Royal Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells

Type:Towns & Villages

Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TN

Tel: +44 01892 515675

Royal Tunbridge Wells

About

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, specialist independent 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.

Things to do in Royal Tunbridge Wells

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.Sissinghurst Castle and Garden, famously created by Vita Sackville-West; the gardens surrounding the romantic ruins of Scotney Castle; Chiddingstone Castle, home to a unique collection art and antiques; and the beautiful garden rooms at

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, specialist independent shops, bars and cafés.

Shops, architecture & tours

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 Group Guided Tours are available in Royal Tunbridge Wells by prior arrangement with the Tourist Information Centre. The tours start from the Tunbridge Wells Tourist Information Centre in the Pantiles, and take you round the town on an entertaining wander with tales of bygone times, titbits and scandal!

Just 12 miles to the South East of Tunbridge Wells is Bedgebury National Pinetum, home to over 12,000 conifers, nestling in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a beautiful place to escape, wander and enjoy acres of tranquility. 

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Royal Tunbridge Wells is located about 40 miles south of London, is easily accessible via the major motorway networks of the M25 and M20 and is well served by public transport.

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What's Nearby

  1. Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

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

    0.54 miles away
  2. Frant Lakes Fishery

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

    2.34 miles away
  3. Haysden Country Park

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

    4.39 miles away
  1. Penshurst Place and Gardens

    A truly English House and Garden.

    4.66 miles away
  2. Soft Rock Climbing

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

    4.87 miles away
  3. Tonbridge Castle

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

    4.93 miles away
  4. Great Oak Walks

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

    4.97 miles away
  5. St. Thomas a Becket Church

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

    5.08 miles away
  6. Bayham Old Abbey

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

    6.08 miles away
  7. Crowborough Country Park

    Crowborough Country Park is a 16 acre local nature reserve set within the Jarvis Brook…

    6.46 miles away
  8. Chiddingstone Castle

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

    6.5 miles away
  9. Bewl Water

    Beautiful lake and country park. Watersports, fly fishing, walks and rides, boat trips,…

    6.6 miles away
  10. Pooh Corner

    Pooh Corner is a gift shop specialising in Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends. The timber…

    6.73 miles away
  11. Hever Castle and Gardens

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

    7.54 miles away
  12. Davenport Vineyards

    Leading organic vineyard and winery producing award-winning dry white English quality…

    7.6 miles away
  13. The Hop Farm Family Park

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

    7.83 miles away
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