Our Guide to Tunbridge Wells
Check out our guide to Royal Tunbridge Wells, one of Kent’s most elegant destinations. known for its boutique shopping streets, Georgian architecture, beautiful parks and countryside.
History
Without the Chalybeate Spring, Royal Tunbridge Wells would not exist. For more than 400 years visitors have revelled in the accessibility and beauty of the area but above all have come to ‘take the waters’ from the Chalybeate Spring, The word chalybeate (pronounced ka-lee-bee-at) means iron-rich, and the iron taste is evident in the water as it dyes everything orange too! At the height of its popularity in the eighteenth century, the Spring water was reputed to cure all sorts of ills from infertility and hangovers to obesity and ‘a moist brain’.
The town son became a fashionable retreat for aristocrats and royalty and by the 18th century, the iconic Pantiles promenade had become the social heart of the town, lined with colonnaded shops and cafés. In the Victorian era, the town continued to grow with elegant townhouses, parks, theatres and transport links.
Today, its heritage remains evident throughout its streets and being just an hour out of London, it’s become a hot spot for day trips and for chilled-out, slow-paced weekends. With new cultural attractions, galleries, beautiful gardens, restaurants, shops and of course being surrounded by miles and miles of beautiful countryside, Tunbridge Wells is now a favourite destination for families, couples and solo-travellers alike.
The Pantiles
Walk along The Pantiles, the historic heart of Tunbridge Wells. There’s no better way to soak up the grandeur of the town’s Georgian heyday than exploring these colonnaded walkways, lined with boutique shops and cute bars and cafés.
One of the most famous places in Royal Tunbridge Wells, the Pantiles is a historic Georgian colonnaded walkway. Home to over 70 cafes, bars, restaurants and shops, it’s one of the most-visited places in the town. It’s also where you’ll find the famous Chalybeate Spring, open to admire 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The walkway is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants while the Lower Walk is home to some of the best boutique shops. Live music events run throughout summer when the iconic bandstand comes to life with a mix of music genres from jazz to Bollywood, country and western to folk.
And with a regular market, running the 2nd weekend of each calendar month, food festivals, vintage fairs and more, there’s always something to do on the Pantiles.
Spa Valley Railway
Step into the realm of a time gone by, as Spa Valley Railway runs steam and heritage diesel trains between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge, stopping off at High Rocks and Groombridge. You can sit back and relax, letting the train take the strain. Train tickets are valid for travel all day, so you can travel up and down as many times as you like, hopping off at our intermediate stations to explore the surrounding area.
The railway holds numerous events throughout summer, including the popular children’s interactive theatre events during school holidays (Halloween and Easter), popular TV character events where children can see their favourite characters including Bluey, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Bing and Flop.
There are numerous food and drink experiences including the annual Beer Festival in October, the Gin Train, The Cheese Train, Afternoon Tea, Fish and Chip dining events, The Wildwood Wine Tasting & Train Ride Experience and The Real Ale & Cider Trains and more.
There's also the chance to actually drive one of the trains, to feel the power of steam and relive the golden age of rail travel from the footplate – where you are in control! A unique and very special experience for the price of £400.
Bowles Outdoor Centre
Bowles, Sandhill Lane, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9LW
The Bowles Rocks of Tunbridge Wells have long been a defining feature of the area as well as being a major tourist attraction, especially for climbers, as the quick-drying, south-facing sandstone makes for a more than ideal training ground for climbers.
The Bowles Outdoor Centre, whose patrons include Brian Blessed and Richard Branson, has been encouraging youth exercise and activity since the 1960s. A comprehensive activities camp, the centre offers a range of courses, boasting its own sandstone crag, dry ski slopes, an indoor swimming pool, three ropes courses, a fleet of kayaks and canoes, an archery range, and dedicated spaces for bushcraft and orienteering. With an impressive array of facilities, Bowles offers an unparalleled venue for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers seeking a diverse range of thrilling activities.
Scotney Castle
Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JN
Set in beautiful grounds, featuring a lake, gardens, and woodland walks, you can see why Scotney Castle National Trust is such a popular place to visit. With the garden and estate covering more than 780 acres there’s no shortage of things to see and do from discovering the delights of the Victorian country mansion with its secrets and stories, enjoying a delicious meal in the tea-room or bringing your own food along to eat in the picnic area. At the end of the day, head to the visitor shop for some tasty local produce including their very own Scotney bitter and yummy honey.
There’s also lots of space for little ones to run, climb, explore and let off steam. Look out for the giant tree swing by the new orchard. For den-making and wild play head to Colliers Wood or, for younger children, the Badger and Pepper play area has musical instruments, a toddler swing, play hut, ball chute and mud kitchen.
Scotney Castle’s grounds are also home to some fascinating buildings and structures including the ice house and the dovecote and the parkland surrounding the Castle is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and butterflies.
The estate is open all year, offering a variety of walks through the beautiful parkland, woodland and Hop farm.
Ashdown Forest
Colemans Hatch Road, Wych Cross, East Sussex, RH18 5JP
Unwind and explore 6,500 acres of wilderness! Explore the 100-Acre Wood and have a game on Poohsticks Bridge. The Ashdown Forest is situated in a National Landscape and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as being a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation!
Ashdown Forest is famous as the magical landscape that inspired one of the world’s best loved children’s stories, the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh, afterall what’s not to love about a bear who goes hunting for woozles and heffalumps.
The iconic British character was created by A.A. Milne who lived on the edge of the Forest and conjured stories inspired by explorations with his young son, Christopher Robin.Ashdown Forest is the legendary Hundred Acre Wood and draws visitors from across the world, who come in search of beloved spots, such as Pooh Sticks Bridge, Galleon’s Lap, Roo’s Sandy Pit, the Heffalump Trap, and the Enchanted Place where Christopher Robin says farewell to his friend.
Although a lot of the landscape has changed since then, if you look closely, you can still find the places which are the home of A.A. Milne’s characters and have your own adventure looking for some of the famous landmarks.
So Grab some sticks and head to the little bridge ……
Food and Drink
Royal Tunbridge Wells has long been known as a foodie destination with over 250 restaurants offering global flavours from Indian to Thai to classic French. Enjoy fresh seafood, hearty meals, elegant afternoon teas, or casual bites from bakeries and delis. Explore nearby villages for a taste of the countryside and delicious farm-to-table dishes or stay in Royal Tunbridge Wells for upscale dining along Mount Ephraim, Mount Pleasant Road, the High Street, or The Pantiles.
When it comes to fine dining, you’re truly spoilt for choice in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The Counter by Robin Read is on the Michelin guide along with Thackeray’s, a unique building, and former residence of author William Makepeace Thackeray, is more than 300 years old and is a virtual work of art itself. Featuring a first floor that feels like an art gallery, and a modern British menu that offers relaxed fine dining free from ostentation. Head a little further afield for the one green Michelin star restaurant, The Small Holding, or other nearby entries on the Michelin Guide: The Kentish Hare in Bidborough or Southborough’s highly-acclaimed Tallow.
For its size, Tunbridge Wells comes with an impressive pub list, with almost too many to list but some worth a mention are the independent gem on Grosvenor Road, Fuggles which has earned a loyal following for its exceptional craft beers. The Guinea a great pub with a good outdoor courtyard at the back. Sankey’s, a family-run pub and kitchen which is great for unusual fruit beers and The George in the heart of Tunbridge Wells which also has a great beer garden. Lastly Chapel Place needs a mention, the finest Gin Bar in Tunbridge Wells, with over 120 different Gins and specialising in Gin cocktails! - what's not to love.