
Cranbrook Museum
by Chris Shoebridge
Museums in Tunbridge Wells
Find out how this beautiful region came to be so important to the history of England and Kent. Decimus Barton, Dudley Lord North, Queen Victoria, Sid Vicious and the hop-pickers from East London are all a part of the make up of this pretty part of the Weald.
The Story of Tunbridge Wells
The collections at Tunbridge Wells Museum are going into storage from 30 November 2018 whilst the building undergoes renovation. A few of the installations will be available to view in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre that reveal the history of Tunbridge Wells, including a handful of one of the most impressive collections of Tunbridge ware in the world – locally crafted marquetry first made in the 1700s.
The Salomons Estate near the edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells has a wealth of history about the local well-to-do pioneering Salomons' generations. Visit the Museum in the regal gardens of the Georgian mansion house and feel a part of the 1850s.
Stories from the Weald
The Cranbrook Museum houses a local history collection within a 15th century timber-framed farmhouse bringing to life Victorian Cranbrook, including the trade and industry on which the town was built. There are tranquil gardens and a pond to be enjoyed and family history archives for researchers. Watch their video to get a sneak preview.
The new owers at Finchcocks in Goudhurst have just announced plans to continue the musical legacy, with parts of the house being used to host piano courses for adults of all abilities. There is much to be enjoyed in delightful red-tiled hill village of Goudhurst. Find the pirate’s grave in the hill-top churchyard and climb up the church tower. History oozes out of the buildings, all higgledy-piggledy and crooked!
Further inspiration
Don’t forget to check the What’s On pages and search facility to find out the latest exhibitions and displays at the museums in Tunbridge Wells. To further whet your appetite, there is more to discover on our History pages too.
Our accommodation guide can help you plan your stay for longer so you can fit it all in!
Recommended reading
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Number of items: 47
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Chalybeate Spring
Type
Natural Feature
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Visitors came to see and be seen in fashionable Tunbridge Wells, but above all to 'take the waters'.
Spa Valley Railway
Type
Steam Railway
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Spa Valley Railway takes you on a picturesque railway journey through through the beautiful Wealden countryside from Tunbridge Wells to High Rocks, Groombridge and Eridge
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.
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.
Groombridge Place and The Enchanted Forest
Type
Garden
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Update 18 January 2021 - closed for now until further notice. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells offers a fun day out for all the family with award winning gardens, and the Enchanted Forest, with its giant tree swings and other exciting thrills…The Queen's Hall Theatre
Type
Theatre
Cranbrook
Providing entertainment in the heart of the Kent Weald.
St Thomas a Becket Church, Capel
Type
Church / Chapel
Capel
Twelfth century church with wallpaintings of the same period - the most extensive in West Kent. They depict various biblical scenes including Cain and Abel and The Last Supper.
Bowles Outdoor Centre
Type
Adventure Park / Playground
Eridge Green
A day and residential outdoor centre with accommodation offering rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, canoeing and development courses and fun!
High Rocks
Type
Natural Feature
Tunbridge Wells
Acres of breathtaking sandstone rocks interlinked with bridges provide a scenic walk in a tranquil woodland setting.
St. Mary's Church Goudhurst
Type
Church / Chapel
Cranbrook
The church on the hill above the village.
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.
Kino Cinema Hawkhurst
Type
Cinema
Hawkhurst
Kino is the UK's first purely digital cinema with the full HD experience.
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.
Putlands Sports & Leisure Centre
Type
Sports Ground
Paddock Wood, Tonbridge
Purpose built centre provides sports hall, fitness studio, meeting rooms, outdoor tennis courts, football and rugby pitches.
Dunorlan Park
Type
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Royal Tunbridge Wells
A glorious local awarding winning park and testament to the Victorian landscaping era. Boating lake and cafe.
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.
Grosvenor and Hilbert Park
Type
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Grosvenor and Hilbert is the town's oldest public park and still contains some original historic features, such as the lake and grottoes or 'dripping wells'. There is an exciting and challenging play area which is well worth a visit.