visit tunbridge wells

Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells offers Kentish town and country at its best.

Situated only 40 minutes from Gatwick airport and 1 hour from London terminals by train, the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells has welcomed visitors for over 400 years. Browse among the chic independent shops of the collonaded Pantiles and the High Street, with buzzy cafes bars, music and one-of-a-kind shops. Discover the history of the Wells, inspiring temporary exhibitions, and tourist information in the newly opened Amelia Scott in the town centre. Dine out at one of the many restaurants in the town including Thackerays, The Ivy, The Warren, La Follia, Sankey’s and many more chain and independent eateries. Stay in the town’s high-quality accommodation, there is something for everyone.  The Hotel du Vin  offers French food, excellent wines and a luxurious night’s sleep, while there’s elegant 4-star luxury at the  Spa Hotel  and smart comfort at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells. Or choose from the other individual hotels and comfortable Bed & Breakfast establishments in or near to the town centre like The Vineyard, Hever Castle or Mount Edgcumbe.

Villages and Countryside

Royal Tunbridge Wells lies in the heart of the beautiful High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The High Weald has many picturesque towns and villages amid the rolling hills, ancient woods and open heaths. All to be enjoyed when riding on the steam train at  Spa Valley Railway ; presenting a unique destination at every station. The pretty medieval town of Cranbrook, once known as the Capital of the Weald, was the centre of the region’s cloth industry. Visit the Union Mill; a bright-white, weather-board, sail-topped regency smock mill. Enjoy the great selection of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, including The Small Holding. 

Village highlights, include Benenden, with the nearby gardens at Hole Park, one of the area’s hidden gems. Accommodation can be found across the area in the beautiful village or rural settings.

The area is well-known for its world-famous gardens, fairy-tale moated castles and mellow country manors; don’t miss the romantic moat-ringed  Scotney Castle  or the enchanting  Sissinghurst Castle Gardens , former home of Vita Sackville West, and an inspiration to gardeners world-wide. Children love the delightful enhanced forest at  Groombridge Place , where Conan Doyle created mysteries for Sherlock Holmes.

There is plenty to do in the beautiful countryside of the Weald including walking, cycling and horse-riding. At  Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest  explore one of the world’s best collection of conifers, head out for a walk or a mountain bike ride or fly through the tree-tops on the  Go-Ape  high ropes adventure trail. For more family fun a visit to nearby  Bewl Water  offers fishing, water sports and cycling.

For updated event listings and to discover more about the whole area of Tunbridge Wells visit www.visittunbridgewells.com to plan your trip and be inspired with guides and itineraries.  

Or follow Visit Tunbridge Wells on  Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . 

For inspiration of how to spend a break in Tunbridge Wells  click here...

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Top 10 Things To Do In Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells is a charming town located in the heart of Kent. Known for its historic architecture, scenic outdoor spaces, and multitude of shopping choices, it’s a popular destination to visit. It’s worth noting its official name is Royal Tunbridge Wells, as its popularity with royalty and aristocrats was recognised in 1909 by King Edward VII who granted the town with its “Royal” prefix.

I can see why they loved it so much as it’s personally one of my favourite spots in Kent too! That’s why I’ve shared my top things to do in Tunbridge Wells for those looking to visit for the first time.

1. Visit The Pantiles

This area of Tunbridge Wells is what made me fall in love with the area. It’s the most iconic landmark of the town – the Pantiles – a beautifully restored 17th-century colonnade that once served as the heart of the town’s social scene.

The Pantiles, originally known as the Walks, was built in the early 17th century as a covered walkway for the visitors who came to take the waters at the nearby Chalybeate Spring. The spring was discovered in 1606 by a nobleman named Lord North, who found the water to be of remarkable curative properties. The popularity of the spring soon drew visitors from all over England, and Tunbridge Wells became a fashionable destination for the wealthy and influential.

