Royal Tunbridge Wells at a glance:
- Travel time: 55mins direct train from London, approx 1hr 15 mins drive.
- Vibe: Sophisticated, historic, leafy.
- Top must-see: The Pantiles, a 17th-century colonnaded walkway.
- Best for: Boutique shoppers, history lovers, foodies.
Tunbridge Wells is a charming town located in the heart of Kent. Known for its historic architecture, scenic outdoor spaces, and multitude of shopping choices, it’s a popular destination to visit. It’s worth noting its official name is Royal Tunbridge Wells, as its popularity with royalty and aristocrats was recognised in 1909 by King Edward VII who granted the town with its “Royal” prefix.
I can see why the royals loved it so much as it’s personally one of my favourite spots in Kent too! If you’re visiting for the first time, here’s my top things to do in Tunbridge Wells.
1. Visit The Pantiles
This area of Tunbridge Wells is what made me fall in love with the area. It’s the most iconic landmark of the town – the Pantiles – a beautifully restored 17th-century colonnade that once served as the heart of the town’s social scene.
The Pantiles, originally known as the Walks, was built in the early 17th century as a covered walkway for the visitors who came to take water from the nearby Chalybeate Spring. The spring was discovered in 1606 by a nobleman named Lord North, who found the water to be of remarkable curative properties. The popularity of the spring soon drew visitors from all over England, and Tunbridge Wells became a fashionable destination for the wealthy and influential.
The colonnade itself was added in 1700, with a series of shops and cafes that quickly became popular with the town’s visitors. The name “Pantiles” comes from the distinctive clay tiles that cover the colonnade’s roof.
Over the years, the Pantiles underwent several transformations, with new buildings added and others demolished. However, by the early 20th century, the colonnade had fallen into disrepair, and many of its shops were empty. It wasn’t until the 1980s that a major restoration project was undertaken, which saw the Pantiles restored to its former glory.
Today, the Pantiles is a vibrant and bustling destination. It remains a popular spot for locals as well as visitors who come to soak up the town’s rich history and enjoy a bite to eat. The colonnade is home to a number of events throughout the year, including jazz festivals, farmers’ markets, and vintage fairs. The annual Tunbridge Wells International Art Fair, which takes place across four days every July, attracts artists and collectors from all over the world. Visiting the Pantiles is one of the main things to do in Tunbridge Wells if you’re planning a visit.
2. See Bedford Place
The history of Bedford Place dates back to the early 19th century when it was first built as part of a larger development project in the town. The street was named after the Duke of Bedford, who was one of the primary landowners in the area. The original houses on Bedford Place were built in the Georgian style, with elegant facades and ornate detailing.
Over the years, Bedford Place underwent several changes but thankfully much of its original architecture and charm remained intact. Tunbridge Wells is a very affluent area, and this road is highly desirable. Despite being a terraced property that has only 2 bedrooms, the house sold on this street most recently (2022) went for over £750,000.
One of the most significant events in Bedford Place’s calendar is the annual street party, which takes place in the summer months. The party is a chance for residents to come together and celebrate their community, with live music, food stalls, and a range of family-friendly activities.
3. Explore Chapel Place
Chapel Place is a bustling street that is a much-loved part of the town, known for its mix of independent shops and eateries. The history of Chapel Place dates back to the 18th century when it was first built as part of the town’s expansion.
The street was named after the Methodist Chapel, which was built in the late 18th century and still stands today. The chapel was an important part of the community, hosting a range of events and activities, and was an important centre of social life in the town.
Some of the places you’ll find there include Chapel Place Gin Bar, Gabriella Jewellery, and gardening and homeware shop Le Petit Jardin.
This is also where the annual Jazz on the Pantiles festival is held in the summer months. The festival is a celebration of jazz music and culture, with a range of live performances and workshops.
4. Walk around Dunorlan Park
I was quite shocked when I visited Dunorlan Park as I didn’t expect to find such a large and beautiful green space in an area that’s quite built up. However, the space has been there since the 19th century when it was first developed as part of the Dunorlan estate. The estate was owned by a wealthy banker, Edward Hardman, who commissioned the park’s design by renowned landscape architect Robert Marnock.
