SKATE, the established annual outdoor ice rink, is confirmed for a return to Calverley Grounds in Royal Tunbridge Wells for the Christmas 2025 season.
The facility begins operating on Friday, December 5, 2025. It will run daily right through to Sunday, January 4, 2026.
This marks the 15th consecutive year this temporary rink has been installed in the town centre. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is the body responsible for organising and managing the entire venture. For many residents locally, the rink’s opening signals the true beginning of their Christmas festivities.
The operation delivers crucial local economic benefit. It consistently attracts thousands of visitors to the borough. This considerable footfall aids local businesses, including shops and restaurants, right through the vital December trade period.
Operations and Access
SKATE will operate non-stop, seven days a week, throughout its run. It will be closed only on Christmas Day.
Access to the venue is simple. It is positioned just a five-minute stroll from the main Tunbridge Wells train station. Furthermore, the rink sits close to the town’s chief shopping areas. The park setting will feature festive lighting and play seasonal music while operating.
Councillor Justine Rutland spoke on the rink’s local worth: “The beautiful ice rink in Calverley Grounds is one of the things that makes Tunbridge Wells really special at Christmas time.” The council verified the setup will include the main ice pad and designated areas for spectators.
Tickets and Advance Booking Details
Booking tickets early remains strongly advisable. Demand is persistently high, especially on weekends and during the main holiday stretch.
Tickets are available via several methods: online, telephone purchase, and in person at the Assembly Hall Theatre box office. You can also pick them up at The Amelia Scott cultural centre.
Customers secure a £2 per ticket discount when purchasing tickets ahead of the session day. On-the-day prices stand at £17 for adults and £12 for children under 16. Anyone requiring specific time slots needs to book without delay to guarantee their slot.
Amenities and Special Sessions
The Calverley Grounds location provides more than just the skating surface. The event includes a covered marquee, operating as a café-bar. This area sells typical seasonal drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate, along with hot food options, providing a warm space for breaks. Several smaller chalets will also be open, providing additional snacks and refreshments.
The 2025 schedule introduces several specialised sessions aimed at community needs:
- Bavarian Curling: The rink will be converted for certain sessions to host this activity. Participants use ‘ice stocks’ in place of traditional curling stones. Booking these sessions in advance is mandatory.
- Parent and Toddler Sessions: These are time slots specifically reserved for parents and very young children. They offer a safer, much less busy environment for beginners.
- Relaxed Skating Sessions: These directly support individuals with sensory sensitivities. They will run on select days, including the first two Saturdays of December at 12:00 pm. During these specific times, music volume is reduced, lighting is dimmer, and participant numbers are strictly contained.
Skating aids shaped like seals are available for hire for children and beginners. You must pre-book these aids when buying tickets because of capacity restrictions.
SKATE Partners with Aspens Charities
SKATE Tunbridge Wells has selected Aspens Charities as its official charitable partner this season. Aspens, which operates out of Pembury, provides care and support for autistic individuals and people with learning disabilities across the South East and Kent.
The partnership includes a key fundraising event. All proceeds from ticket sales for the session on Friday, December 19, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, will be donated directly to Aspens. The public is strongly encouraged to buy tickets for this slot to support the cause.
Robert Shanahan, CEO of Aspens, spoke on the partnership’s value. He said: “We’re pleased to be chosen as SKATE TW’s official charity partner this year. It’s an honour to be part of this community event, and we’re grateful to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for their support. This partnership presents a great opportunity to raise awareness of Aspens and our mission to provide high-quality care and support for autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities.”
The continued operation of the rink solidifies its place as a crucial, annual event in the Tunbridge Wells community.
