Culture & Heritage tagsOutdoor Activities tagsWildlife & Nature tags

Tunbridge Wells is a spa town, the only one in the South East of England, with a rich history and royal heritage. Wander along The Pantiles, home to a variety of independent shops, and visit the spring that led to the existence of the town. Or, take a trip on a steam train on the Spa Valley Railway. There's also plenty of places to get walking or cycling in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that surrounds the town.

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Royal Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells is a spa town, the only one in the South East of England, with a rich history and royal heritage. Wander along The Pantiles, home to a variety of independent shops, and visit the spring that led to the existence of the town. Or, take a trip on a steam train on the Spa Valley Railway. There's also plenty of places to get walking or cycling in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that surrounds the town.

A man wearing a blue coat and a woman wearing a yellow coat cycling on bicycles in Bedgebury.
Walking/Cycling RoutesWalkingCyclingWildlife & Nature

Tunbridge Wells Walking & Cycling Routes

Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk: Pass through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounding villages on this circular walk around Tunbridge Wells. The route can be broken down into four shorter circular routes if you don’t want to take on the challenge of the full 27.5-mile (44.3km) trail.

Alternatively, walk parts of the High Weald Landscape Trail to the south of Tunbridge Wells between Groombridge and Pembury.

For keen cyclists, why not cycle part (or all!) of the Wealden Cycle Trail which runs between Tunbridge Wells and Ashford (passing Bedgebury on the way).

Tunbridge Wells Circular WalkHigh Weald Landscape TrailWealden Cycle Trail
A woman walking down a tiled and tree-lined street next to a row of shops. There is a sign for The Pantiles.
POICulture & Heritage

The Pantiles

Promenade along the historic Georgian colonnaded walkway and enjoy the over 70 cafes, bars, restaurants and independent shops. There’s also a number of events held regularly including markets and live music on the bandstand.

Accessibility: Mostly accessible for wheelchair users with a ramp connecting the upper and lower walk | Dogs: Dogs are welcome

The Pantiles
People walking along a street of shops, The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells
POICulture & Heritage

Chalybeate Spring

See the natural spring, who’s discovery led to the existence of Tunbridge Wells. The mineral-rich water spring water contains exceptionally high levels of Iron, Magnesium, Zinc and Calcium.

Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users, located by The Pantiles | Dogs: Dogs are allowed

Chalybeate Spring
The outside of Groombridge Farm Shop next to a large tree
Nearby POI - GroombridgeFood & Drink

Groombridge Farm Shop

Enjoy locally produced food from the farm and over 50 neighbouring suppliers in Kent and Sussex. From fresh fruit and veg to the deli and bakery, there’s always some delicious seasonal produce or homemade treat for you to try.

Groombridge Farm Shop
A man wearing a blue coat and a woman wearing a yellow coat cycling on bicycles in Bedgebury.
ExperienceCulture & Heritage

Spa Valley Railway

Hop aboard a steam train on the Spa Valley Railway line between Tunbridge Wells and Eridge. Enjoy a trip through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; you can even treat yourself to a delicious meal or afternoon tea while onboard!

Accessibility: There is a fully accessible train coach for wheelchair users but it must be pre-booked | Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be on leads | Bicycles: Bikes can be accommodated

Spa Valley Railway
Three alpacas standing in a row in a grass field with a playground in the background.
Nearby ExperienceWildlife & Nature

Aspens

Meet the animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, donkeys, ponies, sheep, pigs, goats, emus, and alpacas. You can also enjoy a meal or treat at The Bluebell Cafe while the children explore the woodland play area.

There is no entrance fee but donations to support the charity’s work are welcome.

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the outside areas but they must be on leads

Aspens
A man wearing a blue coat and a woman wearing a yellow coat cycling on bicycles in Bedgebury.
Nearby Experience - GroombridgeFood & Drink

Birchden Vineyard

Head on a vineyard tour, wine tasting or picnic. Alternatively, join one of the many unique events and workshops available or enjoy some local produce at the Blackbird Cafe.

Accessibility: The tour of the vineyard involves uneven ground | Dogs: Dogs are welcome

Birchden Vineyard
A man wearing a blue coat and a woman wearing a yellow coat cycling on bicycles in Bedgebury.
Nearby Experience - GroombridgeWildlife & Nature

UK Owl and Raptor Centre

Get up close and personal with owls and birds of prey such as hawks, buzzards and eagles. Learn to handle and fly different species while discovering more about each of the animals.

Directions: Walk a section of the Tunbridge Wells Circular trail (TWC Speldhurst circular walk) from the town centre to Groombridge Place.

Accessibility: Accessible toilets are available, contact for queries over accessibility | Dogs: Dogs are not allowed

UK Owl and Raptor CentreTunbridge Wells Circular Walk
Picnic benches in a row with an umbrella above each one with rows of vines in the background.
Nearby Experience - EridgeFood & Drink

Wildwood Vineyard

Take a tour of the family-owned boutique English Vineyard and try a guided tasting of three still wines. You can also add a cheese platter to accompany the wine tasting.