The colonnade itself was added in 1700, with a series of shops and cafes that quickly became popular with the town’s visitors. The name “Pantiles” comes from the distinctive clay tiles that cover the colonnade’s roof.

Over the years, the Pantiles underwent several transformations, with new buildings added and others demolished. However, by the early 20th century, the colonnade had fallen into disrepair, and many of its shops were empty. It wasn’t until the 1980s that a major restoration project was undertaken, which saw the Pantiles restored to its former glory.

Today, the Pantiles is a vibrant and bustling destination. It remains a popular spot for locals as well as visitors who come to soak up the town’s rich history and enjoy a bite to eat. The colonnade is home to a number of events throughout the year, including jazz festivals, farmers’ markets, and vintage fairs. The annual Tunbridge Wells International Art Fair, which takes place across four days every July, attracts artists and collectors from all over the world. Visiting the Pantiles is one of the main things to do in Tunbridge Wells if you’re planning a visit.

2. See Bedford Place

The history of Bedford Place dates back to the early 19th century when it was first built as part of a larger development project in the town. The street was named after the Duke of Bedford, who was one of the primary landowners in the area. The original houses on Bedford Place were built in the Georgian style, with elegant facades and ornate detailing.

Over the years, Bedford Place underwent several changes. However, much of its original architecture and charm remained intact. Tunbridge Wells is a very affluent area, and this road is highly desirable. Despite being a terraced property that has only 2 bedrooms, the house sold on this street most recently (2022) went for over £750,000.

One of the most significant events in Bedford Place’s calendar is the annual street party, which takes place in the summer months. The party is a chance for residents to come together and celebrate their community, with live music, food stalls, and a range of family-friendly activities.

3. Explore Chapel Place

Chapel Place is a bustling street that is a much-loved part of the town, known for its mix of independent shops and eateries. The history of Chapel Place dates back to the 18th century when it was first built as part of the town’s expansion.

The street was named after the Methodist Chapel, which was built in the late 18th century and still stands today. The chapel was an important part of the community, hosting a range of events and activities, and was an important centre of social life in the town.

Some of the places you’ll find there include Chapel Place Gin Bar , Gabriella Jewellery , and gardening and homeware shop Le Petit Jardin .

This is also where the annual Jazz on the Pantiles festival is held in the summer months. The festival is a celebration of jazz music and culture, with a range of live performances and workshops.

4. Walk around Dunorlan Park

I was quite shocked when I visited Dunorlan Park as I didn’t expect such a large and beautiful green space in an area that’s quite built up. However the space has been there since the 19th century when it was first developed as part of the Dunorlan estate. The estate was owned by a wealthy banker, Edward Hardman, who commissioned the park’s design by renowned landscape architect Robert Marnock.

Marnock’s design created a stunning landscape, with a large lake, wooded areas, and extensive gardens, all carefully planned to create a picturesque setting. In 1943, the park was opened to the public, and it quickly became a popular destination.

The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and you can rent rowing boats and pedalos to explore the water and take in the scenery. There’s also several walking and cycling routes, as well as a children’s playground, a cafe, and a range of sports facilities, including tennis courts and a cricket pitch.

In addition to its stunning scenery, Dunorlan Park is also known for its historical significance. The park’s mansion house, which was built in the early 19th century, still stands today and is a fascinating example of the town’s rich history.

5. Shop in Royal Victoria Place

Royal Victoria Place is the main shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells. The site where it stands was originally home to a brewery and several other small businesses. However, in the late 1800s, the site was purchased by the local council, who planned to develop it into a new town centre.

The development of Royal Victoria Place took several years, with construction beginning in the early 1900s. It was officially opened in 1902 by Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Louise, and was named in honour of the queen.

Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and expansions, but has always remained a key part of Tunbridge Wells’ retail scene, attracting shoppers from all over Kent and beyond. Sadly a lot of shopping centres have seen many closures in recent years, but Royal Victoria Place is still thriving and well worth a visit.

