Guide to Tunbridge Wells
City/town information
Voted as one of the happiest places to live in the UK, Tunbridge Wells has a reputation as arguably the best town in Kent, with an array of shops, restaurants and things to see. Named after a natural spring (the wells, near Tonbridge), it became a favourite of the Royals, which is how it was bestowed the title Royal Tunbridge Wells.
150 locals recommend
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Voted as one of the happiest places to live in the UK, Tunbridge Wells has a reputation as arguably the best town in Kent, with an array of shops, restaurants and things to see. Named after a natural spring (the wells, near Tonbridge), it became a favourite of the Royals, which is how it was bestowed the title Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Food scene
The Ivy is an iconic restaurant in the West End of London, being a regular haunt. In recent years, sister restaurants have opened in exclusive towns, such as Tunbridge Wells. The decor is brilliant, and the good is great too!
36 locals recommend
The Ivy Royal Tunbridge Wells
46-50 High StThe Ivy is an iconic restaurant in the West End of London, being a regular haunt. In recent years, sister restaurants have opened in exclusive towns, such as Tunbridge Wells. The decor is brilliant, and the good is great too!
If you're after fine dining, we would suggest Thackeray's which is within walking distance of Swan Cottage. It has an off-kilter, fairy-tale cottage feel with its slanted panels and sloping floors.
21 locals recommend
Thackeray's Restaurant
85 London RdIf you're after fine dining, we would suggest Thackeray's which is within walking distance of Swan Cottage. It has an off-kilter, fairy-tale cottage feel with its slanted panels and sloping floors.
The Barn is a good shout if you're just after a quick lunch — the pub part of the venue does a decent bar menu (the sausage baguettes are top notch), or seek out the upstairs restaurant for more formal dining. It's right next to the station, and has a decent garden if the weather's on your side.
The Barn
Lonsdale GardensThe Barn is a good shout if you're just after a quick lunch — the pub part of the venue does a decent bar menu (the sausage baguettes are top notch), or seek out the upstairs restaurant for more formal dining. It's right next to the station, and has a decent garden if the weather's on your side.
Looking for traditional Afternoon Tea? One Warwick Park does a good value option. If you are pushing the boat out, there is also The Spa Hotel.
One Warwick Park Hotel
1 Warwick ParkLooking for traditional Afternoon Tea? One Warwick Park does a good value option. If you are pushing the boat out, there is also The Spa Hotel.
A fab little café which does lovely sandwiches, amazing cakes and more! It is just down the hill from Swan Cottage and is the perfect stop before you walk on to explore the rest of the town.
31 locals recommend
Juliets
54 High StA fab little café which does lovely sandwiches, amazing cakes and more! It is just down the hill from Swan Cottage and is the perfect stop before you walk on to explore the rest of the town.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to pubs in Tunbridge Wells. For something different, Fuggles has 120 different European craft beers – as well as a gin and whisky selection.
12 locals recommend
Fuggles Beer Cafe
165 High StYou are spoilt for choice when it comes to pubs in Tunbridge Wells. For something different, Fuggles has 120 different European craft beers – as well as a gin and whisky selection.
Sightseeing
You must, must visit the Pantiles during your visit to Tunbridge Wells! There’s no better way to soak up the grandeur of the town’s Georgian heyday than exploring the colonnaded walkways, lined with boutique shops, and cute bars and cafés.
102 locals recommend
The Pantiles
The PantilesYou must, must visit the Pantiles during your visit to Tunbridge Wells! There’s no better way to soak up the grandeur of the town’s Georgian heyday than exploring the colonnaded walkways, lined with boutique shops, and cute bars and cafés.
Previously the grounds of a mansion, we recommend a stroll around the elegant, 78-acre Dunorlan Park, landscaped in the 1860s by Robert Marnock, a prominent Victorian gardener. If the sun is shining, row or pedalo around the boating lake, before taking in the countryside vistas from its grassy slopes with a picnic.
44 locals recommend
Dunorlan Park
Pembury RoadPreviously the grounds of a mansion, we recommend a stroll around the elegant, 78-acre Dunorlan Park, landscaped in the 1860s by Robert Marnock, a prominent Victorian gardener. If the sun is shining, row or pedalo around the boating lake, before taking in the countryside vistas from its grassy slopes with a picnic.
Go back in time and see the Spa Valley Railway steam trains! Take a journey through the countryside, and even hire a bike at one of the stops if you wish to explore further. You can hop on and off at one of the steam railway's 4 stops.
21 locals recommend
The Spa Valley Railway
Go back in time and see the Spa Valley Railway steam trains! Take a journey through the countryside, and even hire a bike at one of the stops if you wish to explore further. You can hop on and off at one of the steam railway's 4 stops.
Discover the beautiful award-winning gardens and the forest with its giant swings, zip wires and Crusoe’s World and get there by Steam or Heritage Diesel train!
38 locals recommend
Groombridge Place Estates
Groombridge HillDiscover the beautiful award-winning gardens and the forest with its giant swings, zip wires and Crusoe’s World and get there by Steam or Heritage Diesel train!
Romantic garden with view of 14th century moated castle and the Victorian country mansion and - all in a beautiful wooded estate.
131 locals recommend
National Trust - Scotney Castle
Romantic garden with view of 14th century moated castle and the Victorian country mansion and - all in a beautiful wooded estate.
Looking for action? At Bewl Water, there's watersports, cycling and an aqua park. There's also a café and bistro on site. This can be a full day out for families!
168 locals recommend
Bewl Water
Bewlbridge LaneLooking for action? At Bewl Water, there's watersports, cycling and an aqua park. There's also a café and bistro on site. This can be a full day out for families!
Experience 700 years of history and award-winning gardens at the romantic double-moated 13th century Hever Castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn! It's a 25 minute drive from Tunbridge Wells.
199 locals recommend
Hever Castle & Gardens
Hever RoadExperience 700 years of history and award-winning gardens at the romantic double-moated 13th century Hever Castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn! It's a 25 minute drive from Tunbridge Wells.