Directions: Buses run to Eridge Forstal from Eridge train station and Tunbridge Wells train station (Brighton & Hove Buses Regency 29 service between Tunbridge Wells & Heathfield and Brighton), then walk 400m down the bridle path from the layby.

Accessibility: The ground is uneven and access is via a public bridle path

Wildwood Vineyard
Sandstone rocks next to open grassland with trees behind, Tunbridge Wells Common
Green SpaceWildlife & Nature

Tunbridge Wells Common

Located in the centre of town, next to The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells Common is famous for its sandstone outcrops. Climb onto Wellington Rocks, have a picnic in the open grassland or wander around the woodland.

Accessibility: There are hard-surfaced paths, including a 1.4km stile-free route | Dogs: Dogs are allowed

Tunbridge Wells CommonTunbridge Wells Common Stile-free Trail
People sitting on the grass with a cafe and walking paths in the background in Calverley Park, Tunbridge Wells
Green SpaceWildlife & Nature

Calverley Park

Walk through this landscaped park and ornamental gardens, close to Tunbridge Wells train station. Have a picnic on the grass, pause for a drink from the cafe or enjoy the sports facilities.

Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users with hard-surfaced paths | Dogs: Dogs are allowed

Calverley Park
People in coloured boats on a lake surrounded by trees, Dunorlan Park
Green SpaceWildlife & Nature

Dunorlan Park

Once the gardens of a mansion, Dunorlan Park boasts a variety of things to see including a Chalybeate Spring, Grecian temple and water garden.

There’s also plenty to do besides admire the grounds, with a natural adventure play area, cafe and, in the summer, boating which takes place on the lake.

Accessibility: There are hard-surfaced paths, including a 2.6km stile-free route | Dogs: Dogs are allowed

Dunorlan ParkDunorlan Park Stile-free Trail
Grassland with trees on a sunny day, Hilbert Recreation Ground Tunbridge Wells
Green SpaceWildlife & Nature

Grosvenor & Hilbert Park

Comprised of two adjacent recreation grounds, Grosvenor & Hilbert Park provides plenty of sports facilities including a junior cycling track, football pitches and a skate park.

There’s also a wetland area with boardwalk where you can go pond dipping, as well as a lake and dripping wells.

Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchair users with hard-surfaced paths | Dogs: Dogs are allowed

Grosvenor Recreation GroundHilbert Recreation Ground
A man wearing a blue coat and a woman wearing a yellow coat cycling on bicycles in Bedgebury.
Nearby Green SpaceWildlife & Nature

High Rocks

Explore the sandstone rocks and surrounding woodland, now a National Monument. Walk around the base and through narrow passages, or head onto the rocks and enjoy the view from above, crossing a series of wooden bridges to get from rock to rock.

Please check opening days before travelling as it may be closed for events.

Directions: Walk a section of the Tunbridge Wells Circular trail (TWC Speldhurst circular walk) from the town centre to High Rocks.

Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchair users due to uneven terrain, narrow passages and steps | Dogs: Dogs are not allowed

High RocksTunbridge Wells Circular Walk
A man wearing a blue coat and a woman wearing a yellow coat cycling on bicycles in Bedgebury.
Nearby Green Space - GroombridgeFamily Fun

Birchden Wood & Harrison’s Rocks

Take a walk through the broadleaf woodland and see the impressive sandstone outcrop of Harrison’s Rocks.

For keen rock climbers, Harrison’s Rocks offer a range of short climbs for all abilities.

Accessibility: There are 1.5km of easy access trails | Dogs: Dogs allowed but must be on leads near climbing areas

Birchden WoodHarrison's RocksClimbing Harrison's Rocks: Code of Practice

Travel

Train – Tunbridge Wells Train Station is located in the centre of town and is within walking distance of the Pantiles.

Bus – Arriva runs bus services to and from Tunbridge Wells.

Cycle Parking – There are several cycle parking stands in the town centre including at Tunbridge Wells Train Station.

Remember you can take your bike on any Southeastern train unless the train arrives or departs London during peak hours – but you can take a fold up bike anytime.

Plan your journeys in Tunbridge Wells town centre using the Tunbridge Wells Active Travel Town Map.

 

Opening Times & Dates

Opening times of the various things to see and do mentioned in this itinerary vary throughout the year. Please check public transport times and individual attractions’ websites before you visit. Always check availability and book ahead for tours.

 

Food & Drink

Looking for somewhere to eat in Tunbridge Wells? Find places to eat in Tunbridge Wells.

 

Accommodation

Looking for somewhere to stay in Tunbridge Wells? Find accommodation options in Tunbridge Wells.

 

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