6. Check out Mount Sion

Mount Sion is situated to the east of the town centre and is named after the biblical location where King David built his palace in Jerusalem. It’s characterised by steep hills, which provide panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.

The streets are very picturesque, and personally I love seeing different types of houses on my travels. The area features a mix of pretty properties, with many Victorian and Edwardian buildings still standing. A great photo opportunity!

7. Ride the Spa Valley Railway

The Spa Valley Railway is a heritage railway that runs for approximately 5 miles between the town of Tunbridge Wells and the village of Groombridge. It was originally built in the late 19th century as part of the Tunbridge Wells to Eridge line, which provided transport for commuters and tourists visiting the area’s spas and attractions. However, the line was closed in the 1980s, and a group of railway enthusiasts and volunteers set about restoring and reopening the line as a heritage railway.

Today, the Spa Valley Railway offers visitors a chance to experience the golden age of steam travel, with a range of steam and diesel locomotives pulling beautifully restored vintage carriages. The railway operates throughout the year, with special events and themed weekends taking place during holidays and other occasions.

The railway has several stations along the route, including Tunbridge Wells West, High Rocks, and Groombridge, which have been restored to their original Victorian and Edwardian appearances and feature period details, such as vintage posters and signs.

In addition to its regular passenger services, the Spa Valley Railway also offers a range of special experiences, such as dining trains, driver experience days, and behind-the-scenes tours of the railway’s engineering workshops. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Tunbridge Wells for railway enthusiasts and anyone wanting an alternative way to experience the beauty of the Kentish countryside.

8. Discover the High Rocks

Just over a five minute drive from the centre of Tunbridge Wells is High Rocks . It’s a popular tourist attraction of natural sandstone rock formations that have been eroded over millions of years. The rocks themselves rise up to over 100 feet in height and are surrounded by woodland and parkland.

They’ve been a popular destination since the 18th century, and there are many stories and legends associated with the area, including tales of smugglers and highwaymen. The rocky terrain and secluded location would have made it an ideal place to hide contraband goods and evade the authorities.

In the early 19th century, a pathway was constructed through the rocks, making it easier for visitors to explore the area. In 1833, a public house was built on the site, which still stands today and is known as The High Rocks Inn. Further additions over the years have included a tea room and gift shop.

9. Relax in Haysden Country Park

Haysden Country Park is situated on the banks of the River Medway and covers over 165 acres. One of its main features is the two large lakes, which offer a variety of fishing opportunities. The lakes are stocked with a range of fish, including carp, bream, and roach, and there are designated fishing platforms and jetties available for anglers.

Haysden Country Park also boasts a number of nature reserves and wildlife habitats, including wetlands and meadows, which are home to a variety of bird species, such as kingfishers, herons, and swans.

The park has a visitor centre, which provides information about the park’s history and amenities, as well as a café serving refreshments and light meals. The park is a peaceful and enjoyable escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Tunbridge Wells and has much more of a countryside feel.

10. Marvel at Scotney Castle

A 20 minute drive from Tunbridge Wells is Scotney Castle, a stunning historic castle set in beautiful grounds. It is truly one of the most spectacular National Trust places I’ve visited – which is why I wrote a whole blog about it! I’d suggest having a read of it if you’re interested as it goes into a lot more detail about what you can see. One thing is for sure, if you have the time and the means to get there, it is definitely worth visiting if you have the time to drive a little further out of Tunbridge Wells.

Overall, Tunbridge Wells is a beautiful and historic town with plenty to offer visitors of all interests. Whether you love history, nature, shopping or dining, there are plenty of things to do in Tunbridge Wells! If you’ve been before, is there anywhere you’d add to the list? Let me know in the comments.

If you’re looking for other things to see and do near Kent, check out these blog posts:

– Riverhill Himalayan Gardens: A Stunning Garden Oasis In Kent – Standen House and Gardens

Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

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