Discover the 10 Best Things to Do in Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells is the Kent’s only historic spa town, full of amazing history and beautiful buildings. The town has many parks and lots of independent and quirky shops. Interestingly, the town is officially called Royal Tunbridge Wells and was given this name in 1909 by King Edward VII because the British royal family and nobility loved visiting the town.
Royal Tunbridge Wells is more than just a place with a royal name. It’s very charming and a perfect for a day out. Over the years, I’ve visited Tunbridge Wells many times and I’ve also enjoyed riding on the Spa Valley Railway. On many occasions, I’ve also taken part in selling my chocolates at the Christmas Markets there, but it’s lovely to visit now a tourist too.
OTHER HISTORIC PLACES TO EXPLORE NEAR TUNBRIDGE WELLS
History of Tunbridge Wells Spa Town
The very name Tunbridge Wells has come to epitomise a certain Home Counties sentiment – where respectability and gentility can be seen being paraded around the Pantiles every Sunday morning. Yet it’s origins were far from respectable.
The legend is that a passing courtier of James I rode past a nearby spring and took the water back to London where its medicinal properties were much lauded. Well, you’ve got to take the waters somewhere to start things off.
In 1630 Queen Henrietta Maria visited to recover after the birth of the future Charles II. Two years later the first book promoting the vitality of the spring was published. And what vitality was promised. Everything from cures for yellow jaundice and deficiencies of the liver, to scurvy and maladies of the spleen.
With cures for gonorrhoea for the gentlemen and the promise of making ladies more fruitful there was clearly something for everyone and it’s little wonder that not just the waters were fully consumed.
Indeed the properties of the chalybeate spring water, quickly led to palatial properties of a different kind springing up all around the neighbouring hilly inclines. The names Pantiles comes from the large roofing titles that once paved the walkway – said to have been installed at the request of Queen Anne.
The town’s peak of popularity for good society at least was probably in the mid 18th century when noted dandy Beau Nash held court. Quite literally. Halfway from London to the coast, the appeal of Tunbridge Wells gradually gave way during Victorian times to the splash of the seaside and waters of a very different kind.
But a wealth of gabled roofs and rows of gleaming neo Georgian white houses with matching colonnades sitting atop cobbled streets still make for attractive views. The nearby High Rocks area offers a maze of footpaths and foliage. Only perhaps Cambridge with its cows grazing along the Backs, can offer such rural scenery so close to the city centre.
Old and new mix perfectly in The Opera House, now a Weatherspoon’s pub but with many of it’s original grand features maintained both inside and out. Get served in the stalls and drink on stage. After a pint or two you’ll soon be gazing at the truly majestic upper circle. Afterwards, try out nearby Trinity Theatre which offers a range of entertainment and top class acts.
And of course, with so much to see, it can be thirsty work. These days the waters can still be taken but after a morning taking in the sights, it’s time to put your feet up in the Pantiles and relax with a freshly made coffee instead.
1. Enjoy the historic spa atmosphere at The Pantiles
One of the main attractions in Tunbridge Wells is The Pantiles. This historic area is full of charm and character. The colonnade, originally called the Walks, was built in the 1600s to provide a covered walkway for people visiting the Chalybeate Spring, which was famous for its healing waters.
The spring was discovered in 1606 by Lord North, and its waters quickly became known for their health benefits. This led to Tunbridge Wells becoming a popular retreat for the wealthy. By 1700, shops and cafés were built under the colonnade, which was tiled with unique clay pantiles.
Over the centuries, The Pantiles has seen many changes, reflecting different architectural styles and needs. After falling into disrepair in the 20th century, it was restored in the 1980s to bring back its historic beauty.
My favourite thing is to visit the kitchen & cooking accessories shop in the middle of the Pantiles. No matter what baking tray, mould or cooking utensil you need, they will have it! There are also events like jazz festivals, food markets, and the Tunbridge Wells International Art Fair.
MORE TO EXPLORE NEARBY
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2. Pop in to the Opera House
The Opera House is now a JD Wetherspoon pub, but it’s been beautifully preserved and it definitely has the wow factor. It was originally built in 1902 as a grand opera house. The building was designed to host opera performances and other big events.
In 1931, the Opera House was turned into a cinema, showing movies instead of live performances. This continued for many years. However, by the 1960s, the cinema was not as popular, and it eventually closed down.
In 1996, JD Wetherspoon, the well-known pub chain, bought the building and turned it into a pub but kept many of the original features of the opera house. This means that when you visit today, you can still see the beautiful architecture and design from when it was an opera house.
The pub has a large seating area, and you can even see the old stage where performances used to take place. It is a great place to stop for a while and enjoy a meal or a drink in this stunning interior.
3. Walk around the Bedford Place
In the middle of the town stands Bedford Place, a great example of early 19th-century architecture. This street was carefully built with lots of detail, showing off the elegant style of the Georgian era. Bedford Place is named after the Duke of Bedford, an important person in the town’s history who owned much of the land.
The buildings on Bedford Place are beautifully decorated and have kept their charm over the years. This area is admired by many and is located in the wealthy part of Tunbridge Wells, making it a very popular place to live. For example, a two-bedroom terraced house here recently sold for more than £750,000, showing how valuable the properties are.
Every year, Bedford Place comes alive with a big street party in the summer. This event is a favorite among residents and brings everyone together in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The party features live performances, lots of delicious food, and activities for families, making Bedford Place a joyful and lively community hub.
4. Browse the independent shops at Chapel Street
Chapel Street is a lively area filled with unique shops and places to eat. It was established in the 18th century when the town was growing, and it still keeps its old-fashioned charm. At the center of Chapel Street is the Methodist Chapel, which has been an important part of the community since the late 1700s.
