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.