Visit Tunbridge Wells

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.

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.