Tourism
To find out more about places to see in and around town select one of these areas :The Town
1606
marks the beginning of the former spa resort when a courtier, Dudley, Lord North discovered the spring and claimed the waters to be health giving.
In 1630 Tunbridge Wells entertained it's first royal visitor, Queen Henrietta Maria (mother of King Charles II). The Earl of Abergavenny later developed the town into what was one of the most popular spas of the 18th and 19th centuries. Daniel Defoe and Samuel Pepys were visitors and Queen Victoria often came to the town as a child. Tunbridge Wells received its Royal prefix in 1909 when Edward VII gave it his sanction.
Shopping
Discover the unique shopping experience waiting in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Its unrivalled combination of specialist shops, big high street names and high quality restaurants all in the charming setting of this historic town, make a day at Royal Tunbridge Wells a real pleasure for shoppers of all tastes.
The Pantiles
are the historic heart of the town and its colonnaded walks were once the playground of visiting royalty and gentry. Today it is still possible to take the traditional spring water. Many of the towns 35 antique shops are located in this quarter as well as the towns Tourist Information centre.
Parks and Gardens
Calverly Gardens are the floral heart of Tunbridge Wells, just off the High Street. Whilst The Common is a vast green space opposite The Russell Hotel containing fabulous rock formations which have enchanted children for centuries and of course the town's cricket pitch.
Attractions
The county of Kent has an incredibly high number of tourism destinations of all forms and we are placed right in the heart of this magical part of England.
Here are just a few of the hundreds of wonderful places to visit near us.
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Take this unique opportunity to tour Pooh Country. This beautiful part of the south east of England was the inspiration and home of the Winnie-the-Pooh Stories by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. |
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Engines and carriages dating from Victorian times are waiting to take you on your journey back in time. Park & Ride to the National Trust's famous castle at Bodiam Refreshment rooms Video theatre Railway museum Gift shop Children's play area Special packages for groups Buffet car and disabled facilities on many trains Luxury Dining Car Services - dinners, lunches & teas (booking essential) Steam trains daily May to September. Reduced service at other times. |
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Howletts, near Canterbury houses many rare animals including the biggest captive breeding group of lowland gorillas in the world with well over 60 births to date. Other animals include a breeding herd of African elephants plus Siberian and Indian tigers and many species of monkeys and cats. Facilities include a self-service restaurant and gift shop. Port Lympne, near Hythe, overlooks historic Romney Marsh. Within its 350 acres one can find gorillas, Indian elephants, the biggest captive herd of Black rhino in the world, tigers, lions, rare monkeys and cats. |
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| Hever Castle Romantic, double moated castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife to Henry VIII. It was later given to Anne of Cleves - Henry VIII's fourth wife as part of her divorce settlement. In 1903, William Waldorf Astor acquired the estate and spent much time, money and imagination in restoring it to what you see today. Tudor artefacts as well as portraits of the Boleyn family, Henry VIII and other Tudor nobility can be seen in the castle. |
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| Groombridge Place A visit to Groombridge Place will give you an unforgettable day whether you come as garden enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the sights and scents of the 17th century formal walled garden; or with you family to discover the secret, quirky and mysterious gardens of the ancient forest where childrens imagination will run wild; or for one of our many popular special events. “Best Tourism experience of the year – Winner” |
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Penshurst Place is one of Kent's loveliest historic houses with 10 acres of walled Tudor gardens, set in a peaceful rural setting in the mediaeval village of Penshurst. The oldest part of the house is the Barons Hall, built in 1342 is regarded as one of the best preserved examples of mediaeval domestic architecture in England. A series of Staterooms contain a wonderful collection of portraits, tapestries, furniture, porcelain and armour from the past five centuries. |
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Other Links
Kent Attractions
Visit Britain
Kent Tourism
South East England
Sussex Tourism