob skates for those unsteady on the ice. New this year, there are skating lessons, Friday party nights with kmfm DJs, baby and toddler mornings, ice parties and an after-school skate club. Prices are £9 for children, £10 for juniors (13 to 16 years), £11 for adults and £34 for a family of four.

For details go to Bluewater.co.uk

DREAMLAND, MARGATE

A large undercover ice rink will be part of the attraction’s Frosted Fairground festive activities.

Open every day to Wednesday, January 3 (except Christmas Day), the 450sq m rink will have room for 150 people to skate at any one time.

There will also be Father Christmas in his grotto, appearances by The Snowman and The Snowdog and Jack and Jackie Frost leading some sing-alongs.

Rebecca Ellis, director of events, said: “It’s been a very exciting year at Dreamland and ending it with an amazing festive experience is important to us. We can’t wait to have an ice rink in Margate and to draw people to the town outside the summer season.”

For tickets go to dreamland.co.uk/events.

BETTESHANGER PARK, DEAL

There’s relaxing in front of the television on a cold winter’s day – and then there’s snow tubing.

Betteshanger Country Park in Deal is staging the fun sport this winter from Thursday, December 21 through to New Year’s Day. It aims to get your heart pumping and adrenalin flowing as you speed down the 18m-long man made slope on a large inflatable ring.
Suitable for anyone aged five and above, no special skills are required – just jump on the tube and enjoy the ride!

All safety equipment is provided and under-eights must be accompanied by an adult.
It costs £5 for three goes. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, you can also clamber and crawl through over 100m of specially created snow caves under the artificial ski slope. The caves are also suitable for ages five and over and take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, costing £5.

To book for either activity, visit betteshanger-park.co.uk/Christmas

DOVER

An ice rink will the central attraction in the Port of Dover’s second annual Christmas event at its cruise terminal. It will be open until New Year’s Day Thursdays to Sundays and every day from Thursday, December 21. Father Christmas will also be dropping in and there will be children’s attractions. For full details visit whitecliffschristmas.co.uk