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Wellington Rocks
by David Hodgkinson
The Rocks, Tunbridge Wells
If you arrive by train from the London direction, you can see dripping rocks either side of the track just before the tunnel.
Eternally sheltered and damp the conditions are a haven for overhanging ferns.
The unique strata of the terrain makes the ‘Rocks’ in Tunbridge Wells a fascinating draw for visitors to this area and there are several exceptional sandstone outcrops of rock around the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
A visit to these unusual features is highly recommended, along with a picnic!
And, they are not just for looking at. Some can be climbed easily by children and some are quite exciting for the serious rock climber. Bring the dog too.
High Rocks
High Rocks is a Scheduled Ancient Monument because it was once a Neolithic Settlement and an Iron Age Fort.
It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the sandstone formations on these highest bluffs in the Weald.
Wander round and wonder at the giant rocks linked by 11 bridges providing an adventurous walk for visitors.
Ideal for fertile imaginations and getting lost in the realms of fantasy you will be able to explore boulders known as the Devil’s Oak, Giant Toad, the Fairy Glen and Bell Rock.
High Rocks is a challenging site for the experienced rock climber; a high percentage of routes are graded at 5c or higher. Tickets for visiting this site can be obtained from the High Rocks Inn.
You can make an enthralling day of it by catching a Spa Valley steam or vintage diesel train from Tunbridge Wells West Station (just off the A26) and disembark at the High Rocks stop.
High Rocks is only 3 km from Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre so can just as easily be reached by a walk from Tunbridge Wells Common or by following the brown tourist signs on the roads.
Harrison’s Rocks
Harrison’s Rocks are one of the most famous outcrops in the South East of England, to rock climbers at least. They are owned by the British Mountaineering Council.
It is the nearest sandstone climbing site to London, and providentially has a large number of excellent climbs for rock climbers at most grades of difficulty.
Of course you can just take a pleasant amble around and admire these Neolithic creatures along with the surrounding woodland. There is a pay and display car park just next door at Birchden Wood with toilet facilities.
Furthermore, there is a 'turn-up and camp' site here run by the Forestry Commission. No pre-booking is available. The payment is made over the phone at the campsite.
A number of the outcrops can be included in the Sussex Circular walk or the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk. The Walking page has more details.
Toad Rock
This is a remarkable natural sandstone formation, classed as a national monument and looks like a giant toad too!
This feature is a mile west of Royal Tunbridge Wells, at Denny Bottom, near to Rusthall Common and The Toad Rock Retreat pub in the village of Rusthall.
Pay a visit for free and see if you can spot its eponymous qualities.
It is a lovely, and easy, walk to do from The Pantiles to this famous Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or as a circular walk. Speak to the Tourist Information Centre for further details.
Having been in the guidebooks for more than 200 years, make sure you add at least one of these rocky mysteries to your Must See list!
Wellington Rocks
Another spot where you can laze about and revel in a picnic, these are the rocks nearest to the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Situated on Tunbridge Wells Common they are almost in the town and so easily accessible on foot.
They are truly a free and fun filled day out for all and very popular in the summer. Many locals have fond memories of clambering over these rocks in childhood.
Good quality accommodation is nearby and so are some of the best restaurants. Check the map-view tabs above for those closest.
External Links
Forestry Commission
British Mountaineering Council
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Number of items: 88
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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
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.
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.
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'.
Penshurst Place and Gardens
Type
Historic House / Palace
Penshurst
Set in the beautiful Weald of Kent, Penshurst Place & Gardens and the surrounding estate have stood on the banks of the river Medway since the 14th century, when the awe-inspiring medieval Baron’s Hall was built as a country retreat for the Lord Mayor of London, Sir John De Pulteney.
Leeds Castle
Type
Castle / Fort
Leeds, Maidstone
Leeds Castle is one of the most spectacular castles in the UK and your first view of the castle will be one you remember, as it is both classical and spectacular. The castle sits serenely on its island in the middle of the moat, with its crenulations, stone buttresses, bridges and arches. There…
Hever Castle and Gardens
Type
Historic House / Palace
Edenbridge
Childhood home of Anne Boleyn and later of Lord Astor.
Hush Heath Winery
Type
Vineyard
Staplehurst
Hush Heath Estate has been producing England's most exclusive pink fizz, Balfour Brut Rosé, since it's award winning 2004 vintage
Groombridge Place and The Enchanted Forest
Type
Garden
Royal Tunbridge Wells
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 to discover.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Type
Garden
Cranbrook
Famous, stunning gardens set in the remains of a large Elizabethan house amidst the unspoilt Weald countryside.
Hawkhurst Fish Farm
Type
Fish Farm
Hawkhurst
Carp fishing for the family with a choice of 7 lakes, cafe and pottery.
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.
Kent & East Sussex Railway
Type
Steam Railway
Tenterden
A visitor attraction since 1974, the railway offers a selection of on-train catering specials, plus ample free parking at Tenterden and Northiam stations.
Chiddingstone Castle & Grounds
Type
Historic House / Palace
Chiddingstone, Edenbridge
A stunning country house near Edenbridge.One of the Seven Wonders of the Weald 2016
Hole Park Gardens
Type
Garden
Rolvenden
15 acres of spectacular gardens and woodlands. Spectacular bluebell wood.
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…
The Queen's Hall Theatre
Type
Theatre
Cranbrook
Providing entertainment in the heart of the Kent Weald.
Assembly Hall Theatre
Type
Theatre
Royal Tunbridge Wells
The Assembly Hall Theatre is a 1,000 seat theatre offering an eclectic programme with everything from family shows to classical music.
The Forum
Type
Event Venue
Royal Tunbridge Wells
From spring water dispensary to nationally acclaimed live music venue in Royal Tunbridge Wells!
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.
