Royal Tunbridge Wells
Visitors have been coming to Royal Tunbridge Wells since the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring in 1606. Over the subsequent years the town grew in popularity and gained its reputation as the place to see and be seen.
In 1684 the widow of Viscount Purbeck, Margaret, whose love of fashion and dancing had gained her the nickname of “The Princess of Babylon”, provided the land on Mount Sion for the earliest lodging houses and the ground at the northern end of the Pantiles, where the Church of King Charles the Martyr was built.
Visitors who had come to “take the waters” required a place for worship and generously donated a substantial amount of money so that a church could be built.
Sir Christopher Wren sent his chief plasterer Henry Doogood to create its magnificent ceiling. It was here that Princess Victoria attended church services with her mother, the Duchess of Kent.
The Wells became a favourite destination for fashionable society who needed accommodation and wanted places of entertainment such as coffee houses, gaming-rooms and an assembly room for dances and balls. And so the town began to spread.
The Grove is the oldest park in Tunbridge Wells. In 1703 it was given to the towns-people to provide “a shady place or walk” and seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the town.
A deed of endowment was drawn up to ensure that the trees in the Grove were protected. To this day The Grove continues to provide a haven of tranquility for local residents and visitors.
How to get to Royal Tunbridge Wells
Our favourite places to stay in Royal Tunbridge Wells
The Spa Hotel
Set in 14 acres of picturesque grounds close to the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, the spa town from which its name is derived, our hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1880 and has since built a reputation for style, sophistication, relaxation and fine dining.
Hotel du Vin
Nestled in the glorious Kent countryside, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a leafy, laid-back corner of 'the Garden of England'. The charming and historic town is a rousing mix of momentous architecture, specialist independent shops, art galleries, hip cafés and bars. It's filled with character and charm, just like our magnificent, boutique Tunbridge Wells hotel.
The Tunbridge Wells Hotel
Situated in a Georgian townhouse in historic shopping district the Pantiles, this regal hotel is also a 5-minute walk from Tunbridge Wells West station (for the Spa Valley Railway heritage line) and an 11-minute walk from the town centre.
Our favourite places to eat in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Lago
Italian Bar & Restaurant in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells bringing authentic flavours of Northern Italian cooking and a fantastic selection of cocktails.
The Warren
Sustainable dining using locally sourced, seasonal, free range produce from their own estate just outside Tunbridge Wells! The kitchen predominantly cooks contemporary British food, occasionally dipping into other cuisines to provide a vehicle for flavours – nettle gnocchi for example, or poached oyster with wild boar chorizo. The Warren also features a great selection of cocktails and a splendid outside cigar lounge.
Sankey's Old Fishmarket Restaurant
Situated in the Old Fishmarket building in the heart of the Pantiles, Sankey's exclusive Champagne & Seafood bar is the jewel in the town's crown. Serving a wide range of Champagne & sparkling wines from around the world, it's a fabulous place to relax and enjoy the very best British fish & shellfish.
Juliets
Juliets is an award winning Cafe that has been proudly serving the Royal Tunbridge Wells area and beyond since 2010, offering the freshest seasonal food through a daily changing menu and a vast assortment of cakes and pastry. (the orange blossom sunshine cake is incredible!)
Coco Retro
Coco Retro was established in the heart of Tunbridge Wells in 2017 – bringing the intense flavours of Parisian and Northern French cuisine and an authentic continental experience to the town.
The Ivy
Set just a few minute’s walk from the idyllic and iconic Pantiles Georgian colonnade, on the bustling High Street, The Ivy Royal Tunbridge Wells will offer sophisticated and friendly all-day dining to local residents and visitors alike.
Our favourite things to do in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Spa Valley Railway
The SVR provides a way of getting to other local tourist attractions, such as Groombridge Place, High Rocks and the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells.
The railway holds a number of special event days throughout the year including Transport Film Festivals, Santa Specials, a Summer Diesel Gala and also real ale and cider festival which is combined with the railway's autumn diesel gala and held each October.
Dunorlan Park
Dunorlan is a special place where everyone can enjoy a richly varied Victorian garden, meadows and wildlife, as well as the amenities of a modern park. Dunorlan Park is spacious and elegant with wild grassy slopes and magnificent views across the lake to the Weald.
The Pantiles
Almost entirely all owner-run there are a variety of specialist shops, art galleries, cafés, restaurants and bars each offering their own particular style of trading. Festivals involving Jazz, Food and Fashion are frequent along with fortnightly Farmers’ and Craft Markets showcasing the best of the region’s talent.
Calverley Grounds
Calverley Grounds is a refined landscaped park of formal beds and lawns found right in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Dating from the 1830s, the grounds were originally part of the Decimus Burton development of Calverley New Town for private residents.
Assembly Hall Theatre
Assembly Hall Theatre brings an exhilarating range of theatre, music, comedy, dance, family and entertainment events from around the world to south east England – encouraging everyone in our thriving community to participate in the arts.
Royal Victoria Place
Royal Victoria Place is located at the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent. RVP boasts a great selection of shops and is home to some of the town’s biggest brands including department store Fenwick, plus an enviable line up of shops including M&S, Next, HMV, Oliver Bonas, Hobbs, Hotel Chocolat, Lush, Superdry, French Connection, L’Occitane, Pandora and many more.
Discover more things to do in Royal Tunbridge Wells on Kayak.co.uk.