Historic Tunbridge Wells

Central Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells is located in the southeast of the UK in the High Weald (which is an outstanding area of natural beauty), roughly 30 miles southeast of central London. It is based west in the county Kent on the Kent/Sussex border. The Ordnance Survey location for Central Tunbridge Wells is TQ585395. 

The origin of Tunbridge Wells dates all the way back to the seventeenth century. In 1606 Dudley North, who was a courtier to James I, discovered a chalybeate spring. He drank from the spring hoping it would improve his health. Dudley became convinced the spring had healing properties and persuaded all his affluent London friends to try the water. In 1630, when Queen Henrietta Maria (wife of King Charles I) had visited, it had been established as a spa retreat. 

By 1636 the spring had become so popular that two houses were built next to it for visitors; one was for the ladies and the other was for gentlemen. In 1664 Lord Muskerry built a triangle wall around the spring to protect people bathing in wet weather. In 1684 the church of King Charles the Martyr was built. The rest of the town was built around the church. The church is still standing today. 

The 1680s saw a strong population rise for Tunbridge Wells. Shops were carefully planned and built along ‘The Walks’ (now known as the Pantiles, which is a 160-meter promenade) and Mount Sion. Lodging housekeepers were built in small plots. Tradesmen in the town worked with luxury goods such as Tunbridge Ware, which was a kind of decorative inlaid woodwork.

Due to Richard Russell’s 1750 treaties stating that seawater was better for treating gland diseases, sea bathing became popular, meaning a decrease in spa bathing and a decrease of visitors to Tunbridge Wells. However, turnpike roads gave Tunbridge Wells fantastic connections to London with up to 9 return journeys via carriage a day!

During the 18th century, the town continued to grow in popularity and was visited by many famous people, such as Cibber, Johnson, Garrick, and Richardson, as well as famous author Andrew Millar. In 1735, Beau Nash appointed himself head of ceremonies for everything entertainment in Tunbridge Wells. He retained this position until his death in 1762. Tunbridge Wells has a pub in the memory of Beau Nash, called Beau Nash Tavern on Mount Ephraim.

In 1787 Edward Halsted stated that the town consisted of four districts, each named after the hills that it stands upon: Mount Ephriam, Mount Sion, Mount Pleasant, and the Wells.

By the 19th century, Tunbridge Wells was quickly becoming a popular place for the affluent to make their home. With events such as visits from the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria, and Prince Albert. Trinity Church was built in 1827. The town was provided with facilities such as gas lighting and a police service. In 1845 the town was linked by railway with South Eastern’s Hastings-London, now stopping in Tunbridge Wells.

1889 saw Tunbridge Wells awarded the status of a borough. In 1902 the opera house was opened in Tunbridge Wells (which still stands to this very day; however, now it has been converted into a Wetherspoons), shortly followed by the ‘Royal’ prefix in 1909.

During the first world war, Tunbridge Wells was made headquarters for the UK army due to its central location. The hospitals were used to treat soldiers with severe injuries. During this time, 150 Belgian refugees were also moved here. During the second world war, Tunbridge Wells received a large influx of refugees from London. After the war, large-scale housing developments on Ramslye and Sherwood were built to help deal with dramatic population growth. 

There are many amazing outdoor places to visit in Tunbridge Wells, such as 

The Common

The common is a beautiful outdoor woodland area, with many open spaces, that sits at the heart of central Tunbridge Wells. Tunbridge Wells Common is linked to the near Rusthall Common via Langton Road. Both commons combined are an impressive 256 acres of land, which can be quite hilly in areas.

The commons are perfect for many activities such as dog walking, horse riding, picnics, rock scrambling, and cricket games on the pitch, which is just off the Southborough Road towards Tonbridge. This is a fantastic place to walk, and there are many trails you can find online, or if you prefer, you can just explore! 

Tunbridge Wells Common is a fantastic place to birdwatch with a range of species, such as birds of prey like kestrels and buzzards, as well as corvids, finches, robins, wrens, warblers, thrushes, and tits; crests, woodpeckers, water birds, and woodland birds (e.g., nightingales, treecreepers, and nuthatches) as well as others! Many other animals reside in this area also, such as roe deer, muntjac, moles, mice, shrews, common lizards, slow worms, grass snakes, adders, frogs, and newts. Some amazing plants also call this area home, with roughly 40 species of flowering plants, fungi, grasses, ferns, mosses, and lichen, such as umbellifers, foxgloves, coral root bittercress, willowherb, and liverwort. Around 17 species of tree are present in the common, with appearances from ash, yew, English oak, and horse chestnut, to name but a few.

