Tunbridge Wells is nestled in the Kentish countryside, beneath its tranquil exterior lies a vibrant and diverse cultural scene that adds depth and character to the community. Let’s delve into the multifaceted cultural aspects that make Tunbridge Wells a truly unique place.
Culture, customs, traditions and all the arts have been an integral part of Tunbridge Wellian life since the town’s birth.
Home to a wealth of creative talent, Tunbridge Wells has one of the largest populations of creative professionals in Kent. Inspiration abounds from the local heritage and natural environment.
Many might think of shopping and café culture when thinking of Tunbridge Wells and, whilst there are fantastic cafés and boutiques here in Tunbridge Wells, it’s not all about coffee (well, maybe just a little bit!).
History of culture in Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge ware is one famous example of locally made art. It is a form of marquetry and was first created in the 1700s after the Chalybeate Spring was discovered.
Marquetry is a delicately inlaid pattern in wood as a form of art to decorate objects such as tables, jewellery boxes, pill boxes and so on. This was the first souvenir as Royal Tunbridge Wells became a popular resort town and attracted the likes of Beau Nash, leader in Fashion and self-appointed Master of Ceremonies.
Culture in Tunbridge Wells – “…it’s a place of innovation, of change. Some of the big firsts happened here in terms of photography, science, politics, particularly around women’s suffrage, all here in Tunbridge Wells. It attracts innovators ..”
Links to English Literature
Jane Austen was a fan of Tunbridge ware owning a few pieces herself. Her brother Henry Austen is buried in Woodbury Park Cemetery in a quiet place on the outskirts of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, and friends, were known to ‘explorate’ Ashdown Forest, only 30 minutes away by horseless carriage. It is a little known fact that Pooh came to church in Royal Tunbridge Wells too.
The famous authors, E M Forster and Thackeray both lived in Royal Tunbridge Wells for a time. One of the best restaurants in town is in the house where Thackeray used stay.
Thackeray is famous for writing , the book without a hero. Edward Morgan Forster is famous for writing Howard’s End, A Room With A View and A Passage to India amongst others.
Siegfried Sassoon lived in the little village of Brenchley, riding in the Wealden hills and woods and playing cricket on the village cricket pitch. Sassoon is famous for his moving world war poetry.
Find out more with a private guided tour of Royal Tunbridge Wells or from the self-guided Heritage Walking Trail.
Inspiring carpets of countryside
Indoors and outdoors, there is always something to enrich your visit right here in the Garden of England.
Charles Tattershall Dodd I is one such well known artist who lived and painted the Tunbridge Wells area throughout his life. The Cranbrook Colony was a group of artists who settled in the pretty town of Cranbrook, Kent from 1854 onwards, and painted scenes of everyday life. Their themes, of everyday life that they saw around them in the rural area, including typically scenes of domestic life, childhood, family, work, religion, old age and death. A gallery is dedicated to these artists in the Cranbrook Museum one of which is believed to have been painted in that same room! (pictured)
There is an active visual arts community that often arrange large exhibitions, art trails and other events in the surrounding towns and villages too. For example, Cranbrook has an annual art show in the historic Vestry Hall. The Museum there is worth browsing round to find out more about the rural history and culture of the Weald of Kent.
There are numerous notable art galleries in Royal Tunbridge Wells with a variety of changing exhibitions displaying local Kent and Sussex artists’ work as well as works by international guests.
The award winning parks and open spaces are havens for natural historians and admirers of sculpture – visit Dunorlan Park and Pashley Manor.
Performing Arts & Thriving Events
There are 4 theatres in the borough with lively entertainments programmes throughout the year for adults, families and children.
The Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre combines both visual and performing arts with space for both and right in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Musicals, operas, jazz, rock, comedy, drama, dance, you name it, all come to Tunbridge Wells.
Tunbridge Wells is also known for its music scene, with a plethora of venues hosting live performances. The Forum, a renowned live music venue, showcases a diverse range of artists and genres. The likes of Green Day, Adele and Coldplay have played in this iconic venue. Throughout the year, you can also enjoy local and international acts at the various festivals, such as the Unfest, which celebrates independent and alternative music, and the Jazz on the Pantiles series.
The regions culture is deeply rooted in its strong sense of community. Residents and local organizations actively participate in community events and initiatives. There’s a feeling of togetherness that permeates the town and its various cultural activities. Our annual festivals and live music pages have more information on this including music, the Mela, dance, poetry, art and literature.
Make sure you search our things to do for the latest exciting events. There’s too much to enjoy in a weekend, so make a holiday of it and check out some accommodation!
If you want history, theatre, concerts, music, art and literature, Tunbridge Wells is the right place for you!
