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The Spa Valley Railway train rushing through the Kent countryside

Hop on Board!

Spa Valley Railway takes you on a picturesque railway journey through part of Kent and Sussex with plenty of things to do at destinations along the way.

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Brunch

Brunch

Tunbridge Wells is growing as a food destination: choose from a classic English breakfast with a twist, bottomless brunch, or even vegetarian/vegan options; we have something to please everyone’s tastes and cravings.

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Events

What’s on

From annual foodie and music festivals, to theatre, drama, family events and workshops. Find the perfect event for you.

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Brochures

Weddings

Get married in Tunbridge Wells like true royalty or in perfect simplicity. With an array of Stately Homes and beautiful countryside, we have some of the best venues in Kent to tie the knot.

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Our Blog

is written by local residents who give you the inside information on the best places to go in the borough.

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TOWNS & VILLAGES

Benenden see more Benenden If you’re looking for a beautiful small rural Kent village with a village green, overlooked by a majestic medieval church, then you must visit Benenden.

Nestled between Sandhurst and Cranbrook, the village is in the heart of the rural Garden of England and an experience to be enjoyed at leisure. Brenchley see more All Saints church, Brenchley - photo by David Hodgkinson Brenchley A popular village for commuters even almost 200 years ago!

The Flower of Kent was the name of the London-bound stagecoach that galloped back and forth from Brenchley, three times a week in 1823. Cranbrook see more Cranbrook Windmill & shopping high street - photo by Dave Hodgkinson Cranbrook, Capital of the Weald Cranbrook is a pretty settlement with a medieval layout of streets and alleys. Many buildings date from the 15th century through to the 19th century.

With famous attractions nearby, plenty of accommodation and events running throughout the year, Cranbrook in the Weald of Kent is the ideal destination for both a short break or long vacation. Goudhurst see more Goudhurst Duck Pond - photo by David Hodgkinson Goudhurst Goudhurst is a delight with its village high street tumbling down the steep hill from the church to the village pond. This winding hill played host (or is that havoc?!) to the Tour de France in 2007.

The village and, in particular the historic 14th century tower at St Mary’s Church, commands wonderful views over the Kent countryside. Hawkhurst see more The pretty colonnaded shops in Hawkhurst - photo by David Hodgkinson Hawkhurst This historic and infamous village is situated within the Kentish High Weald near the border of East Sussex.

Hawkhurst is really two villages in one – the tranquil settlement in the oldest part known as The Moor, and a pretty shopping area complete with hanging baskets and a covered walkway at Highgate. Horsmonden see more The Heath, Horsmonden - photo by David Hodgkinson Horsmonden The name of this pretty agricultural village means ‘horsemen’s woodland pasture’.

For such a tiny village in the middle of one of the most rural parts of the Weald of Kent, Horsmonden has a huge history. Lamberhurst see more A rambler's view in the lovely Weald village of Lamberhurst - photo by David Hodgkinson Lamberhurst The famous Lamberhurst Gloucester ironworks, named after Queen Anne’s shortlived son, was amongst the last in Kent to produce iron.

In the main street is a portion of the early railings of St Paul’s Cathedral, made in the village in 1710 and returned to the village in 1976. Matfield see more A ramble and picnic at Matfield Green - photo by by David Hodgkinson Matfield Near to Royal Tunbridge Wells, it is definitely a contender for the quaintest English village with chocolate-box village green, cricket pitch, and endearing duck pond encircled by graceful Georgian houses.

Siegfried Sassoon, the famous World War I poet, was born and grew up in Matfield. Paddock Wood see more Typical Oast House Roofs - photo by Mike Bartlett Paddock Wood The small town of Paddock Wood grew up around the railway in 1842 which provided access for local fruit growers and hop farmers to London and the coast.

Hop pickers used to come on their annual summer ‘holiday’ to this area and spent the summer in the surrounding fields. Rusthall see more Rustic Rusthall! - photo by David Hodgkinson Rusthall A lovely little haven one mile west of the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells and Tunbridge Wells Common, Rusthall is hidden among the trees and surrounded by rocky sandstone outcrops complete with some lively village shops.

A village with two centres, one developed around Toad Rock in the 1800s, the Victorian era, as a summer holiday resort. Sandhurst see more Sandhurst village green & clock tower - photo by David Hodgkinson Sandhurst With very early military credentials going back to 1066, Sandhurst in Kent is only a 30 minute scenic drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells, and a marvellous stop off between coast and town.

A charming white clapboard rural Wealden village and home to the 2014 Kent Tea Shop of the Year. Sissinghurst see more Welcome to Sissinghurst village - photo by David Hodgkinson Sissinghurst The little village of Sissinghurst in Kent is most well known for the famous gardens in the ‘Castle’, and is surrounded by woodland in the far east of the region of Tunbridge Wells.

For horticultural hobbyists and garden groupies it is a stalwart on the garden tours of the Garden of England! Southborough see more Enjoy Southbourgh Common - photo by David Hodgkinson Southborough Today this busy town has many quieter areas to offer the visitor, especially if you are looking for strolling and dining options just on the doorstep of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Since 1639, the Cavaliers have stayed at Southborough lodgings in order to partake of the waters at the Chalybeate Spring!
 Speldhurst see more St Mary's church, Speldhurst - photo by David Hodgkinson Speldhurst Only 5 km from Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent, much of Speldhurst dates from the 19th century and is another fine example of our quaint Wealden villages.

Original birth place of the Speldhurst Sausage, these delicious little lovelies are now made in nearby Eridge. The Pantiles see more The Pantiles - photo by David Hodgkinson The Pantiles The chance discovery in 1606 of a Spring with distinctive reddish tinted mineral deposits led to the development of the Pantiles and later on, Royal Tunbridge Wells.

The practice of drinking from natural springs for health reasons dates back to Roman times.

HIGHLIGHTS

from our featured listings
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The Opera House

Pub/Inn
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Penshurst Place and Gardens

Historic Site/Structure
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Scotney Castle

Historic Site/Structure
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Hononton Cottage

Bed & Breakfast
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Zagatos

Restaurant
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Dunorlan Park

Garden/Environmental Attraction
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Assembly Hall Theatre

Entertainment/Music
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Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel

Hotel
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Flying Horse Cottage

Self Catering
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The Vineyard Pub

Pub/Inn
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Countrybike

Sightseeing & Transport
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Pashley Manor Gardens

Garden/Environmental Attraction
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Sissinghurst Castle Gardens

Garden/Environmental Attraction
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Spa Valley Railway

Sightseeing & Transport
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Applebloom Bed and Breakfast

Bed & Breakfast
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The Ivy

Restaurant
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Chalybeate Spring

Museum/Heritage/Visitor Centre
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Hole Park Gardens

Garden/Environmental Attraction
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Bewl Water

Adventure/Activity
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Salomons Estate

Museum/Heritage/Visitor Centre
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Cranbrook Museum

Museum/Heritage/Visitor Centre
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Go Ape Bedgebury

Adventure/Activity
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The Poet at Matfield

Pub/Inn
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Calverley Grounds

Garden/Environmental Attraction
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The Amelia Scott

Museum/Heritage/Visitor Centre