What to do, what to see & where to stay
With so much right on our doorstep, it’s no surprise that 56% of us chose to ‘staycation’ in the UK in 2023 rather than venturing abroad!
Every corner of the UK has something exciting to offer a staycationer – and Royal Tunbridge Wells is no different. From the historic Pantiles to the ultra-modern Amelia via a plethora of parks and green spaces, there’s plenty for families, couples and solo-travellers alike.
So, sit back and relax as we share the best things to do on a weekend trip to Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Getting to Royal Tunbridge Wells
Being nestled between London and the beautiful south coast, Royal Tunbridge Wells is easy to get to no matter your mode of transport!
On the train from London: hop on the train from Charing Cross, Waterloo East or London Bridge for less than an hour to arrive in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
On the train from the coast: a direct train from Hastings to Royal Tunbridge Wells takes around 45 minutes.
From Gatwick Airport: for those flying into the South East, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a 90-minute train journey or a 40-minute drive from Gatwick Airport.
Via car: there are plenty of car parks dotted around Royal Tunbridge Wells! If you’re starting your adventure at the top of the town, Royal Victoria Place has a multi-storey car park with plenty of spaces. If you’re starting from The Pantiles end of town, the car park on Major Yorks Road is perfectly situated.
Breakfast, brunch & coffee in Royal Tunbridge Wells
With so much of Royal Tunbridge Wells waiting to be explored, set yourself up for a busy day with a hearty breakfast and artisan coffee!
Enjoy a classic brunch at , The Ivy or one of The Pantiles’ many brunch offerings, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try brunch with an Asian twist at Kumquat or a Cruffin at The Bicycle Bakery?
The best places for Brunch in Royal Tunbridge Wells
If staying caffeinated is a necessity for your weekend of exploring, Royal Tunbridge Wells has something for everyone. Grab a coffee with your Cruffin at The Bicycle Bakery, fuel up at The Amelia in Fine Grind , enjoy artisan coffee at St.Kilda, or devour a slice of cake and a coffee at The CakeShed in The Pantiles.
Shopping in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Get yourself acquainted with all Royal Tunbridge Wells has to offer by exploring the vibrant shopping scene throughout the town.
At the top end of town, Royal Victoria Place plays host to a wide range of chain and independent stores, whilst the precinct (where you’ll often find talented local buskers entertaining shoppers), Camden Road and are well worth a visit.
On Monson Road, explore the ‘Aladdin’s cave’ that is Jeremy’s Home Store and fuel your creative side at , before heading into Fine Grind at The Amelia for a coffee.
On Camden Road, find even more eclectic shops, including Wildside, World of Sewing and The Bicycle Bakery to name a few.
As you head down towards The Pantiles and the High Street, Mount Pleasant offers shopping opportunities at Biggie Best (for interior-lovers), Jigsaw (for ladies clothes), Russell & Bromley (for shoes galore), and Hoopers (a department store with a bit of everything).
Shopping on the High Street & Chapel Place
As soon as you enter the High Street, you’ll find a huge range of independent and boutique stores. If it’s clothes you’re shopping for, Kitch, Bod & Ted, Seasalt, Sweaty Betty, Oska, Mint Velvet and Anthropologie have you more than covered.
For homewares and antiques, explore The Oriental Rug Merchant, Nolte Kitchens, The White Company, Susie Watson Designs, Wells Interiors, LUXE Vida and Pushkin Antiques.
For an extra special treat, shop for jewellery on the High Street at G Collins & Sons, Mark Adam, and Mappin & Webb.
As you exit the High Street and enter Chapel Place, you’ll be greeted by the alluring smells of tasty treats at Arte Bianca, a family-run Italian delicatessen. As you walk further, you’ll find The Silver Sheep (a boutique clothing store), le petit jardin (a much-loved garden, home and giftware store), Larratt & Co butchers and the treasure trove of rare and antique books, Adrian Harrington Rare Books.
Shopping on The Pantiles
The oldest part of Royal Tunbridge Wells, famous for its spring water, busy bandstand and cobbled pathways, The Pantiles has a lot to offer for the weekend shopper!
For the art lovers, Beumée, Fairfax Gallery, and The Spa Galleries house an array of spectacular artworks.
For the jewellery lovers, a visit to The Pantiles isn’t complete without stopping by Catherine Hills Jewellery (maker of jewellery for the Harry Potter movies!), Peter Jenner and Thurlwell’s.
For a unique antique to remember your visit to Royal Tunbridge Wells, you’re spoilt for choice. Visit Eric Knowles, HG Vintage Collectibles, Hickmet Fine Arts, Jeroen Markies, Mark Hill, Pamela Goodwin, Richard Price & Associates, Scottish Antiques, The Hoard or Yigu to find the perfect piece.
And don’t forget about the markets! The Pantiles Market runs every other weekend throughout the year and plays host to a huge variety of local produce, tasty treats, antiques and artisan makers. You’ll also find Antiques Festivals running throughout the year as well as the much-loved annual Gin & Jazz Festival and Food Festival in September. Dates for all events can be found here – it’s definitely worth visiting Royal Tunbridge Wells on a market weekend!
