Shopping in the Pantiles - photo by David Hodgkinson Shopping at the Pantiles - photo by David Hodgkinson Market day at The Pantiles - photo by David Hodgkinson Market day at The Pantiles - photo by David Hodgkinson Shopping in The Pantiles - photo by David Hodgkinson Shopping in The Pantiles - photo by David Hodgkinson Market day at The Pantiles - photo by David Hodgkinson Market day at The Pantiles - photo by David Hodgkinson

As a Finalist in the Great British High Street Awards 2016 and 2018, this is not an undercover mall full of well known chains.

This is an exceptionally classy boutique filled al fresco destination linked to the old High Street via cute cobbled Chapel Place.

Since the early days when the town first developed as a popular Spa town, Royal Tunbridge Wells has been providing retail therapy to visitors ever since.

The unique area which eventually became known as the Pantiles (due to the name of the tiles on the ground) quickly established itself as the centre of commerce and leisure.

Shopping as it used to be

The original shops housed a mixture of trades and professions including: the apothecary, barber, shoemaker, upholsterer, ladies tailor and a printer who produced some of the early tourist guides to Tunbridge Wells.

As well as selling essential everyday items such as bread, poultry, fish and groceries the shops also catered to a growing demand for luxury items that would appeal to tourists such as Tunbridge Ware.

Plenty of choice on the Pantiles

Today the Pantiles continues to provide a delightful variety of independent specialist shops, family owned businesses, art galleries and bi-monthly farmers and crafts markets offering a fabulous choice.

Whether you are looking for that exclusive piece of art, some exquisite bespoke jewellery, a designer wedding dress, a doggie daysuit or kitsch kitchenware, you are bound to find something to tempt you, whatever your budget.

Fine furniture and carpets including oriental rugs provide the discerning interior decorator with a chic selection of inspiration.

It’s a pretty place for some retail therapy at anytime of the year without being overwhelming or exhausting. Personal customer service is second nature in individually owned boutiques in the well preserved Georgian promenade.

Have your cake and eat it!

The Pantiles caters for revolutionaries and royalists alike. You can be sure no-one will take offence at eating cake (or any baked goods!) in Royal Tunbridge Wells. In fact one might say it is positively compulsory with all the options of purchasing cake, or other refreshments.

Have a sit down and regroup for a short while so your shopping feet can be refreshed and you can take some time to revive. A glass of bubbly might go down well with some and this is easily found in the attractive bars here.

The nearest Parking is in the Linden Park Road car park behind the Corn Exchange. For more information about directions see our page of Maps.

External links

The Pantiles

Highlights