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Enjoy Southbourgh Common
by David Hodgkinson
Southborough
Curious about the outskirts of the Royal town?
Today this busy town has many quieter areas to offer the visitor, especially if you are looking for strolling and dining options just on the doorstep of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Since 1639, the Cavaliers have stayed at Southborough lodgings in order to partake of the waters at the Chalybeate Spring!
Vibrant History of Southborough
Southborough, just a 10 minute bus journey north of Royal Tunbridge Wells, is also known as the home to two men named David Salomons. One the famous human rights campaigner, the other his nephew, an inventor of international standing.
Their home, Salomons, is now a large hotel and conference venue within an estate encompassing a small museum containing memorabilia of both men and open to the public.
Here you can wander round the gardens, dine at the Bistro and even stay over in luxurious style.
Imbibe tea, coffee or juice at one of the local cafés, grab a picnic from the local bakery and go off on your wanders round the verdant Common.
This is not just any old Common but 75 acres of greenery and woodland to appreciate!
Other walks in this area include the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk which can be started here in Southborough or enjoyed as the shorter Southborough Circular Walk (13.3km).
Take in ancient parkland and old industrial heritage sites en route.
Traditional English community vibe!
Southborough Common has been home to the beautiful game and cricket ground for more than 200 years.
Cricket is in the blood here, as you might expect.
But did you know Southborough used to manufacture cricket balls from the mid-1800s until the late 1970s?
You can watch the cricket on a summer’s day from one of the historic pubs across the way.
There are at least 16 pubs and restaurants in the area ranging from gastro-style to good old fashioned pub grub and even one with a cave inside the building!
The community run Little Play café on London Road is very family friendly with a play area for the little ones, particularly useful on a rainy day!
So much to savour
Pennington Grounds is another good little find, just off London Road and Pennington Road.
It has two hard tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, climbing net, outdoor table tennis, crazy golf, and an enclosed playground.
The free car park is nearby.
So take a look at your options including accommodation and dining choices in the search widget to the right, and see what takes your fancy.
External links
Information on Pennington Grounds from Southborough Town Council and map of Pennington Grounds’ location.
Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk – Southborough Circular courtesy of Explore Kent.
Tags: Southborough, Southborough Town, Southborough Town Kent
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Royal Victoria Place
Royal Tunbridge Wells
West Kent’s largest shopping centre, Royal Victoria Place is located at the heart of the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, and dog friendly too! Quiet Shopping Time on Tuesdays.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Take your choice from Afternoon Tea, Sunday Lunch, Dine Alfresco or Bistro dining at its heart warming, mouth-watering best!
Type
Restaurant
Salomons Bistro
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Popular Bistro, where you can enjoy superb food in an elegant setting.
Type
Restaurant
Fenwick Terrace Restaurant
Royal Tunbridge Wells
The Terrace is a walk-in restaurant serving classic and contemporary dishes throughout the day featuring specially sourced local ingredients from the “Garden of England”.
Type
Restaurant
Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk
Type
Waymarked Trail
Tunbridge Wells
The Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk is a 27.5 mile (44.3km) route that explores the wide variety of fertile and beautiful countryside around Royal Tunbridge Wells, a town within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the borders of Kent and East Sussex.
Chalybeate Spring
Type
Spa
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Visitors came to see and be seen in fashionable Tunbridge Wells, but above all to 'take the waters'.
The Spa Hotel & Zagatos Restaurant
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Cuisine is classically based modern British, complemented by an extensive and carefully selected wine list.
Type
Restaurant
Marks & Spencer Food & Home
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Usual high quality food, ready meals, produce, cards, wrap, beauty, a bakery (oh! the smell of fresh bread!), furniture and furnishings.
Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Royal Tunbridge Wells
A great local resource for those interested in health and fitness, with most facilities available on a pay and play basis.
Salomons Estate
Type
Museum
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Salomons Estate – Kent’s undiscovered gem
Constructed by Decimus Burton for Sir David Salomon, it was the first house in Britain to use domestic electricity.
Zizzi Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Zizzi Tunbridge Wells is 2 minutes walk from the train station and stone's throw from the historic Pantiles. It is set in a listed building with stunning wood burning oven making a meal here the perfect complement to a sightseeing or shopping visit
Type
Restaurant
St. Mary's Church Speldhurst
Type
Church / Chapel
Tunbridge Wells
We welcome visitors to our beautiful church.
Parish Church of King Charles The Martyr
Type
Church / Chapel
Royal Tunbridge Wells
The first permanent building in Tunbridge Wells. Stunning plasterwork ceiling by Sir Christopher Wren's Chief Plasterer.
Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre
Type
Theatre
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Located in a converted Grade A listed church by the noted architect Decimus Burton, Trinity Theatre hosts a varied programme of art exhibitions, theatre, films, dance, opera and music productions.
The Forum
Type
Event Venue
Royal Tunbridge Wells
From spring water dispensary to nationally acclaimed live music venue in Royal Tunbridge Wells!