After all that shopping, you’ll be ready for a lunch break!
For even more Royal Tunbridge Wells shopping recommendations, check out…
The best places for lunch in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to stop for lunch!
Royal Tunbridge Wells is a foodie paradise, with restaurants, cafes and hidden lunch spots dotted all around town. So, keep reading to find the perfect place for your midday refuel!
Lunch in The Pantiles
Lunch in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre
What to do in Royal Tunbridge Wells
After refuelling and recuperating from your morning adventures, there’s no time to waste – because Royal Tunbridge Wells has plenty more to offer for the rest of your weekend!
Take a trip to The Amelia to explore the town’s history and enjoy the latest exhibitions (find out what’s on here), with a Fine Grind coffee in hand, of course.
Or, if outdo/things-to-do/museums-and-art-galleries/the-amelia-scott/ors is more your style, pop on your walking shoes and explore the Tunbridge Wells, Southborough and Rusthall Commons! Open green spaces, woodlands and views for days will keep the whole family entertained for hours. The Commons are known for their abundance of wildlife and intriguing rock formations (Toad Rock and Wellington Rocks are both worth a visit!) – and you can refuel in the nearby pubs, like The Beacon or The Mount Edgcumbe, afterwards too!
For a different perspective on the town that doesn’t require walking boots, the Spa Valley Railway is a popular destination for families. Travelling between Royal Tunbridge Wells and Eridge, via High Rocks and Groombridge, the railway winds its way through 5 miles of beautiful countryside and there’s plenty to explore in each destination.
And if that wasn’t enough, the Spa Valley Railway experiences are even better! From Christmas trains in December to Murder Mystery nights and lots of summer events for the children (think Peppa Pig, Thomas and Friends and Paddington Bear!), there’s always something going on. You can find all upcoming events here.
If staying close to Royal Tunbridge Wells is preferred, there’s plenty of green spaces to explore throughout the town! Visit Calverley Grounds, The Grove, or go boating on the lake in Dunorlan Park – all within walking distance of Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre.
Finally, if your weekend in Royal Tunbridge Wells is in the winter months, you’re in for a real treat! The town goes all-out for the Christmas period, with ice skating in Calverly Grounds, Christmas Markets on The Pantiles and a celeb-laden pantomime at the Assembly Hall Theatre, of course!
An evening out in Royal Tunbridge Wells
After all that adventure, it’s time for an evening of good food, good company and good times! Royal Tunbridge Wells has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for entertainment, drinks or the finest of dining experiences – take your pick!
Culture & Entertainment in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Best places for a drink in Royal Tunbridge Wells
This central bar serves local ale, cider, wine and gin, as well as a range of bar snacks and light food – the Fuggles cheese boards are a big hit!
The Pantiles Tap
For the ale and craft beer aficionado, The Pantiles Tap has a huge range of drinks on offer in a cosy, homely atmosphere.
Fancy some live music with your drinks? Look no further! The Grey Lady features local artists every week, perfectly paired with a drink.
Serving over 120 different gins alongside win, beer, cider and cocktails, there’s something for all tastes at Chapel Place!
Where to have dinner in Royal Tunbridge Wells
In a stunning setting, The Ivy serves old-school ‘posh’ dining and some incredibly tasty cocktails. Sophisticated and delicious!
Aiming to provide ‘the finest dining experience in Kent & Sussex’, The Warren’s menu is mouth-wateringly delicious and never disappoints.
La Follia
Authentic, fresh, handmade Italian food using the highest quality ingredients – La Follia is a must-visit for Italian-lovers!
Thackeray’s
French cuisine in the former residence of William Makepeace Thackeray. Nothing says fine dining more than a night at Thackeray’s!
Coco Retro
Serving French cuisine since 2017, Coco Retro delivers the freshest flavours in its architect-designed interior for a real Parisian experience.
Hotels in Royal Tunbridge Wells
A comfy bed, good breakfast and perfectly located right near the train station – if that’s what you’re looking for, the Tunbridge Wells Premier Inn is perfect for you!
Experience the Georgian history of Royal Tunbridge Wells first-hand is the beautifully restored Tunbridge Wells Hotel on The Pantiles.
If luxury spa treatments and 14 acres of greenery is more your speed, The Spa Hotel is a haven of peace and quiet just moments from the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Centrally located near The Pantiles and with a delicious selection of locally-sourced food to enjoy, One Warwick Park Hotel is an ideal base for a weekend in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
A few minutes outside the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Beacon offers stunning views across the valley and a break from the hustle-and-bustle of the town centre.
Mount Edgecumbe
In the heart of the Commons and 5-minutes walk from the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Mount Edgcumbe is the perfect blend of central location and green space.
Experience the peak of Georgian luxury in the Grade II listed Hotel du Vin. Centrally located and lovingly converted, it’s ideal for the discerning visitor!
