After more casual vibes? There’s The Shuffle House on St John’s Rd with Latin American tapas, Neapolitan Pizza, tasty cocktails (Wham Bam Thank You Mam, is a personal favourite) and you can pre-book shuffle boards upstairs for free. On the topic of pizza, if you can get a table, I’d highly recommend Cantuccio, it’s rustic, very cosy and worth booking way in advance. TN1 Bar & Kitchen is also a good shout with a varied enough menu to please everyone plus live entertainment on the weekends. For some of the best Turkish food around, visit Zorba and for casual Asian dining there’s The Hidden Well which in fact, does have a hidden well inside. 

For your gastropubs, I’d highly recommend the George & Dragon in Speldhurst, The Kentish Hare in Bidborough, The Poet at Matfield, The Chequers in Lamberhurst and The Hare in Langton Green. These all tick the boxes for me because they all have walking routes nearby plus wonderful beer gardens for alfresco dining in the summer and all have gorgeous, cosy interiors with open fireplaces for when the days are getting cold. You cannot go wrong here.

As you continue your walk down the hill (you’re welcome), you’ll find The High Street. A few shops of note are; women’s fashion boutiques, Kitch and bod & ted and luxe lifestyle store, Pink Mary selling an eclectic mix of fashion, homeware, fragrance and jewellery. You can also get your fill from big brands like Anthropologie, Mint Velvet, The White Company, Sweaty Betty and Space NK.

No trip is complete without a browse in Chapel Place, the small traffic-free street in the heart of the town filled with lovely independents from a bookshop to a butcher. The latest addition is Through Your Wardrobe, a curated collection of pre-loved clothing and vintage finds and for the green-fingered amongst you there’s le petit jardin, supplying stylish gardeners and home-makers with beautiful homeware and decorative items. 

Just a half an hour drive away, you could find yourself in Cranbrook, known as the Capital of the Weald. It’s a pretty adorable high-street with rows of white weather-boarded houses, a wide range of shops to browse and of course, the famous windmill. For homeware, there’s gift shop Blighty’s, luxury fragrances at Oast & Rye and beautiful houseplants from social enterprise The Glasshouse (I should know, I have one myself). For fashion, head to filled-to-the-brim emporium Maisie K Boutique and rustic chic heaven, Duck & Dog – I was just about ready to move in!

If you love a cocktail or two, you’ve come to the right place as Tunbridge Wells is filled with buzzy bars. For swishy gold and dusky pink interiors, head to cocktail bar Charlotte’s on The Pantiles serving premium cocktails and organic wines with a range of light bites should you get hungry. A few doors away is Lemons Bar, where my favourite is The Dody, a white chocolate espresso martini, named after their beloved cat that is no longer with us. 

The Glasshouse bar is also pretty serious when it comes to cocktails with a range of crafted signature cocktails. Sip on rustic stools against their big windows with mighty views over the town & Common. The weekends are really where it’s at with DJ nights til 1am even Sunday Sessions are a thing with beer pong and a DJ from 7pm until late. 

If you’re looking for a more paired-back vibe, here’s the lovely pubs you should visit next. For more nightlife inspiration, click here to read How to Spend Your Hen Do in Tunbridge Wells.

Or start at Toad Rock (the famous rock that – you’ve guessed it – looks like a toad) in Rusthall and walk to Happy Valley for the most stunning far-reaching views over the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, that’s made accessible from Langton Road via the stone ‘101 steps’. Take in the famous sandstone rocks that were first used thousands of years ago. Find the Rusthall Common Walking Trail here to plot your visit. Continue to drink in the views from the stunning venue that is The Beacon. Open all day for coffee, brunch, lunch or dinner and cocktails. 

Not forgetting the many stately homes and castles you can find in the area, from Penshurst Place as previously mentioned but also Scotney Castle (the 14th century moated castle and victorian country mansion) just outside the lovely village of Lamberhurst and Hever Castle (childhood home of Anne Boleyn) in nearby Hever. Between them they have acres of glorious grounds to roam in and some of the most beautiful gardens, award-winning even! They have a year-round calendar of events so make sure to check out their websites before you visit. 

Don’t forget your cowboy boots because the UK’s only Americana festival, Black Deer, is returning to Eridge Park in Tunbridge Wells this June. If you’ve never been (why not?) it’s 3-days of festival fun with some of the biggest names across country and Americana and 2024 will see Grammy award-winning Sheryl Crow as headliner. You’ll soon forget you’re in Tunbridge Wells as you become fully immersed in the Americana culture with street food, pop-up shops, vintage vehicles and family-friendly activities to keep you entertained.

Held over the August bank holiday weekend is, Local & Live, a free, four-day festival for music fans of all ages, in Calverley Grounds, showcasing the cream of local talent with food & drink stalls and plenty of good vibes. Just don’t forget your picnic blanket!

For the first time this year, Foodies Festival is coming to Dunorlan Park on Fri 5 – Sun 7 July featuring top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music with headliners such as Peter Andre, Sister Sledge and Symphonic Ibiza. With 3 different themed-theatre tents from Chefs, Drinks and Baking, watch and take part in live demos led by local and industry experts. Or explore the Artisan Market, Street Food stalls and Feasting Tent – I know where I’ll be!

For a stay slap bang in the centre of the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, look no further than Hotel du Vin – if it’s good enough for royalty! The hotel is one of the town’s architectural landmarks, a rather handsome Grade II-listed sandstone mansion. There are 34 uniquely styled rooms and suites with an on-site restaurant because why would you want to leave?

On the topic of location, One Warwick Park Hotel is also a fine choice, a stone’s throw away from Tunbridge Wells Train Station and The Pantiles. Here you’ll find thirty-nine super sleek and modern bedrooms and suites. There’s also The Brasserie and a plush art-deco inspired bar all on site. Happy Hour here we come!

When it comes to a stylish stay, The Beacon is right up there. On the outskirts of town in Rusthall down Tea Garden Lane (how cute!), there’s 6 brand new luxuriously elegant bedrooms. I’ve seen them, they are stunning. Think super king sized beds and free-standing bath tubs with glorious views over Happy Valley. Heaven.