20 FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS.
“The outward amusements are cricketing, horse races and other diversions, such as walking, riding and airing in carriages.”
Lady Coke, on Tunbridge Wells, 1750
Not much has changed in spirit.
I’m a regular visitor to Tunbridge Wells, and sometimes it’s easy to overlook somewhere you’re so familiar with.
I keep coming back for the same mix of things: a wander along the Pantiles, coffee on Camden Road, a long walk across the Common, and yet, every time I return, I find something new to surprise me.
It’s a town that works perfectly for a slow day out and always feels like there’s more to discover.
Why Tunbridge Wells is worth visiting
Tunbridge Wells is famous for two things: its history as a spa town and the old “Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells” stereotype – the idea that it was populated entirely by deeply disapproving letter writers clutching pearls over minor scandals.
But the reality of modern Tunbridge Wells is much more interesting. This is one of the most characterful towns in the South East: elegant but not stuffy and large enough to have plenty happening while still feeling compact and walkable.
The food scene is remarkably good, with independent restaurants, bakeries, wine bars and coffee shops that would feel at home in much bigger cities. Unlike many British high streets, Tunbridge Wells has also managed to hold onto a strong independent spirit, especially around the Pantiles, the High Street and Camden Road.
And then there’s the setting. The surrounding Kent and Sussex countryside is beautiful. Even in the town centre, green spaces like the Common and Calverley Grounds give Tunbridge Wells an unexpectedly relaxed feel.
But perhaps the biggest surprise is the atmosphere. On a sunny afternoon, sitting outside on the Pantiles with a glass of wine is about as close to a a European piazza as England gets.
If you’re looking for a classic English day out – with good food, independent shopping, history and countryside – Tunbridge Wells is absolutely worth visiting.
20 best things to do in Tunbridge Wells
1/ Notice the Georgian history
Tunbridge Wells grew up as a spa town after the discovery of the chalybeate spring in 1606 and it wouldn’t be long before the upper classes began flocking to the town.
One of my favourite things to do in Tunbridge Wells, is to look for the Georgian fingerprints that have been left in the town.
The colonnaded walk of the Pantiles is the most obvious example, as well as the spring that still flows today. But there is other evidence too – particularly in the residential streets of the town.
2/ Rummage at charity shops
The Charity Shop is a uniquely British speciality. On all of our travels, I have yet to find anywhere that has comparable charity stores to Tunbridge Wells. I was once known to come home from a charity shop haul with three jackets, a hat and two pairs of shoes.
The shops are mainly found on the High Street and on Camden Road, the YMCA furniture store on Goods Station Road is also worth a look.
3/ Sample English wine
Tunbridge Wells sits in the centre of a growing number of vineyards in Kent and Sussex. At Corkk wine store and bar, you can sample wines from these local wineries, without leaving the comfort of Tunbridge Wells.
Different still and sparkling wine from the area are served by the glass – this changes on a regular basis to keep things fresh. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, and can help you pick out something fabulous to take home too.
Tip: Alternatively – if you have more time and would like to visit a vineyard Birchden Vineyards and Wildwood Vineyard are two of the closest to the town and can be visited on the Spa Valley Railway too.
4/ Shop at independent stores
Every time I visit Tunbridge Wells, I am amazed to see how many independent stores remain in the town. When many other town centres are losing this, it is fantastic to see independents thriving in Tunbridge Wells.
Some of my favourites are Hall’s Bookshop (a vast selection) and Le Petite Jardin (always something quirky to be found). Worth adding to the list: Collared on the Pantiles for lovely pet related items, and Walsh at George Farrer for antique jewellery.
5/ Take tea at Juliet’s
I have been visiting Juliet’s in Tunbridge Wells for a decade – and on every visit, there are two non-negotiables. Tea. And a huge slice of their lemon feather cake. I suspect I might not be the only person making an annual (or more regular) pilgrimage, just for this cake. It is so light and the perfect combo of sweet and sharp. Other cakes are available!
6/ Wander Calverley Grounds
Calverley Grounds is such a peaceful slice of green close to the town centre. It’s an ideal place to meander, looking at the flowers. Walk with a coffee, or take a picnic and enjoy the unique green space. And I must say, that walking around it does make me imagine what it might have looked like hundreds of years ago.
In winter, the grounds hosts an outdoor ice skating rink too. Ideal for a festive day out.
Tip: If you have a little more time, Dunorlan Park, is a larger space.
7/ And the Tunbridge Wells Common
The other wonderful green space in Tunbridge Wells is The Common. If you’re visiting TW with a dog – this is an excellent area for walking, with a bit of option for off-lead. The Common is a mix of heathland and woodland with plenty of space to roam. One of the more interesting aspects is Wellington Rocks – popular with kids.
8/ Take a yoga or pilates class
Over the years, Tunbridge Wells has had some fantastic yoga and Pilates studios. A few of my favourites have closed recently, but a few remain.
