Tunbridge Wells Town Tour App

Now that we are able to get out and about again, we are delighted to present the free app ‘Tales of Tunbridge Wells’ featuring a 90 minute audio trail of the Royal Town. 

Just don’t forget your headphones, remember to stay aware and observe social distancing when following the trail.  Even better, why not take an early morning stroll, or enjoy it at dusk, when the Town can be appreciated at its most peaceful…

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Trail

The Town trail is the first app-led walking tour uncovering the history and heritage of Royal Tunbridge Wells. 

The trail focuses on the celebrated town, from the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring in 1606 to the thriving, culturally rich spa 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.

You will be taken on a self-led journey through 30 key locations in the town, which lasts about an hour and a half.  An on-screen map offers you a suggested route, although the GPS triggered audio and images can be enjoyed in any order. Alternatively, you can enjoy the content from the comfort of your own home.

Walking Tour Highlights

• 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
• Tucked behind the bustling and polite High Street, the landlord of the Grove Tavern gives you a flavour of the spirited underbelly of this “Royal” town, which has also played host to scoundrels, chancers and even ghosts! Beer historian, Jeremy Kimmel, sets the scene with a look at the importance of the hops industry in and around Tunbridge Wells.
• Step into one of the town’s most architecturally noted churches, now Trinity Theatre, as it’s Community and Visual Arts Manager, and a local historian and member of the Civic Society explain its architectural and cultural importance to the town.
• At 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 on the app, which is the first of its kind for Royal Tunbridge Wells. 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. 

This project has been realised through collaboration between The Amelia and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Economic Development Team, and is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and Kent County Council.

The trail is now available to download for free from the app stores for both Apple and Android devices.

We hope you enjoy it!