Exploring the Best Pub Walks in Tunbridge Wells
In the mood to pull on your wellies and set off with a family on a refreshing walk, ideally ending up at a cosy, country pub? Tunbridge Wells is filled with scenic trails, historic woodlands, picturesque villages and charming countryside to explore and an even greater number of welcoming pubs to relax in afterward. These pub walks are perfect for a Sunday outing, especially when the promise of hearty roast can entice even the most reluctant of walkers. Here are some of the best pub walks in and around Tunbridge Wells.
1.The Vineyard Pub
Distance: 4 miles
Nestled in the heart of the Kent countryside, The Vineyard in Lamberhurst is the perfect starting point for a range of walks offered. One popular route takes you through the grounds of Scotney Castle on a circular walk leading back to the pub. After your walk, reward yourself with a visit to The Vineyard restaurant and pub. The glorious garden is a picture-perfect spot to enjoy alfreso drinking and dining. There’s also an outdoor play area so the whole family will love this.
2. The Red Lion and The Beacon
Distance: 0.3 – 1.5 miles
For those who prefer an easy, stile-free walk, the Rusthall Common Stile-Free Trail is a great option especially for the little ones. This scenic route takes you through Rusthall Common, offering a tranquil escape from the bustle of Tunbridge Wells. The Beacon, perched on the edge of the common, is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with panoramic views. Or if you want to extend your walk, head to the nearby Red Lion pub, another gem offering some of the best Thai food with a welcoming atmosphere complete with an outdoor play area.
3. The Tunbridge Wells Circular with multiple pub stops
Distance: 27 miles
The Tunbridge Wells Circular offers the opportunity to explore the town and its surrounding countryside over a huge area of 44.3km, providing a real challenge for those who want to spend several days exploring. Alternatively, it can be tackled in smaller portions for more of a leisurely walk with plenty of pub stops along the way. Start in Rusthall, where you can visit the George and Dragon in nearby Speldhurst and The Hare in Langton Green. If you’re up for a longer walk, head to High Rocks and visit the historic High Rocks Inn, or continue on to Groombridge to the Crown Inn. For a unique end to your adventure, hop on the Spa Valley Railway and enjoy a scenic ride back to Royal Tunbridge Wells.
4. The John Brunt Pub, Paddock Wood
Distance: 5 miles
For a more challenging walk of 8.53 km with 4 stiles, this walk from The John Brunt Pub in Paddock Wood will take you through peaceful orchards and farmlands with so much beauty to spot in every season. In Spring, the woodland floor is coated in bluebells with blossom in the orchard trees. In Autumn, you’ll find fruits on the trees and crunchy leaves in the woods and in winter, frosty branches and ice covering the rooftops of the oast houses. After your countryside stomp, finish at The John Brunt and relax with a great selection of beer, cider, wine and cocktails and a menu bursting with traditional pub classics, delicious desserts and an array of kids dishes. Their fantastic beer garden also offers a dog-friendly retreat come rain or shine.
5. The George Hotel, Cranbrook
Distance: 3 miles
Start in the beautiful town of Cranbrook and enjoy a drink or bite to eat at The George Hotel, a historic pub and hotel set in the heart of the tranquil town. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the nearby countryside that takes you into the neighbouring village, Sissinghurst. Take a pit stop at The Milk House or continue the trail back through the rural landscape and back into Cranbrook.
7. The Star, Matfield
Distance: 5 miles
Make Matfield the start of your walk and enjoy something to eat at The Star before or after your countryside amble. This walk takes approximately two hours and includes multiple stiles to navigate. There are various routes you can take that also head towards neighbouring Brenchley.
8. The Halfway House
Brenchley, with its rolling hills and stunning views, is another great destination for pub walks. The Halfway House offers a well-mapped route for walkers, combining beautiful countryside with the promise of a welcoming pub at the end. Pop in on a winter weekend for a delicious Sunday roast in front of the log fire or come on a sunny afternoon and enjoy the spacious family garden complete with a garden bar. The nearby The Star Inn and Poet at Matfield pubs are also excellent options for extending your walk and enjoying some local hospitality.
10. The Black Horse, Pembury
Distance: 13 miles
Looking to take on a longer walk? Pembury is the perfect place to pick up The Tunbridge Wells Circular. With stunning views across the local landscape, and heading into the beautiful area of Tudeley Woods, we can’t think of a better place to pick for a ramble. Enjoy a cosy meal at The Black Horse which sits in the centre of Pembury.
11. Gun & Spitroast Inn, Horsmonden
Distance: 5 miles
The Gun & Spitroast Inn in Horsmonden is not just a charming 16th-century pub but also the perfect starting point for a circular walk through one of Kent’s most historically significant villages. Once the most important gun manufacturing site in Britain during the 17th century, Horsmonden is now known for its lush orchards and hop production. This scenic walk offers stunning views of the High Weald, the Greensand Ridge, and the river valleys of Teise and Medway. After your walk, relax with traditional pub fare in the oak-beamed inn, or unwind in the garden.