Try Zero Gravity on Calverley Road for Reformer Pilates, or the Yoga House for a scrumptious selection of yoga classes. Both studios accept drop ins. If you’re spending a couple of days in the town, there are worse ways to start a morning than an early class before the shops open.
9/ Pause on the Pantiles
One of the best places to start your exploration of Tunbridge Wells, is in The Pantiles. It’s the historic heart of TW and filled with independent shops, cafes and restaurants. When the sun is out, the whole thing feels a touch European.
Regular markets take place on weekends and throughout the summer you can often catch music events, like Live at the Pantiles, taking place in the bandstand.
10/ Visit the Amelia Scott
The Amelia Scott opened in 2021 as a cultural hub for the town. It brings together the museum, the library and a gallery in one quite special building. There’s usually something interesting on in the exhibition space, and you can normally learn a little about the town during a visit.
11/ Explore St John’s
St John’s is a suburb of Tunbridge Wells, around 10 minutes walk, and it has gradually become a little trendier. Popular spots include St John’s Yard (famous for it’s burgers) and Even Flow coffee shop (coffee by day, quirky events by night.) The Woodbury Park Cemetery is also worth a walk – a tiny Victorian cemetery, which has a Green-Flag.
12/ Explore Camden Road
Camden Road in TW (as well as Camden in London) are named after the aristocratic Camden family. This is probably my favourite street to explore in the town – not because it’s the prettiest, but because every time I visit, there’s always a new coffee shop, restaurant or quirky shop. It also tends to be less crowded than the High Street and the Pantiles area.
13/ Visit Halstead Bakery
Speaking of Camden Road, Halstead Bakery is exactly the sort of place you can uncover. It is a tiny bakery, a hole in the wall practically, which first opened it’s doors a few years ago, and has fast become a local favourite for the fresh bread and croissants.
14/ Pause for coffee
The coffee scene in Tunbridge Wells has improved enormously over the past decade. Popular spots for coffee snobs include St Kilda and Even Flow (both on Camden Road) and Cup 109 (High Street).
For a side of people watching with your caffeine, The Cake Shed in the Pantiles has seats outside as does Fine Grind.
15/ Cocktails at Charlotte’s
If a proper night out is going to start anywhere in Tunbridge Wells, chances are that it will be in Charlotte’s. A lovely wine bar and small bites restaurant in the Pantiles, it’s the perfect place to meet friends, order cosmos and sit back to enjoy the evening. In the summer, or if the weather is fine, you can take tables outside.
Tip: If you’re more a craft beer lover, than a cocktail fan – try Fuggles.
16/ Visit Scotney Castle
A short drive from Tunbridge Wells, Scotney Castle is one of the National Trust’s most romantic properties. The ruined medieval castle sits at the bottom of a steep quarry garden, surrounded by water, and in spring the gardens are quite extraordinary.
17/ Take in a show
There are two theatres in Tunbridge Wells. The Assembly Hall is the larger of the two, a grand 1930s venue that hosts everything from touring musicals to comedy nights. The Trinity Theatre is the more intimate option, championing more local and fringe productions.
18/ Visit nearby Tonbridge
The small town of Tonbridge is a few miles from Tunbridge Wells. The two often get confused, and although Tonbridge is the older town, it is Tunbridge Wells that is the most famous. However, if you have a little more time and want to spread your wings to somewhere less on the tourist map, take a short train to Tonbridge.
It is most well-known for the castle and increasingly for water sports. If you want to try your hand at paddle boarding, you can rent boards or take lessons in Tonbridge. Paddling by a castle, anyone?
19/ Live Music at the Forum
When I was growing up in Kent, “The Forum” was thought of as the slightly grungy night-time hangout, visited by a certain type of alternative teenager. Today, it attracts a more diverse crowd, with a range of fantastic music events.
It still skews a little alternative, but you can find a great selection of DJ nights, bands, and live music. The sound is good, the crowd is enthusiastic, and it has a small venue energy that you can’t find in the bigger spots. If there’s a night on during your visit, it’s worth going.
20/ Dine out
For a town its size, Tunbridge Wells has a genuinely impressive food scene, ranging from cosy Italian favourites to modern fine dining. Cantuccio’s is a long-standing favourite for hearty Italian food at great prices. Sopranos is your go-to for lively evenings with sharing plates. For casual, Roddy Burger, does excellent unfussy burgers. The Counter is TW’s answer to fine dining and has already picked up serious praise, with Grace Dent calling it “delicious and charming.”
Where to stay in Tunbridge Wells
If you plan to extend your visit to Tunbridge Wells, there are a few great hotel options.
Hotel Du Vin is a popular choice, One Warwick Park Hotel is a smart hotel with a central location, whilst Mount Edgcumbe occupies a lovely position on the common.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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