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Tunbridge Wells Town Tour
You may not be able to visit us right now, so we’re sending some of Tunbridge Wells to you!
To celebrate the impending release of a free audio walking trail app ‘Tales of Tunbridge Wells’, excerpts of this fascinating exploration of the town are now available as a series of virtual mini tours.
The Town Trail
These first tracks, twelve in total, will be individually released weekly from April 27th 2020 and form part of the more extensive Town trail, which will be the first in a series of audio walking tours uncovering the history and heritage of Royal Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area.
From the comfort of your own home, these soundbites and picture galleries will give you a glimpse of this infamous and unique town. Follow the journey from the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring in 1606 to the flourishing, culturally rich town that exists today.
The contributors range from historians, local business owners, residents, landlords and reverends. Their anecdotes and facts provide a colourful and characterful insight into one of England’s first tourist destinations.
Highlights and Hidden Gems of Tunbridge Wells
- Meet the Dipper who performs the oldest job in Tunbridge Wells, the art of serving the precious waters at the Chalybeate Spring in the Pantiles, as she spins yarns and tells the untold secrets of our noble and Royal visitors from the past…
- Reverend Laurence Powell of King Charles the Martyr offers behind the scenes access at Tunbridge Wells’ oldest permanent structure, as he takes you through the history of the building including the most notable members of its congregation
- At one of the town’s most architecturally noted churches, now Trinity Theatre, the Community and Visual Arts Manager, alongside a local historian and member of the Civic Society explain its architectural and cultural importance to the town.
- At renowned music venue The Forum, formerly housing a forge and then a public convenience, we learn about some of the world famous acts that have performed there and it’s contribution to the thriving music scene in the town today.
This is just a small example of the extensive catalogue of voices which will later appear on the app, which will be the first of its kind for Royal Tunbridge Wells. In the meantime this mini series is a great free thing to do at home during lockdown. Recorded during 2019, this unique offering captures the true essence of this surprising town.
Interwoven through the narrative of individual voices, key themes are explored including architecture, innovation, literature, Royalty and religion.
Safe to do during lockdown!
This project has been realised through collaboration between The Amelia and Visit Tunbridge Wells Tourism Service as well as being supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
The full trail app will be available later in 2020 and downloadable for free from the app stores for both Apple and Android devices.
For now, sit back and relax with the first of our “Postcards from Tunbridge Wells”…
Enjoy!
Number of items:
Number of items: 59
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
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.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Type
Garden
Cranbrook
Famous, stunning gardens set in the remains of a large Elizabethan house amidst the unspoilt Weald countryside.
St. Mary's Church Goudhurst
Type
Church / Chapel
Cranbrook
The church on the hill above the village.
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!
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.
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.
The Forum
Type
Event Venue
Royal Tunbridge Wells
From spring water dispensary to nationally acclaimed live music venue in Royal Tunbridge Wells!
Bewl Water
Type
Lake / Reservoir
Lamberhurst
Set in the heart of the High Weald and surrounded by 800 acres of outstanding natural beauty, Bewl Water is the perfect place to watch the seasons change and to enjoy some healthy family fun for all ages.
Nevill Cricket Ground
Type
Cricket
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Groundsman 01892 530833 Pavillion 01892 520846
Kino Cinema Hawkhurst
Type
Cinema
Hawkhurst
Kino is the UK's first purely digital cinema with the full HD experience.
Weald Sports Centre
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Cranbrook
High quality sporting facilities to include swimming pool, sports hall, fitness studio, exercise studio and creche.
High Rocks
Type
Natural Feature
Tunbridge Wells
Acres of breathtaking sandstone rocks interlinked with bridges provide a scenic walk in a tranquil woodland setting.
Temper Temper The Chocolate Experience
Type
Cookery School
Tunbridge Wells
Have a go at making your own delicious confections!
The Queen's Hall Theatre
Type
Theatre
Cranbrook
Providing entertainment in the heart of the Kent Weald.
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.
Parish Church of King Charles The Martyr
Type
Church / Chapel
Royal Tunbridge Wells
The first permanent building in Tunbridge Wells. Stunning plasterwork ceiling by Sir Christopher Wren's Chief Plasterer.
