Family Friendly Attractions in Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area has plenty of things to do to keep children and teenagers entertained with great value attractions, adventure play areas, fun with arts and crafts, soft play and activities in abundance.

Top 6 Family Friendly Attractions Around Tunbridge Wells

1. Journey back in time to enjoy a nostalgic trip on a steam train on the Spa Valley Railway travelling through the beautiful Kent and Sussex countryside. There is a programme of special events for the family throughout the year.
2. Penshurst Place, one of our sensational historic houses in the country, runs a family friendly calendar of events and onsite attractions include the famous Maize Maze – yes, a maze made up of a maize crop – A-maze-ing!
3. There is ample to do at Bedgebury Forest and Pinetum with the tree top zip-wire adventure ‘Go Ape’ and the Gruffalo Trail. There are challenging climbing and play areas (even the adults have been known to try them out) to find on your walk. Alternatively, zip round the Forest on a bike; cycle hire is available for all the family.
4. Let their imaginations run wild at Groombridge Place in the Enchanted Forest. Discover the Dark Walk, the Giant Swings. Don't miss the tree houses and the rope bridges of Crusoe's World.
5. For the adventurous, Bowles Outdoor Centre offers courses in Rock Climbing, Canoeing and Skiing on the dry ski slope.
6. And we can’t leave out Ashdown Forest, the home of Winnie the Pooh. Aside from playing Poohsticks, search out Piglet’s house.

Cheapest Things To Do With Kids Around Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells Sports Centres are friendly places to visit for the whole family too with a range of activities to suit all ages and abilities.

For more outdoor excitement, try exploring Wellington Rocks on the Common, the country park at Bewl Water near Lamberhurst, and Dunorlan Park where you can give the pedalos a go, not to mention Calverley Grounds, a pretty park in the town centre. 

The Grove has a play park for the youngest and is in the olde worlde back streets of Tunbridge Wells.

Go to Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, the longest serving public park in Tunbridge Wells, with a skateboard or ball and enjoy some precious family time with a picnic outdoors.  Also take a look at the intriguingly named ‘dripping wells’!

The Hop Farm Family Park near Paddock Wood has numerous activities to try out such as quad-biking, hoverboards and laser quest. 

How to Entertain the Family in Tunbridge Wells on a Rainy Day

The Museums in the borough are always a good option for families on a dismal rain day. 

Find out about the way Royal Tunbridge Wells was discovered and the famous people that came and stayed; why it was such a rich area even out in the most rural of areas like Horsmonden and Cranbrook (site of a famous windmill).

Learn about the smugglers’ battle, Goudhurst v. Hawkhurst, and how the heritage is remembered today.

There are several activity centres to choose from. Indoor and outdoor fun at MinorMania will keep the little ones occupied whatever the weather whilst free Wi-Fi keeps the older ones amused.

For the creative, visit Glazy Daisy craft studio where you can have a go at jewellery making, pottery, painting or make your own teddy bear. At Slap 'n' Dash pottery at Hawkhurst Fish Farm, children of all ages are welcome too. Perhaps a bit of fishing on the side if the waterproofs are handy?

Waterstones bookshop in the town centre often has book readings and special character visits especially for the young and young at heart! 

Finally, of course we have theatres and cinemas with cafés to ramp up the relaxation factor. Check our rainy day page for more.

Family Friendly Basics in Tunbridge Wells

The Russell Hotel and the Royal Wells Hotel are both welcoming hotels to stay in Tunbridge Wells.

Manor Court Farm for camping or bed and breakfast on a smallholding with a few farm pets is very friendly and jolly.

Plenty of restaurants in and around the area are very family friendly, from tea shops to noodles to Italian cuisine. Widen the young ones' horizons and make Tunbridge Wells an adventure they'll never forget.

Woods restaurant in The Pantiles often has school holiday events for the little ones and Trinity Theatre has technical workshops for teenagers.

For more inspiration don't forget to visit our What's On, Activities and Explore pages.  The Seven Wonders of the Weald discount pass will keep the costs down for a family holiday too.