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All the fun of the Rusthall Summer Fair!
by David Hodgkinson
Rusthall
A lovely little haven one mile west of the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells and Tunbridge Wells Common, Rusthall is hidden among the trees and surrounded by rocky sandstone outcrops complete with some lively village shops.
A village with two centres, one developed around Toad Rock in the 1800s, the Victorian era, as a summer holiday resort. The other is Lower Green the oldest part of the hamlet dating from around the 8th century.
"There was indeed an excellent cold bath near Rust-Hall Common"
...enthused Paul Amsinck Esq in his book ‘Tunbridge Wells and its Neighbourhood’ published in 1810. The Amsinck family were illustrious merchants with worldwide business connections so this is praise indeed.
The name of the village almost certainly derives from the naturally occurring rusty coloured well waters.
Cold water baths were built from the early 1700s to make the most of the ‘rusty, curative’ waters and for entertainment purposes before the Chalybeate Spring became popular.
Stretch your legs and explore
Now only the foundations of the bath house are apparent in Happy Valley below the Hundred Steps in the gardens of the Beacon Hotel on Tea Garden Lane just outside Rusthall.
Fortunately being abandoned has meant the wildlife has thrived and now you can see important species like bee flies and hoverflies as well as beautiful wild flowers.
Back in the village, little historic cottages on the old London to Brighton coaching road can be admired from the pavement opposite the Red Lion pub. This public house was first licensed in 1415!
The grade II listed church of St Paul’s, nearby in Denny Bottom was built in 1849. It is open to all visitors and a fine example of Victorian ecclesiastical architecture.
A “little known treasure”
Rusthall Common is a glorious place to explore and ramble too.
Between Rusthall and Speldhurst lie Shadwell Woods and Hurst Woods - known locally as “one of the prettiest bluebell woods around” (Rusthall History website).
The café is a homely stop off for good, reasonably priced British food – sandwiches and breakfasts are most popular.
This is an active community with great spirit who organise the increasingly popular annual Rusthall Bonfire Procession each October and the successful summer fete every July.
Check the Events page and What’s On listings for the details.
Nearby is the Tunbridge Wells Golf Club and there are frequent bus services to and from Royal Tunbridge Wells via bus number 281.
You can enjoy town and country at its best by staying in this pretty little area; search for your accommodation now!
External Links
With thanks to the local Rusthall History group.
For more detail on the Common and the Rocks see the Commons Conservators website.
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Number of items: 162
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Pashley Manor Gardens
Type
Garden
Ticehurst, Wadhurst
At Pashley you will discover 11 acres of beautiful borders and vistas - the culmination of a lifetime of passion for gardening and an admiration of the tradition of the English country garden.
The Queen's Hall Theatre
Type
Theatre
Cranbrook
Providing entertainment in the heart of the Kent Weald.
Hole Park Gardens
Type
Garden
Rolvenden
15 acres of spectacular gardens and woodlands. Spectacular bluebell wood.
The Poet at Matfield
Matfield
Offering great British classics with a modern twist, and a comfortable pub with cask ales and a global wine cellar - our emphasis in on quality, taste and a fair price.
Type
Restaurant
UK Electric Bike Hire & Tours
Type
Cycling
Biddenden
Why not try an electric bike, zipping between vineyards or maybe stop at an iconic castle or a world-famous garden? Our routes take you along the quiet lanes of the Weald of Kent, passing oast houses and Wealden hall houses, farmsteads and ancient woodland. You can stop at a village pub for…
Bewl Water
Type
Lake / Reservoir
Lamberhurst
Set in the heart of the High Weald and surrounded by 800 acres of outstanding natural beauty, Bewl Water is the perfect place to watch the seasons change and to enjoy some healthy family fun for all ages.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest
Type
Forest
Goudhurst
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is a magnificent place for healthy outdoor activities.
St. Mary's Church Goudhurst
Type
Church / Chapel
Cranbrook
The church on the hill above the village.
Weald Sports Centre
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Cranbrook
High quality sporting facilities to include swimming pool, sports hall, fitness studio, exercise studio and creche.
Biddenden Vineyards
Type
Vineyard
Biddenden
Biddenden Vineyards is the oldest commercial vineyard in Kent, established in 1969. It has grown to 23 acres, producing White, Red, Rosé and Sparkling English Wines. The vinyard is also known for producing cider and pressed juices. <br /><br />The vinyard and shop are open to visitors all year…
Hawkhurst Fish Farm
Type
Fish Farm
Hawkhurst
Carp fishing for the family with a choice of 7 lakes, cafe and pottery.
Hush Heath Estate & Winery
Type
Vineyard
Staplehurst
Whilst following all necessary Government guidelines and safety measures, visitors will continue to be welcomed at Hush Heath Estate, to explore the Estate and visit their retail shop which remains open 7 days a week between 10am and 5pm. Sadly tours, tastings and events have been postponed until…
Cranbrook Union Windmill
Type
Windmill
Cranbrook
The tallest surviving smock mill in the British Isles, measuring 72 feet to the top of the cap.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Type
Garden
Cranbrook
Famous, stunning gardens set in the remains of a large Elizabethan house amidst the unspoilt Weald countryside.
Scotney Castle
Type
Garden
Lamberhurst
Not one but two houses! Victorian country house and ruined 14th century moated castle set in one of England's most romantic 'picturesque' style gardens.
