Experience Great Hospitality

Royal Tunbridge Wells is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Garden of England, full of natural beauty, rich heritage and welcoming hospitality. From luxurious and cosy boutique hotels to quirky tea rooms and delightful restaurants, the town offers a memorable experience for those seeking exceptional quality. You will find a warm welcome in Royal Tunbridge Wells, where attentive service, comfortable accommodation, and delicious local cuisine awaits you

Immerse yourself in the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea at one of Royal Tunbridge Wells’ many tea rooms. Indulge in a selection of freshly brewed teas, accompanied by sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of mouth-watering pastries. Juliet’s is a must visit for its freshly baked pastries and cakes, as well as its unique crockery. Ruby’s offers a delicious vegan alternative to a traditional afternoon tea. One Brasserie, in the historic Chapel Place serves a traditional afternoon tea and there are many more delicious options on the Pantiles. The town’s tea rooms are inviting and cosy places, where you can relax, while enjoying friendly service and soaking in the town’s atmosphere.

Royal Tunbridge Wells is a culinary haven, with a wide range of restaurants and eateries that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From fine dining establishments to vibrant international cuisines and traditional British pubs, immerse yourself in a gastronomic journey, where talented chefs create dishes using locally sourced ingredients, resulting in flavours that capture the best of the Garden of England.

Thackeray’s, named after author William Makepeace Thackeray, offers a relaxed fine dining. The chefs apply a modern twist on classic European dishes in a venue which is more than 300 years old and is a virtual work of art itself. Odd angles, sloped ceilings and off-kilter stairways make it feel like something from a fantasy world. Sankey’s, on Mount Ephraim or at the Old Fish Market in the Pantiles are both a must-visit to savour the best of British seafood. The Warren, prides itself in serving fresh and locally sourced produce within an elegant setting.

Get some recommendations from local foodie experts: Dilan and Bella share their favourites for an international foodie experience in Tunbridge Wells and Eat like a Local, share their top tips for a sustainable foodie’s weekend in Tunbridge Wells.

No visit to Royal Tunbridge Wells would be complete without experiencing the hospitality of our many historic local pubs. These establishments offer a warm and inviting atmosphere, where you can enjoy a pint of locally brewed ale – from Pig and Porter, Fonthill and Cellar Head to name a few – or engage in lively conversations with friendly locals, and perhaps even catch a live music performance. Local favourites for craft beer enthusiasts include: The Sussex Arms, The Ragged Trousers, Fuggles or the recently opened Allkin Tap Room.

According to locals, some of the best Sunday Roasts in Royal Tunbridge Wells are served at the Black Horse in Camden Road, The Guinea, or The White Bear.

On a lovely sunny day, take in the rays at one of our many beer gardens. The Compasses, on the edge of the Grove Park in the heart of the town, has a large area of outdoor seating. The Mount Edgcumbe, on Tunbridge Wells Common, is a great spot to enjoy the sunshine surrounded by the verdant trees and just a short walk across Tunbridge Wells Common and you will find The Beacon with sweeping views over ‘Happy Valley’.

Royal Tunbridge Wells hosts a variety of foodie festivals throughout the year, where hospitality takes center stage. From music festivals, food fairs and markets to cultural celebrations, these events provide an opportunity to experience the town’s warm hospitality. Whether it’s enjoying live performances while sampling local delicacies at Pub in the Park and the Pantiles Food Festival or tasting the best of local gin at the Gin & Jazz Festival and local produce at the regular Pantiles Market, these are a great way to sample what the Garden of England has to offer.

Why not stay the night? Royal Tunbridge Wells boasts quality hotels that cater to a range of preferences. From the budget friendly Premier Inn to a luxury stay at the Spa Hotel, Hotel du Vin or One Warwick Park. Or a cosy boutique hotel such as the Mount Edgcumbe on the Common and the Tunbridge Wells Hotel in the Pantiles, there is an option to suit every visitor’s needs. Stay in stylish rooms adorned with tasteful decor and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. These provide a perfect base for exploring the town’s attractions as well as the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Come and see for yourself and experience the hospitality Royal Tunbridge Wells has to offer. From delightful accommodation and lovely tea rooms to delicious dining options and lively pubs, the town ensures that every aspect of your stay is infused with genuine warmth and attentive service.

Photo credit: Key and Quill

Browse the latest Royal Tunbridge Wells Together BID Town Centre Guide