Things to Do In and Around Tunbridge Wells

For those spending more time in Tunbridge Wells on either side of the wedding & birthday celebration, here are some of our favourite things to do in the area:

Have lunch on the Pantiles: Stroll through the Georgian colonnade and walkway and dine at one of the many restaurants there.

Go on a walk: There are dozens of wonderful walks around the Tunbridge Wells area. Some of our favourites include Ashdown Forest (the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh), Bedgebury, Penshurst Place and Gardens, and the Tunbridge Wells Common.

Visit a pub: There are some cosy and historic pubs near Tunbridge Wells. Some of our favourites are the Neville Crest and Gun, Chequers, Mount Edgecombe, the Hare, the White Bear, and the Leicester Arms. Not exactly a pub, but for gin lovers, the Chapel Place Gin Bar is a great spot. Some pubs require booking, some don’t - planning ahead is advised.

Grab some food: For the foodies, you can’t beat some of the local restaurants. Give the Poet at Matfield, the Beacon or Thackeray’s a try. Booking in advance is a must.

Visit an estate: There are some spectacular National Trust properties near us, including Scotney Castle, Chartwell (family home and gardens of Sir Winston Churchill), Chiddingstone Village, Bateman’s (home of Rudyard Kipling), and Bodiam Castle. We’re also close to Hever Castle (childhood home of Anne Boleyn), and Down House (home of Charles Darwin).

Ride the Spa Valley Railway: An old-fashioned steam and diesel train that travels through gorgeous parts of Kent and Sussex.