Tonbridge

Kent

Type:Towns & Villages

Tonbridge, Kent
Tonbridge

About

Some superb insights into old England await at Tonbridge and West Malling. Idyllic manor houses and a postcard-pretty castle sit in an ancient landscape where woods and fields undulate towards villages and hop farms.

At the centre of this fascinating portion of Kentish life sits Tonbridge, a market town since the Middle Ages that still buzzes today. Here, tucked in beside the River Medway, is 11th century Tonbridge Castle. This is Kent's best example of a motte-and-bailey gatehouse, where audio tours and interactive exhibits bring history to life.

From the castle, take the cycle route 5 miles west through tranquil woodland and countryside to Penshurst Place, a fortified manor house that’s rich with medieval and Tudor charm. The gardens overflow with fragrance and blooms, while neighbouring Penshurst village is quintessential, historic Kent.

Towns & Villages near Tonbridge

Tonbridge sits at the heart of a beautiful area of Kent, between the High Weald and Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. All these towns and villages near Tonbridge are within a short drive.

Just 6 miles north of Tonbridge, you'll find one of Kent's most charismatic buildings, the moated manor house, Ightham Mote. Built in the 14th century, its half-timbered façade rises from the waters; a wood panelled Great Hall, cosy book-packed library and stunning courtyard lie within.

At Aylesford Priory, the Friars offers a fascinating insight into life within the centuries-old order of the Carmelites. The rare shrubs and exotic perennials at Great Comp Garden surround a 17th century manor house, while there's a profusion of scent at Downderry Nursery where you can stroll among swathes of vivid, fragrance-rich lavender and rosemary.

For a fun-filled family outing, head to the Hop Farm and experience a range of fascinating features and wonders including taking a Dray ride with the Shire horses, finding out about llamas, reindeer, goats and pigs in the recently expanded Animal Village or learning hop-picking heritage in the interactive Hop Story Museum.

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What's Nearby

  1. Tonbridge Castle

    Open all year, Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, Sun/BH 10.30am-4pm. Closed Christmas & New Year. Last…

    0.04 miles away
  2. Haysden Country Park

    This 165 acre Country Park owes much of it character to the Haysden and Barden Lakes and…

    1.33 miles away
  3. St. Thomas a Becket Church

    Basically a Norman church from the 14th Century with significant wall paintings of 13th…

    3.28 miles away
  1. Penshurst Place and Gardens

    A truly English House and Garden.

    4.17 miles away
  2. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

    Beautiful hillside garden, privately owned by the Rogers family since 1840, extensive…

    4.46 miles away
  3. Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

    The Assembly Hall Theatre is a 1,000 seat receiving theatre offering an eclectic…

    4.5 miles away
  4. The Hop Farm Family Park

    A collection of well-preserved Victorian oast houses, home to the Hop Story Museum and…

    5.22 miles away
  5. Chiddingstone Castle

    Chiddingstone Castle, whose history can be traced back to the early 16th Century, is a…

    5.72 miles away
  6. Frant Lakes Fishery

    Frant Lakes Fishery offers coarse fishing on eight lakes, three ponds and a stretch of…

    6.38 miles away
  7. Hever Castle and Gardens

    Romantic 13th century moated castle, once Anne Boleyn's childhood home. Magnificently…

    6.98 miles away
  8. Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre

    A spectacular array of birds reside within this peaceful nature reserve, and wildlife…

    7.37 miles away
  9. Bayham Old Abbey

    Impressive ruins of Abbey founded 1208 by Premonstratensian monks and dissolved by Wolsey…

    8.33 miles away
  10. Teston Bridge Country Park

    Three meadows nestling beside the River Medway. This is an edial loction to watch boats…

    8.39 miles away
  11. South East England Tourist Guides Association

    Discover the real South East England. Blue or Green Badge Guides who each have an…

    8.41 miles away
  12. Soft Rock Climbing

    Harrisons Rocks in Groombridge provide a combination of some of the best beginner…

    8.72 miles away
  13. Great Oak Walks

    Great Oak Walks offers scenic self-guided walking holidays, over rolling hills and fields…

    8.87 miles away
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