Your Guide To Tunbridge Wells: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
THE INSIDEGUIDE TO TUNBRIDGE WELLS
A decadent spa town enriched with history, poise and a fresh surge of creativity, Tunbridge Wells delivers staycation splendour at its very finest.
When it comes to the perfect combination of astounding architecture, sophisticated boltholes and a famed spa heritage that’s still very much the beating heart of the town’s refreshed and refined centre, there is no destination finer than Royal Tunbridge Wells.
The story of this terrific location as we know it today truly began when Lord North discovered the Chalybeate Spring in 1606, which soon ushered in a wealth of high society as aristocrats and royalty spread the word of its restorative mineral waters. Flourishing as a fashionable resort across the eras, it swiftly became a magnet for culture with the emergence of swish social spaces, classical promenades and an iconic Georgian colonnaded walkway that would shape its identity for centuries to come.
Whether you choose to sink into its renowned culinary scene, delve into its many independents, or opt for heritage and invigoration like the many visitors before you, Tunbridge Wells’ unique and unwavering character offers the perfect way to begin the new year with style and a renewed spirit – all in a setting fit for royalty. WORDS BY MIA CHAPMAN
“I love Tunbridge Wells because it’s so full of character – the history and the way the town is laid out make it very intriguing. Starting with the ‘Royal’ prefix alone makes it that much more special, as well as The Pantiles, the natural spa waters and the Decimus Burton architecture. It has a lot of new foodie places to try too which is so exciting; I love watching this town grow.”
Robin Read, chef/owner of The Counter
TOP TUNBRIDGE WELLS PICKS
Top Entertainment
With a vision to entertain, educate and enrich the local community and beyond, this vibrant theatre brings an exhilarating range of music, comedy, dance and family-friendly productions to the heart of Tunbridge Wells.
Top Bar
A sleek and stylish café, cocktail bar and eatery serving up a range of creative cocktails, organic wines, locally roasted coffee and tasty bites in a cosy yet lively setting.
Top Bakery
Perhaps best-known for their Great Taste Award-winning white sourdough, this beloved Camden Road bakery is a must-visit for irresistible pastries, freshly baked breads, delicious brunches and top-notch coffees.
SUMPTUOUS STAYS
A wonderfully refurbished hotel home to 39 beautifully appointed rooms, a dog-friendly, self-catered townhouse, an art-deco-inspired bar and a popular restaurant serving excellent seasonal dishes. Expect spacious accommodation complete with luxurious touches such as monsoon rain showers and grand fireplaces.
Originally built in 1766 as a country mansion, this luxurious hotel surrounded by 14 acres of picturesque grounds offers a delightful mix of classic style and contemporary comfort; perfect for a romantic getaway.
Step off of the stunning walkways of The Pantiles and into this beautifully restored Georgian hotel. Perfectly convenient for those looking to immerse themselves in the nearby activity, enjoy finely finished rooms and excellent dining options from the hotel’s Eating House restaurant.
TOP BARS IN TOWN
True specialists in gin and gin cocktails, Chapel Place boasts over 120 different varieties of gin to suit every taste, with a unique and enticing lineup of tipples that also includes a handpicked selection of beer, cider and wine.
An uber-creative cocktail destination inviting guests to savour the flavours of the season with its rotating selection of thoughtful drinks specials. Also hosts mixology masterclasses for learning the art of cocktail making.
Combining a modern restaurant with a lively bar, the family-owned TN1 prides themselves on their home-cooked dishes and varied drinks list. Pet-friendly and the perfect location for a pre-theatre bite, expect comfortable interiors and a warm welcome.
COFFEE BREAK
Passionate micro-roaster championing sustainability and pouring love and care into every cup. Visit the roastery to grab a bag of filter or espresso coffee, for top brewing tips or for a freshly made cuppa.
Nestled within the town’s famed walkways, this foodie hotspot aims to bring the East London café vibe to Tunbridge Wells. Serving up locally sourced food and beverages, from great coffee to delicious weekend brunches.
Stretching across three beloved locations across the town, including the high street, The Forum and The Amelia Scott, this trendy coffee establishment sure knows a thing or two about mouthwatering specialty brews.
DIVINE DINING
Created from a love of classical cookery and a curious mind for new techniques, The Counter is headed up by heralded chef Robin Read and has quickly grown a glowing reputation for its pristine plates and exquisite tasting menus that highlight the finest seasonal and local produce. For those eager to experience its much-raved 10-course tasting menu, take a seat at The Kitchen Counter, where every dish is served by Robin himself.
Award-winning and family-owned, the vibrant Kumquat presents mouthwatering Asian fine dining reimagined with a modern spin. Expect vivid flavours, tempting cocktails, genuine hospitality and a warming atmosphere crafted for connection.
Elevated yet never pretentious, Thackeray’s relaxed form of fine dining applies classic European culinary philosophies to modern dishes. With a penchant for provenance and an unwavering attention to detail, the restaurant is set within the former residence of author William Makepeace Thackeray – a characterful building which is more than 300 years old.
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
Image by: David Chandler
This vibrant arts charity and cultural hub set within a beautifully renovated church has individuality and inclusivity at its very core. Alongside an artistic programme of comedy, music, theatre and independent cinema for all tastes and ages, Trinity Theatre also displays spaces for private hire and a welcoming café and bar.
Beloved for its picturesque High Weald journeys aboard an admirable collection of steam and heritage diesel trains, Spa Valley Railway runs between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge, and also offers a wide array of themed events – from indulgent afternoon teas to family-friendly specials.
Bringing together art, heritage and learning all under one community-focused roof, The Amelia comprises the town’s museum, art gallery, library and education spaces alongside a myriad of inspiring exhibitions, creative workshops and uplifting activities for both little ones and their grown-ups.
MUST-SHOP STORES
Image by: Visit Tunbridge Wells
A beautifully historic Georgian colonnaded walkway that beckons visitors far and wide to wander its well-trodden paths lined with cafés, bars, restaurants and independent shops, The Pantiles also plays host to an ever-changing roster of markets, special events and live music throughout the year. With unique treasures galore and historic sights at every turn, you’ll want to carve out plenty of time here to explore.
An award-winning shopping centre that has become a beacon of activity at the heart of the town centre. Home to a vast collection of well-known brands, including glamorous department store Fenwick, alongside independent retailers and a selection of popular eateries.
OUTDOORSY SPOTS
Image by: John Miller
A truly enchanting medieval moated castle and Victorian country mansion nestled amongst rolling parkland and thriving gardens. Complete with a walled kitchen garden, ancient woodlands, hidden walkways and expansive far-reaching views, the 780-acre Scotney estate is alive with countless adventures to embark on. Alongside a cherished secondhand bookshop and natural play areas, visitors can also admire the well-loved mansion house which was built in the mid-19th century by Edward Hussey III.
The largest reservoir in the South East, the extraordinary landscape of Bewl Water is open all year for outdoor explorations and adrenaline-fuelled activities. Walk, run, cycle or ride across 800 acres of parkland, spot wildlife, enjoy a day’s fishing, or even take to the water for open water swimming, the inflatable sports aqua park, pedalo hire and paddleboarding.
Once the private grounds of a grand mansion built by the Yorkshire-born millionaire Henry Reed, these varied Victorian gardens were created by renowned gardener Robert Marnock between the 1850s and 1860s. Today, Dunorlan is a thriving green space complete with beautiful Weald views, a café, play area and pretty meadows awash with wildlife.
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