(Insert tree picture from common) 

There are many interesting rock formations that can be found around Tunbridge Wells. Wellington rocks are a national monument and can be found on the Tunbridge Wells Common. whereas Toad Rock can be found on Rusthall Common in Denny Bottom and has been recognised as an SSSI (site of special scientific interest). The rocks are comprised of Ardingly sandstone, which holds small pebbles. There is strong evidence of wind erosion taking place.

High Rocks

High Rocks is an important geomorphological site of interest for sandstone weathering as it is to the west of Tunbridge Wells on the Kent/East Sussex border and is 7.9 acres. Just like Toad Rock and Wellington Rock, High Rocks is also comprised of Ardingly sandstone. High rocks have formed tension cracks, which are quite rare to find in the UK. Ardingly sandstone crumbles easily; however, a protective surface is formed, which provides micro-weathering features, such as honeycombing and polygonal cracking. 

Today High Rocks is a tourist attraction with a restaurant and pub, which are both beautiful!

There is a steam train ride with the Spa valley railway, which is well worth a journey, as you will see beautiful far reaching views of the weald and surround areas)  It’s worth noting that dogs are not allowed on the high rocks themselves and due to safety anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to enter alone. However, well-behaved dogs are allowed on the spa valley but not in the dining areas.

Chalybeate Spring 

A chalybeate spring is a natural spring that contains high levels of iron. Due to this, the water from the spring is also known as ferruginous water and stains an orange colour due to the high iron content. Tunbridge Wells’ famous Chalybeate spring is situated in the Pantiles (formerly the walk) and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Natural spring water can be brought from nearby locations. An interactive map and tour are also available to purchase, with media and audio links that guide from landmark to landmark, giving the ultimate historic tour of Tunbridge Wells.

Landslides often happen between Tunbridge wells sand formation(Well known Rocks) and wadhurst clay formation due to the steep topography of the high weald.

When percolating groundwater of the absorbent sandstone in Tunbridge Wells comes into contact with the upper non-absorbent clays of Wadhurst, flooding and landslides occur.

Weather/climate

 Being a mixture of urban and semi-urbanised areas, the weather in Tunbridge Wells is often varied. In the town centre, urbanised areas, the temperature and climate are often mild. However, on the outskirts and in the semi-urbanised areas, the weather can be a degree or two colder with harsher weather conditions. Tunbridge Wells can be quite windy; this is due to it being on a high plateau, meaning the wind can pick up speed with minimal obstacles to break its energy. The prevailing wind direction is often a westerly direction blowing towards the town centre. 

Travel and infrastructure

Being a town close to London, transport links are often quite strong, taking you to most places, including nearby villages such as Frant and Eridge. There are regular buses directly to Brighton and Maidstone. There are regular trains directly to London Charing Cross and Hastings. Tonbridge is two stops away by train and is a main station in the southeast with many connections. 

Places to stay 

There are a few places that can be stayed at during your visit to Tunbridge Wells. All are fairly central with a bus ride into the town centre. If busing isn’t your thing, then most of the hostels have their own car parking at an additional cost. The hotels that are currently in Tunbridge Wells are:

Smith and Western 

One Warwick Park Hotel 

Premier Inn hotel 

Hotel du Vin 

Russell hotel 

Royal Well Hotel 

Travelodge 

Mount Edgcumbe 

The spa hotel 

Famous events

Tunbridge Well is a bloom of activity with annual events and festivals come the summer! Spring provides a very different vibe as you see the trees start to blossom and all the tulips and daffodils pop up everywhere. 

Some of the festivals that are on during the year are: 

Black Deer Festival—taking place at Eridge Park, which is southwest of Tunbridge Wells town centre. This is a weekend festival with a focus on country and Americana. A range of artists perform, from bigger names to up-and-coming artists. There are often stalls selling food, alcohol, and country-themed clothing, which are often a big hit! This is a very busy event attended by visitors in their tens of thousands! 

 Local and live—this is a music event that happens annually in Calverly Park, which is located in the town centre. Often taking place over the bank holiday in August.This is a perfect opportunity to see local talent showcased while enjoying the scenery and maybe a drink with friends or just soaking up the atmosphere. 

Fringe- This is a very big festival in Tunbridge Wells and happens over several locations. Which is the perfect way to explore the historic buildings of Tunbridge Wells? The aim is to showcase local talents in a range of art forms such as singing, dancing, comedy, opera, cabaret, theatre, and visual arts. There really is something for everyone! This is a two-week event that often takes place in July.

Pantiles market—Taking place typically twice a month between February and November, the Pantiles market is a really lovely little market on the Pantiles. Local artists come to show their artisan wares. Stalls typically include food, homemade dog treats, clothes, jewellery, and many other things. However, it can be different every week; it's always lovely to see what the local community has been up to and are passionate about.

