10 Best Things to Do in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Explore the Countryside, See a Live Show or Dive Into Local History
Royal Tunbridge Wells is known for its beautiful parks, historic sites, family fun and live entertainment. If you’re traveling with children, many of the local parks offer playgrounds, and you can enjoy a family-friendly show at a local theater. Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to feel at home with the stunning gardens, lakes, marshlands and forests filled with wildlife and vibrant vegetation.
Many choose to stay in a cozy B&B and enjoy the picturesque countryside, but you may also enjoy a chic boutique hotel near the town center. No matter what kind of vacation you have in mind, you’re sure to find something. Here are the 10 best things to do in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
What are the best things to do in Royal Tunbridge Wells?
1. Dunorlan Park
Take a peaceful stroll and explore natural beauties and historical features
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo, Budget
Dunorlan Park is popular for peaceful strolls, picnics and family play and offers historic features to explore, such as the Grecian Temple and the lavishly ornamental Fountain. You can get to the park with a short 20-minute walk from Royal Tunbridge Wells town center. You’ll find plenty of space for children to run, play and feed the ducks.
Central to the park is a terraced cafe that’s raised slightly to provide a view of the beautiful lake where you can fish or enjoy rented pedalos and kayaks. You can also explore the water garden, marshlands and ponds, or you could go fishing or birdwatching.
Location: Pembury Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3QN, UK
Open: Daily from dawn to dusk
Dunorlan Park
2. Spa Valley Railroad Tours
Enjoy a train ride along the beautiful countryside
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Spa Valley Railroad Tours takes you through 5 miles of the beautiful countryside into Tunbridge Wells, with plenty of stops along the way. You can choose from a variety of trips with catered meals, including the popular Fish and Chip Luncheons. Special event tours include visits by Thomas and Friends, Peppa Pig, Bing and Flop and Paddington Bear, as well as fun-filled Christmas trains complete with a visit from Santa.
If you travel on Green, Yellow or Purple operating days, your ticket allows unlimited travel and stops for the day, allowing you to explore destinations with beautiful architecture, lush gardens and diverse dining options.
Location: West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1892 300141
Spa Valley Railroad Tours
3. Scotney Castle Garden
Stroll through castle gardens and learn about the property’s history
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo, Budget
Scotney Castle Garden features a 14th-century moated castle and a lush garden filled with exotic plants. The castle is located southeast of Lamberhurst in the valley of the River Bewl in Kent. While you’re here, you can learn the history of the property and admire the Victorian-styled decor.
You can enjoy a relaxed stroll through the garden’s rhododendrons, azaleas, wisteria and roses. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the fall, you can gaze upon the vibrant colors of the trees and ferns.
Location: Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1892 893820
Scotney Castle Garden
4. Calverley Grounds
Play a game of croquet or tennis or enjoy the children’s playground
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Calverley Grounds is a landscaped park featuring an Italianate garden with entrances adorned by high carriage archways made of sandstone and large, eye-catching, black wrought-iron gates. The park is located right in the center of Royal Tunbridge Wells. From the highest point by the courts, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Tunbridge Wells skyline and outlying countryside.
An onsite cafe offers snacks and beverages, and the adventure playground is a great spot for children to play. If you’re up for a game, there are 3 croquet lawns, tennis, netball and basketball courts.
Location: Mountfield Gardens, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1SJ, UK
Open: 24/7
Calverley Grounds
5. Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery
Learn about local history and enjoy family-friendly activities
Good for: Families, History
Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery has been open as a small display since 1885 and currently features permanent displays, rotating exhibits, and special activities. You can find the museum and gallery located in Royal Victoria Place at the intersection of Goods Station and Grosvenor Roads. As you explore the permanent display, you will learn about the area’s natural history, toys and archeology.
The museum is family-friendly, children will enjoy the toy displays as well as many of the museum events. Scheduled activities include art strolls, ‘Mini Beast Safaris’ and ‘Vacation Happenings’.
Phone: +44 (0)1892 554171
Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery
6. The Raptor Center
Watch large birds of prey soar overhead in a flying demonstration
Good for: Families
The Raptor Center allows visitors of all ages to get up-close views of magnificent birds of prey with flying demonstrations in which the birds soar by close overhead. You can find the center in Groombridge, about 5 miles southwest of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The center focuses on raptor rescue and nurses sick and injured birds back to health with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.
Flying demonstrations are designed with the hope of encouraging a love and understanding of these large birds, which are often misunderstood and feared. You’ll learn about raptors both in captivity and the wild and discover what you can do to help ensure their survival.
Location: UK Owl and Raptor Center Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge TN3 9QG, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1268 944023
The Raptor Center
7. The Pantiles
Shop specialty boutiques and enjoy a la carte dining
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers
The Pantiles is a historic outdoor shopping plaza that features independently owned high-class boutiques. You will find the Pantiles located off the A26 near Lindon Road. While strolling around this quaint area, you can shop for a wide variety of goods, including stunning handmade jewelry, fine art, high-fashion and oriental rugs.
The area also hosts craft and farmers markets featuring handmade gifts and fresh produce, meat and bakery items. There is an eclectic selection of restaurants, outdoor cafes and bakeries to stop for a full meal or quick snack on the go.
Location: London Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TN, UK
Open: Daily from 7 am to 11 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1603 767616
The Pantiles
8. Trinity Theater
Watch live entertainment and browse through local artwork
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Trinity Theater is a local favorite that hosts a variety of productions, including art exhibitions, plays, movies, dance and opera. The theater is conveniently located in the center of Tunbridge Wells. At the gallery, you can admire local artwork of differing styles and mediums, such as ceramics, oil paintings and stone sculptures.
You can enjoy one of the popular shows in the theater, such as the Comedy Cafe, Christmas Show or live broadcasts from world-class theaters while sipping on a glass of wine. The Trinity Theater Bar and Cafe offers fresh food, desserts, coffee, beer and wine with an emphasis on qulity and local ingredients.
Location: Church Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1892 678678
Trinity Theater
9. Tunbridge Wells Forum
Watch a famous band at a cozy local music venue
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Tunbridge Wells Forum is a grassroots music venue that hosts a wide variety of entertainment, including music, comedy, theater, movie and art. You can find the venue situated on the A26, just 3 miles south of M25. The intimate theater is known by locals as simply ‘The Forum’ and accommodates a maximum of 250 people, so you are sure to get a seat close to the action.
Many popular concerts have been held at The Forum, with artists such as Green Day, Oasis, Coldplay, Biffy Clyro and Adele taking the stage. A small bar is available for beverages and merchandise.
Location: The Common, London Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8YU, UK
Tunbridge Wells Forum
10. Assembly Hall Theater
Watch a live show or go ice skating at a family-friendly theater
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
Assembly Hall Theater features a diverse variety of theater, music, comedy, dance, family and entertainment events from around the world. You’ll find the theater on Crescent Road in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.
For fun with the family, you can ice skate or try Bavarian curling. You may also enjoy a comedy or cabaret show or listening to live music, including rhythm and blues, orchestras and country legends. The bar offers beer, wine, spirits and show-themed cocktails and delicious treats like Taywell ice cream, potato chips and candies.
Location: Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1892 530613
Assembly Hall Theater
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