Since moving to Tunbridge Wells, lots of friends and family have come to visit! We really enjoy showing them around and sharing some of our favourite places with them.
Since many of our visitors have children now (us included), I have put together a blog post describing an ideal weekend for families coming to Tunbridge Wells. I hope it’s useful!
Family fun in Tunbridge Wells
Day 1 – Morning
Begin your adventure in Lamberhurst with a leisurely stroll through the renowned Scotney Castle. This National Trust property boasts a captivating 14th-century moated castle, surrounded by immaculate gardens and a picturesque landscape. Explore the historic rooms, meander through the enchanting gardens, and absorb the serene ambiance.
Brunch at Bill’s is a great start to the day! Located in central Royal Tunbridge Wells, Bills is relaxed and very welcoming for families, with a brilliant brunch menu.
Whirligig offers traditional and creative toys. It’s a really unique shop and is definitely somewhere I would take the kids for a treat or to buy a special gift.
Kids are bound to enjoy looking in the children’s section at Waterstones, which has a great selection of books from British authors – this is particularly relevant for families visiting from abroad.
Popping in to Jeremy’s Home Stores is a must too! I have bought so many little gifts and accessories for the home in there and my daughter always seems to persuade me to buy her something too – the latest purchase was a magician’s wand!
We all know that children can’t tolerate the shops for long, so why not pop into The Amelia Scott building and take a look at their latest exhibitions, some of the vintage toys or use one of their free family explorer backpacks and take part in one of the trails?
Continue on down through the town to Grove Park where the children can burn some energy at the little playground, while Mum and Dad relax, perhaps with a glass of wine from The Compasses pub? They will give you plastic cups to take out onto the grass if you like. If you fancy a bigger playground, then there is the charming playground in Calverley Grounds which is well worth a visit too.
Eating Out in Tunbridge Wells
Day 1 – Lunch
The Pantiles is an absolute must for anyone visiting Tunbridge Wells – there’s a Food & Craft Market on the first and third weekend of each month for visitors to enjoy too – but if it’s not on, it’s still definitely worth the trip.
If you are feeling peckish grab something from the Food & Craft Market or have some lunch in one of the cafes which has a really tasty children’s menu alongside its regular menu. We also love the Ragged Trousers for its laid back vibe too (either for drinks or they do some tasty food too). If you are still full from brunch, then a trip to Sweet 15 ice-cream parlour is a good option as well!
Explore the Countryside
Day 1 – Afternoon
Continue on to The Spa Valley Railway Station at Tunbridge Wells West and treat your children to a trip through the countryside as far as Eridge Station. There are several places to stop off if you wish, including The High Rocks where you can purchase tickets to visit the rocks themselves, or the gorgeous village of Groombridge where you can stop for a drink at the local pub which has a playground opposite it.
Alternatively, passengers can go directly to Eridge Station and enjoy a pit stop at The Huntsman Pub before boarding another train back to Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Family Dining in Tunbridge Wells
Day 1 – Evening
I find that Italian food generally goes down well with the family, so if you are looking for a family-friendly Italian restaurant in Tunbridge Wells, then Il Vesuvio is the place to go!
This is a family-run restaurant serving authentic Italian food at its restaurant on the eclectic Camden Road. If you are staying self-catering and fancy chilling out, then Cantuccio is a fantastic place to order pizza delivery from.
Family fun in Lamberhurst
Day 2 – Morning
Bewl Water offers lots of outdoor family fun – hire some bikes and cycle around the lake. We visited last summer and it took us several hours to cycle half-way around with one child on the back of my bike and the other in a trailer! It was a super family day out and something I will always remember (despite getting stung by a wasp!).
The lake at Bewl Water is the perfect place to hire a boat for a family adventure too – there are lots of different options to try including pedal boats, rowing boats, Canadian canoes and paddle boards.
There are also mini go-karts, several playgrounds and laser tag. It’s a delightful drive through the countryside to get there if you avoid the A21.
Eating Out in Lamberhurst
Day 2 – Lunch
A good old traditional roast at a family-friendly pub is essential after a busy morning. The Vineyard in Lamberhurst is one of our absolute favourites. It gets busy, so if you’re planning to have Sunday lunch there indoors, do book ahead. Alternatively they have a fantastic outdoor garden with play equipment and bar and grill in the warmer months. They don’t take reservations for this, so you can just turn up on the day and grab a table.
If you fancy heading back towards Royal Tunbridge Wells then The Beacon is a beautiful place to have lunch, near Rusthall. Set on seventeen acres with three beautiful lakes, the outdoor terrace has stunning views over the Kent countryside.
Explore the Countryside
Day 2 – Afternoon
Soak up some culture at the sensational stately home and gardens of Penshurst Place – families can enjoy the gorgeous gardens, do a tour around the house, visit The Toy Museum and wind up in the Adventure Playground, which will keep the kids occupied for ages! There’s also a woodland trail which takes visitors up to the maize maze.
If you think you can eat something more, then enjoy some afternoon tea at the Porcupine Pantry. We had membership to Penshurst Place for the last few years and never get bored of this beautiful place.
Family Dining in Tunbridge Wells
Day 2 – Dinner
Have some Sunday night fun at Hollywood Bowl in Knight’s Park or if you can all agree on a film to watch, then a visit to Odeon Cinema is a good option too. There’s also an arcade in Hollywood Bowl, which my kids seem to be able to spend ages in!
Or if your kids are a bit older, then why not try doing an Escape Room? We recently did one of Clue Cracker’s challenges at The Shuffle House in Tunbridge Wells and it was so much fun! My son is going back there for his birthday…
Where to Stay in Tunbridge Wells
As you can see, this is just a taster for some of the awesome activities to do as a family in and around Tunbridge Wells. If you are planning to visit Tunbridge Wells, or have guests coming to stay, there are some good accommodation options.
Your local guide
Clare Lush Mansell
Founder & Editor
Meet Clare Lush-Mansell, the creative force behind My Tunbridge Wells. Having spent a decade working in PR and communications, Clare founded My Tunbridge Wells in 2015. Clare enjoys sharing her experiences & local life exploring the beauty of Tunbridge Wells and beyond while she navigates parenting three children!
A globetrotter at heart, Clare grew up in Ireland and lived in Australia and Russia before settling in sunny Kent. These experiences have infused her passion for travel, and she also loves meeting new people, singing and her cats.
© Portrait image by Mollie Manning
