Tunbridge Wells has a booming shopping scene with plenty of independent stores, perfect for buying trip memories to share with family and friends. Here are a few must-visit shops in our towns & villages for keen souvenir shoppers to explore:
Souvenir Shopping in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Catherine Hills Jewellery
Located in the Lower Pantiles, Catherine Hills Jewellery is the perfect place to find a personal gift for someone (or yourself!). Catherine is an award-winning jewellery designer and all the pieces that are sold in her boutique are hand-crafted in her Atelier. Did you know that Catherine designed bespoke jewellery pieces for the Harry Potter films? Meet Catherine and her dog Rolo to find out more about her work.
Jeremy’s Home Store
Jeremy’s Home Store has been successfully running for over 25 years in Monson Road and it has the largest collection of jelly cat in the UK. This rustic styled store is perfect for finding practical homewares and unusual gift ideas. The diverse gadgets, gizmos and selection of Tunbridge Wells themed gifts, make this store a unique shopping experience.
Retro Stuff
The family run business is a celebration of all things retro. Explore a captivating collection, including 2D and 3D framed prints, art canvases, metal sculptures, figurine and much more. You will find Retro Stuff in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.
Zaven’s of Tunbridge Wells
There are all sorts of treasures to be found at Zaven’s of Tunbridge Wells on Mount Ephraim. From cards and scented candles to carefully curated antique and vintage items, you will find what you are looking for. There is a selection of work by local artists and craftspeople, and you can also order fresh flower arrangements. Treat yourself to fresh coffee and sweet treats while you browse the shop from their cafe.
Glass by Claudia
At Glass by Claudia in Monson Road you will find the work of Claudia Wiegand, artist and owner of her open studio shop. Here you will find pieces of contemporary fused glass including home accessories, centrepieces, wall and 3D artwork as well as handmade ornaments. If you are looking for a unique gift, or for the final touch to your home decoration or you simply admire the art of craftsmanship, Glass by Claudia is the place for you.
Le Petit Jardin
At the end of the hight- street, located at the heart of the historic Chapel Place, le Petit Jardin is a charming shop that specialises in gardening and homeware. They also offer a range of beautiful indoor products such as glassware, candles, blankets, and intricate lighting.
Their suppliers, many of whom they have worked with since the start, are often small, independent businesses throughout the UK and Europe. Le Petit Jardin believe in sourcing good quality, sustainably produced wares, including fair trade.
Luxe Vida
Luxe Vida is a chic boutique located in the High Street. This shop is the perfect spot to get gift inspiration, particularly if you are looking for interior pieces, cards and perfumes. Additionally, Luxe Vida offers a delightful selection of gifts for the little ones, featuring captivating books, stylish fashion pieces, and charming accessories.
Even Flow
Only a 15 minute walk from the town centre on St. John’s Road, this record store/café sells new and second-hand vinyls. At Even Flow you can enjoy a delicious smoothie, eat a delicious breakfast and find that record that you have been searching for years. If you are a music enthusiast or know someone that is, you will find the perfect vinyl to remember your trip to Tunbridge Wells at Even Flow.
The Chalybeate Spring
The natural spring, nestled in the heart of the Pantiles, was discovered when an inquisitive English nobleman, on route to London, chanced upon its mineral-rich waters. In the 18th century, it became a favoured resort destination for high society seeking the spring’s revitalizing properties. Although direct sipping from the spring is no longer available, visitors can still connect with Tunbridge Wells’ history by purchasing bottled Tunbridge Well mineral-rich water connecting the town’s history to present day. Learn more about the town’s history at the Amelia Scott.
The Pantiles Arcade
The Pantiles Arcade was once the bustling Corn Exchange and is now a captivating dynamic space. Within its charming confines, you’ll discover an exquisite array of treasures, from decorative antiques and Art Deco furniture to exquisite Georgian glass and porcelain. Additionally, you will also find Tunbridge Ware, a cherished local tradition in woodwork that traces its roots back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This beautifully crafted wooden boxes were very popular among the aristocratic visitors to the spa town of Tunbridge Wells, who purchased them as souvenirs and gifts. Visit The Pantiles Arcade and bring home a unique piece of history!
Souvenir Shopping in Hawkhurst
Ooh How Lovely
This brightly coloured shop will leave you with your hands full. Ooh How lovely is situated in Hawkhurst and offers a variety of everything. They specialise in soft furnishings, but you can also find all kinds of cards, gifts and home-ware. They are now doing pop- ups so keep an eye on their Instagram account!
Two Chicks Gift Shop
Two Chicks Gift Shop is another great option to visit in Hawkhurst. You will find them under the New Orleans style colonnaded high street. They provide a range of pretty cards, crockery, candles, soft toys and many more gifts for every occasion.
Souvenir Shopping in Cranbrook
Blighty’s
Blighty’s is an independent family-run gift shop that supports British manufacturing, located in the historic village of Cranbrook. They offer a great range of handcrafted tea towels, mugs, baby gifts, glassware, and magnets. They also support Are Proud Just a Card campaign, which is an organisation run by volunteers, to encourage people to shop local & independent.
The Oast and Rye
The Oast and Rye in Cranbrook is a unique shop. It is located in one of the oldest buildings in the village and displays an elegant and rustic ambience. At this store you will find handmade luxury candles with incredible fragrances such as ember and oak or cedar and jasmine. They also offer a wide selection of hand soaps, room sprays and hair products, all vegan friendly and free of parabens. What a brilliant present to buy for a colleague, friend, family member or teacher!
Maisie K. Boutique
Do you enjoy shopping in colour coordinated stores? In this carefully curated fashion boutique you will find the latest fashion trends. Maisie K offers a tasteful range of blazers, jackets, trousers and all kinds of fashion accessories. You can also find luxury home decor, furniture and gifts.
Souvenir Shopping in Paddock Wood
House of Portmeirion
This specialist store is the largest stockist of Portmeirion and Wrendale Designs in the South of England company. Portmeirion Pottery began in 1960 when pottery designer Susan Williams-Ellis (daughter of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who created the Italian-style Portmeirion Village in North Wales) and her husband, took over a small pottery-decorating company and whose designs have become part of the British legacy and culture. At the House of Portmeiron you can find marvellous pieces of porcelain and all kinds of giftware and home designs. Take a splash of British countryside home with you.
National Trust and The Spa Valley railway
National Trust Gift Shop
There are two National trust properties in the Tunbridge Wells borough, Scotney Castle and Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens, both have an array of locally sourced and UK-made products for you to browse. From souvenirs, books and gifts to locally sourced chocolate, honey and gin, and even exclusive National Trust ranges. If you feel inspired after your tour of the world-famous gardens at Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens, you can purchase garden-inspired books and bulbs grown on site in their plant centre.
The Spa Valley Railway Souvenir Shop
The Spa Valley Railway shop is located at Tunbridge Wells West station. This is a great stop for train lovers, as you will find a wide selection of Model Railway products such as Hornby, Bachmann, or Woodland Scenics. They also offer a great display of Spa Valley Railway merchandise including badges, glassware, stationary, books, toys and automobils, DVDs (limited supply) and more!
