Tunbridge Wells plays an important role in the history of England and Kent. Famous figures like Decimus Barton, Dudley Lord North, Queen Victoria, Sid Vicious and the hop-pickers from East London are all a part of the history of this beautiful region of the Weald
The Story of Tunbridge Wells
The Amelia Scott, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, is a hub for arts and culture and is open 7 days a week! The collection at The Amelia was founded by the Tunbridge Wells Natural History and Philosophical Society in 1885. You will find a library and around 60,000 objects covering local history, natural history, archaeology, fine and decorative arts, and social history. The collections explore different themes such as the High Weald, Subbuteo, science, and politics. In the ‘Story of the Wells’ exhibition you will be able to find out how the town was founded, view an original Pantile, and explore the photographic archives.
The Amelia also offers free temporary exhibitions over the year. To see what’s coming up next, visit our events calendar.
Stories from the Weald
The historic village of Cranbrook, known as the ‘Capital of the Weald’, is a pretty settlement with a medieval layout of streets and alleys. Many buildings date from the 15th century through to the 19th century. The Cranbrook Museum is a 15th century timber-framed building, that contains 6,000 heritage objects including impressive costumes and military relics. The museum is divided in three floors with each room offering a different theme. There are tranquil gardens and a pond to be enjoyed and family history archives for researchers. This wonderful space encapsulates the rich history of Cranbrook and The Weald of Kent.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday and admission is free. Disabled access and facilities on the ground floor only. There is audio visual display available in the reception area.
The Salomons Family Legacy
Salomons Museum is in the Salomons Estate (Southborough), a Victorian mansion and estate where visitors can enjoy a stroll around the gardens and parkland or enter the museum to learn about the people and events that helped shape this ‘mansion of many marvels’. The museum’s unique collection of paintings, photographs and mementos documents the history of the lives of three generations of The Salomons family: Sir David Salomons, Sir David Lionel Salomons, and Captain David Reginald Salomons; all extraordinary characters.
Admission is free and it is open daily from 9am until 5pm. If you would like a more in-depth look at the fascinating history of Salomons Estate, private curator tours are available.
Further inspiration
Don’t forget to check the What’s On pages and search facility to find out the latest exhibitions and displays at the museums in Tunbridge Wells. To further whet your appetite, there is more to discover on our History pages too.
Our accommodation guide can help you plan your stay for longer so you can fit it all in!
Recommended reading
Blog post- What is Subbuteo and why is still famous today
Blog post- Tales from a Tunbridge Wells Blue Badge Guide
Blog post- The Town Crier of Royal Tunbridge Wells