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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
Number of items:
Number of items: 80
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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
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.
Pashley Manor Gardens
Type
Garden
Ticehurst, Wadhurst
Pashley is an ideal destination for garden lovers, art and history enthusiasts, keen photographers or those looking for a peaceful and enjoyable day out surrounded by beauty and nature.
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'.
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.
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...
Hawkhurst Fish Farm
Type
Fish Farm
Hawkhurst
Carp fishing for the family with a choice of 7 lakes, cafe and pottery.
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Hollywood Bowl
Type
Bowling
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Bowl on one of the 24 lanes, have a drink from the bar, play at the American Pool Pit, dine out and experience the latest in arcade technology as well as Virtual Reality.
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Temper Temper The Chocolate Experience
Type
Cookery School
Tunbridge Wells
Have a go at making your own delicious confections!
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Bowles Outdoor Centre
Type
Adventure Park / Playground
Eridge Green
A residential outdoor centre with accommodation for 94 offering rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, canoeing and outdoor management development courses.
Biddenden Vineyards
Type
Vineyard
Biddenden
Biddenden Vineyards is the oldest commercial vineyard in Kent, established in 1969. It has grown to 23 acres, producing White, Red, Rosé and Sparkling English Wines. The vinyard is also known for producing cider and pressed juices. <br /><br />The vinyard and shop are open to visitors all year...
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...
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
The Hop Farm Family Park
Type
Adventure Park / Playground
Paddock Wood, Maidstone
The Hop Farm Family Park is Kent’s major visitor attraction and event venue. Open every day of the year and only £3 per person to enter (this includes all day Outdoor Adventure Play, Indoor Soft Play, The Animal farm, Crazy Golf and Free Parking), the Family Park has attractions for all age groups...
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest
Type
Forest
Goudhurst
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is a magnificent place for healthy outdoor activities.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Type
Garden
Cranbrook
Famous, stunning gardens set in the remains of a large Elizabethan house amidst the unspoilt Weald countryside.
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.
Hole Park Gardens
Type
Garden
Rolvenden
15 acres of spectacular gardens and woodlands. Spectacular bluebell wood.
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.