One of the popular spots on Chapel Street is the Chapel Street Gin Bar, known for its wide variety of gins. Another favorite is Gabriella Jewellery, an independent shop that sells custom-made jewelry. Le Petit Jardin is a store that specializes in garden and home decorations, offering many beautiful items.
5. Relax at Calverley Park
Calverley Park is a beautiful and historic park, which has a long history and is a lovely place for people to visit and enjoy.
Calverley Park was designed by a famous architect named Decimus Burton. He started working on the park in 1828. It was part of a larger plan to create a “garden suburb” with nice houses and green spaces. The park was made to be a peaceful and pretty place for people to live and relax.
Calverley Park covers about 19 hectares, which is around 46 acres. It has wide open lawns, beautiful gardens, and many trees. There are also walking paths where people can take a stroll and enjoy the scenery. The park is a great place for picnics, playing, and spending time outdoors.
The park features a large open lawn perfect for relaxing or playing games. The beautifully designed gardens are filled with colourful flowers and plants. Walking paths go through the park, making it easy to explore.
6. Indulge in Retail Therapy at Royal Victoria Place
Royal Victoria Place is a popular shopping center in the middle of Tunbridge Wells. It used to be the site of a local brewery and some small shops, but it has changed a lot since the early 1900s.
In the late 1800s the local government bought the area and decided to make it the new centre of the town. In 1902, the shopping centre was opened by Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria. The name “Royal Victoria Place” honours Queen Victoria.
Over the years, Royal Victoria Place has grown and improved, even when other shopping centres had a hard time. Today, it has over 70 different shops and it is still a favourite spot for people from Tunbridge Wells and nearby areas.
7. Explore Mount Sion
Mount Sion is an old and charming part of Tunbridge Wells. It is often called “the old village” because it is one of the oldest areas in the town.
You can also find here a pub called The Compasses, which is the oldest pub in the area, dating back to the early 17th century.
Mount Sion has beautiful old buildings, narrow streets, and a cozy village atmosphere. It is located between the Grove and Cumberland Walk, with Claremont Road nearby. The area has a mix of residential homes and small shops, which makes it a quaint and peaceful neighbourhood.
In the 1680s, houses started to be built in Mount Sion and it quickly became a popular place to live. Unfortunately in 1687 a fire destroyed many shops, but they were rebuilt with a colonnade in front. In 1830 a chapel on Little Mount Sion was bought and renovated by two Congregationalists from London.
8. Stroll through Dunorlan Park
Dunorlan Park is a peaceful place in the middle of the busy town. It was created during the Victorian era as part of a large estate. The park was originally planned by Edward Hardman, a successful banker, and designed by the famous landscape architect Robert Marnock.
The park shows off Marnock’s skill, with a big lake, different wooded areas, and large gardens. Everything is carefully arranged to look like a beautiful picture. Since it opened to the public in 1943, Dunorlan Park has become a favorite place for both locals and visitors.
There are many things to do in Dunorlan Park. You can fish or rent rowboats and pedalos to explore the lake. There are also many paths for walking or cycling through the green surroundings. For kids, there is a playground where they can have fun. The park has a café where you can buy food and drinks, and there are facilities for playing tennis and cricket.
MORE HISTORIC TOWNS TO VISIT IN KENT
9. Take a ride on the Spa Valley Railway
The Spa Valley Railway is a heritage railway in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. It runs from Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge, covering a distance of about five miles.
The railway first opened in 1866, built by the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway. It was an important line for many years, but it closed to regular train services in 1985.
In 1985, a group of people formed a charity to save the railway. They wanted to bring it back to life for people to enjoy. They started working on the railway, and by 1997, they were able to reopen the first part of it. Over the years, they have restored more of the line, and now it runs all the way to Eridge.
Today, the Spa Valley Railway is a popular attraction and you can can ride on old steam and diesel trains. The railway also hosts special events throughout the year, like Santa specials during Christmas.
- Distance: 8 kilometres (5 miles)
- Route: Tunbridge Wells to Groombridge
- Stations: Tunbridge Wells West, High Rocks, Groombridge, Eridge
- Tunbridge Wells West – This is the main station and headquarters of the Spa Valley Railway. It is located at the western end of Tunbridge Wells, beyond Pantiles
- High Rocks – This station is near the famous High Rocks, a set of impressive sandstone formations.
- Groombridge – A charming station located in the village of Groombridge. It’s a great starting stop for walks and visiting the village. The Groombridge Place has been closed to public for some time now, but I’ve heard that it’s going to re-open as a hotel in 2025.
- Eridge – This is the final station on the line. It connects with mainline services, so if you want to you can change here for train back to London or elsewhere in Kent.
- Ticket Prices
- Adult (16+ years): £12.00
- Child (2-15 years): £6.00
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): £30.00
- Senior (60+ years): £11.00
Opening Times
The railway usually runs on weekends and certain weekdays, especially during school holidays and special events. Trains usually run from mid-morning to late afternoon.
EXPLORE OTHER KENT VILLAGES
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10. Explore the High Rocks
Just a short distance from the center of Tunbridge Wells, you can find High Rocks, a stunning natural landmark made of ancient sandstone. These rocks, which are over 30 meters tall, have been shaped by nature over thousands of years. They stand in a peaceful area filled with trees and open space.
People have been fascinated by these rocks since the 1700s. There are many stories and legends about them, including tales of smugglers and outlaws who used the rocks to hide from the law.
In the 1800s, a path was created to make it easier for people to visit High Rocks. By 1833, The High Rocks Inn, a pub, was opened and it is still there today. Over the years, they added a tea room and a souvenir shop to make the visit even more enjoyable.
This blog post was originally published on 28 December 2014 and last updated on 10 November 2024