Marnock’s design created a stunning landscape, with a large lake, wooded areas, and extensive gardens, all carefully planned to create a picturesque setting. In 1943, the park was opened to the public, and it quickly became a popular destination.
The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and you can rent rowing boats and pedalos to explore the water and take in the scenery. There’s also several walking and cycling routes, as well as a children’s playground, a cafe, and a range of sports facilities, including tennis courts and a cricket pitch.
In addition to its stunning scenery, Dunorlan Park is also known for its historical significance. The park’s mansion house, which was built in the early 19th century, still stands today and is a fascinating example of the town’s rich history.
5. Shop in Royal Victoria Place
Royal Victoria Place is the main shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells. The site where it stands was originally home to a brewery and several other small businesses. However, in the late 1800s, the site was purchased by the local council, who planned to develop it into a new town centre.
The development of Royal Victoria Place took several years, with construction beginning in the early 1900s. It was officially opened in 1902 by Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Louise, and was named in honour of the queen.
Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and expansions, but has always remained a key part of Tunbridge Wells’ retail scene, attracting shoppers from all over Kent and beyond. Sadly a lot of British shopping centres have seen closures in recent years, but Royal Victoria Place is still thriving and well worth a visit.
6. Check out Mount Sion
Mount Sion is situated to the east of the town centre and is named after the biblical location where King David built his palace in Jerusalem. It’s characterised by steep hills, which provide panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
The streets are very picturesque, and personally I love seeing different types of houses on my travels. The area features a mix of pretty properties, with many Victorian and Edwardian buildings still standing. A great photo opportunity!
7. Relax in Haysden Country Park
Haysden Country Park is about a 15 minute drive from the centre of Tunbridge Wells. It’s situated on the banks of the River Medway and covers over 165 acres. One of its main features is the two large lakes, which offer a variety of fishing opportunities. The lakes are stocked with a range of fish, including carp, bream, and roach, and there are designated fishing platforms and jetties available for anglers.
Haysden Country Park also boasts a number of nature reserves and wildlife habitats, including wetlands and meadows, which are home to a variety of bird species, such as kingfishers, herons, and swans.
The park has a visitor centre, which provides information about the park’s history and amenities, as well as a café serving refreshments and light meals. The park is a peaceful and enjoyable escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Tunbridge Wells and has much more of a countryside feel.
8. Marvel at Scotney Castle
A 20 minute drive from Tunbridge Wells is Scotney Castle, a stunning historic castle set in beautiful grounds. It is truly one of the most spectacular National Trust places I’ve visited – which is why I wrote a whole blog about it! I’d suggest having a read of it if you’re interested as it goes into a lot more detail about what you can see. One thing is for sure, if you have the time and the means to get there, it is definitely worth visiting if you have the time to explore a little further out of Tunbridge Wells.
Tunbridge Wells is a beautiful and historic town with plenty to offer visitors of all interests. If you’ve been before, is there anywhere you’d add to the list? Let me know in the comments.
Tunbridge Wells FAQs (2026)
The town was granted its “Royal” prefix by King Edward VII in 1909 to honour its long-standing popularity with the Royal Family, particularly Queen Victoria, who was a frequent visitor before she took the throne. It is one of only three towns in England to hold this title.
Definitely – it is one of the easiest day trips from London, with direct trains from London Bridge, Charing Cross, and Cannon Street taking roughly 50 to 60 minutes. The station is centrally located, making the town very walkable.
Yes! You can still taste the iron-rich water from the Chalybeate Spring in The Pantiles during the summer months.
The town is a year-round destination, however late spring and summer are the peak times. This is when the “Jazz on the Pantiles” events take place every Thursday evening, featuring live jazz, swing, and funk performances at the iconic Bandstand. December is also popular for the Christmas markets.
As a “Royal” spa town, it can lean towards the premium side, however several attractions like Dunorlan Park and exploring the historic architecture are completely free. Local “Shopper Hopper” buses also offer cheap travel between the top and bottom of the town’s steep hill.
The most convenient car park for the historic area is the Upper Pantiles Car Park. For the main shopping centre, use Meadow Road or Royal Victoria Place.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