In early spring, it's lovely to take a stroll down the Pantiles and buy some local wares knowing they have been made with love and then take a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants while absorbing the atmosphere in the glorious sun. 

TEDx—Do you fancy expanding your mind? Every year, Tunbridge Wells holds a TEDx event, inviting speakers from all over to speak on a range of topics. This is a one-day event and is often held in central Tunbridge Wells. 

Literary festival—this is just the festival for all the book lovers out there! This festival is often over many events all over the town. Authors, illustrators, and journalists make appearances for book readings, interviews, and conversation. This event often pulls in big names from the literary world with previous visits from Lenny Henry and Michael Palin. Normally, literally festive takes place in May each year.

Best times to travel

Tunbridge Wells is often a busy town with 117,000 (as of mid-year 2023). Finding the best times to travel can be tricky! Travelling between 3 pm and 6:30 pm is school rush hour and is always very busy, and if you're driving, you can expect to sit in traffic for 30 minutes plus, just to get out of the town! However, in terms of the time of year, many people in Tunbridge Wells go abroad on holiday for the summer; therefore, in July and August, it is often much quieter with much better weather for all that outdoor exploring! Being quite rural in areas and on a high plateau, the winters can be very icy, wind can be strong with a lot of rain, and possible flooding can occur in the Pantiles area. Wellingtons at the ready! 

Nightlife

Tunbridge Wells has more of a relaxed nightlife than some towns, with a few quiet drinks in the pub or cocktail often being the chosen way to socialise. However, in terms of nightclubs, there are a couple in the town centre, such as Aura and the Manor House, which get busy on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; otherwise, they are often quiet. 

The forum is a local music venue that often has open mic nights, local artists, and tribute bands with a sprinkling of better-known acts. Previous acts have included Adele, Biffy Clyro, Coldplay, Green Day, the Libertines, and Ellie Goulding at the start of their careers, when they were up-and-coming artists. This is a small venue with a standing capacity for 250. Alcohol is served onsite; however, ID will be required. 

They also hold under 18’s mic night.

Live on the Pantiles—This is often a very big and busy event in Tunbridge Wells. Live on the Pantiles (Previously Jazz on the Pantiles) happens every Thursday night between May and September. Live music washes through the pantiles from the bandstand as all the restaurants set up tables and chairs outside for dinner and drinks.There is a real buzz, vibe, and festival feel as the drinks flow and the music starts. However, if you are not one for alcohol, do not fear, as there are many alternatives and lovely places to eat. This is a great event for everyone, although please note this is a very loud event and can become very crowded; those with anxiety of crowded places may find this tricky. 

Tybers Regge Bar and Restaurant—Yes, Tunbridge Wells does have a bar and restaurant specifically dedicated to reggae music! This is the perfect spot to relax with a few cocktails or mocktails (if you prefer) and listen to live music before heading off to the Forum, which is a 2-minute walk! Tybers is very central, being just off the pantiles. 

Dogs, Accessibility, and Solo Travellers 

On the whole, Tunbridge Wells is mostly dog friendly, with well-behaved dogs being allowed in most places, including in the shopping centre ‘Royal Victoria Place,’ which was opened by Princess Diana on 21st October 1992. However, each shop within that shopping centre has its own rules on dogs. Most are fine, but please always double-check. 

Tunbridge Wells is very accessible in many areas, especially in the main town centre at the top of Mount Pleasant. However, due to the history and the restoration, the pantiles are not so suitable for those that are unsteady on their feet due to the paving being cobbled and quite uneven in places. It’s also worth noting that when it rains, the paving becomes very slippery on and around the pantiles. 

Travelling as a solo traveller is very safe in Tunbridge Wells. Of course, you still need to take some precautions and not leave your phones and purses out on the table. It is also not advised to be out later at night by yourself. While mostly safe, precautions still need to be taken to ensure safety. 

Being close to London and a tourist hot spot, prices can be quite expensive, especially for ‘local’ or ‘metro’ stores. Sometimes you can experience that all-expensive London pricing. My best advice would be when it comes to food and drink. Where possible, try to buy from supermarkets and buy in bulk for all your snacks and drinks throughout the day. When it comes to souvenir and gift shopping, there are many independent shops in the Pantiles, lower high street, and Camden Road (which is at the end of Caverly Road, upper high street); these can be quite pricey, although remember you are paying for the care and attention of an independent to create the product and not a mass-produced item. 

As with most places in the UK, cash and card are accepted here; however, card is preferred, and in some places only card is accepted. I would suggest carrying a little bit of cash and having your card with you; that way you’re covered just in case.