Royal Tunbridge Wells
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A magnet for royalty and the gentry, Tunbridge Wells in Kent was one of the most fashionable destinations of the Georgian England - ever since the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring over 400 years ago.
The elegance and atmosphere of this bygone era still remain today in this, the only spa town in South East England. The Pantiles - the famous colonnaded walkway where the aristocracy once promenaded - is now home to a wonderful selection of high quality boutiques, antiques shops, bars and cafés.
Royal Tunbridge Wells itself lies in beautiful, picturesque countryside where traditional oast houses, rolling green hills and orchards all feature prominently. A paradise for history, and especially garden lovers, this corner of Kent has more castles, stately homes and gardens open to the public concentrated in it than any other area of the UK.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, famously created by Vita Sackville-West; the gardens surrounding the romantic ruins of Scotney Castle; and the beautiful garden rooms at Groombridge Place attract visitors from far and wide. Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and magnificent Penshurst Place, home to the Sidney family for over 450 years, are just two examples of the fine castles and stately homes in the area.
Ever since the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring 400 years ago, visitors have been coming to Royal Tunbridge Wells. A magnet for the gentry and members of the Georgian Royal family, Tunbridge Wells became one of the most fashionable destinations of the 18th century. The elegance and atmosphere of this bygone era still remain in Royal Tunbridge Wells today. The health-giving waters of the spring still flow and the Pantiles, the famous colonnaded walkway, where the aristocracy once promenaded, is now home to a wonderful selection of high quality boutiques, antiques shops, bars and cafés.
Visitors still come to admire the fine architecture, stroll along the Pantiles and experience this charming historic spa town. The village atmosphere of the old High Street and Chapel Place, full of shops selling designer clothes, jewellery, interior design specialists, galleries, gift shops and fine restaurants, adds to the town’s reputation as one of the most desirable destinations in the South East.
Blue Badge Guided Tours are available in Royal Tunbridge Wells every Thursday and Saturday at 11:30am (March to December) starting from the Royal Tunbridge Wells Tourist Information Centre in the Pantiles, and at other times by prior arrangement.
For more information, visit the official tourism website for Royal Tunbridge Wells
