If you have a burning question, our list of frequently asked questions should help you plan a smooth trip.

The Pantiles in summer

Tunbridge Wells is known for its historic spa town, heritage, historic houses, and gardens. The Pantiles, in particular, is famous for its Georgian architecture and charming atmosphere.

There are several tourist information points in the Tunbridge Wells area. The face to face service is held at The Amelia Scott and Customer Service in Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre.

Maps & Guides.

You can download a free town and borough map here and walking trail maps are downloadable from our walking page.

Download our Visit Tunbridge Wells miniguide (pdf) or pick up a copy from our tourist information points in Royal Tunbridge Wells. We are no longer able to send tourism leaflets by post.

We strive to be a destination accessible for all. Check out our  Tunbridge Wells Accessibility page for information regarding your visit, or be inspired by Accessible Places to Stay or Accessible Things to Do.

There are several public toilets around the Borough that are open to the public. In the Town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, you can find public toilets at The Amelia Scott building, Royal Victoria Place and Calverley Grounds, for example. Here is some information about Changing Places toilets in Tunbridge Wells.

To see the different options in more detail, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council offers a Public Toilets page with more information and a map of the borough.

Exploring Tunbridge Wells.

There are several special offers on things to do and food and drink in Tunbridge Wells.

There are tours available, including private walking tours in Royal Tunbridge Wells and self-guided trails across the borough.

Absolutely! Tunbridge Wells is family-friendly and offers activities for all ages, including playgrounds, family-friendly restaurants, and outdoor spaces.

Yes, you can use Royal Tunbridge Wells as a base to explore nearby towns and attractions, including historic castles, gardens, and other picturesque places in Kent and Sussex.

Plan your trip by browsing our things to do and getting here and around section.

There is no specific dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the town or parks extensively.

Tunbridge Wells is a dog paradise with large green open spaces and countryside footpaths. Some parks are dog-friendly, but it’s best to check the specific rules for each park or attraction. Most places require dogs to be on a leash. Plan your trip and find out more information about dog friendly accommodation, attractions and restaurants here.

Travel & getting around the area.

We have included information on where to find bus and train routes, park and ride, taxis and chauffeurs on our getting here and around page.

Tunbridge Wells is easily accessible by train from London and other major cities. You can also reach it by car via the M25/A21 motorway or by bus.

Some car rental agencies accept foreign driver’s licenses, but it’s recommended to check with the specific rental company in advance. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may also be required.

If you plan to explore the rural areas, wear appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities. Be prepared for changeable weather conditions. There are numerous public footpaths (public rights of way) and some may pass through fields of animals with gates, please ensure you close these behind you. If you are using public transport to a rural are, please keep note of taxi service numbers in case you find yourself unable to return for any reasons.

Parking.

There are quite a few car parks within the town centre, both long and short-stay, as well as on-street parking in certain areas. You can find out more about car parks across the borough here.

Coaches may park for free at London Road Bus Stand.

London Road Bus Stand
Junction of Church Road and London Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 1DY

Open 24 hours.

Things to do.

Visit our What’s on page for current events taking place across the borough.

Check out our Top 10+ Free Things To Do in Royal Tunbridge Wells  article for some great ideas as a starting point.

Make sure you follow our Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter) accounts for lots of up-to-date information about what’s going on in the town.

The Amelia Scott is a great first stop once you arrive in the town to find out more about the history of the area and how Tunbridge Wells became ‘Royal’, as well as picking up maps, guides and getting advice on where to go next.

With so much to see and do in Royal Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area, you can easily spend several days here. If you have limited time, popular attractions include The Amelia Scott, The Pantiles, The Chalybeate Spring, The Spa Valley Railway (explore the station and view the heritage trains if your time is limited and you can’t go on a ride).

The Tunbridge Wells Common and Calverley Grounds offer informal & formal green spaces in the town centre that are both beautiful.

Grab a bite to eat or drink at one of our many café and pubs across the Pantiles, Chapel Place and the Old High Street.

Or you might like to consider booking a private walking tour or listen to our free self-guided audio trail.

For other ideas please see the Top 10+ free things to do in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

The Chalybeate Spring is situated in the Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells. You can now purchase the Royal TW Waters which come from the source of the spring and are rich in minerals.

Some popular attractions include The Pantiles, Dunorlan Park, Scotney Castle, Sissinghurst Gardens, Hever Castle, Penshurst Place and The Chalybeate Spring. Royal Tunbridge Wells also offers great shopping and dining options. Browse our things to do pages for further inspiration.

Yes, Tunbridge Wells is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and there are several walking and hiking trails to explore, including the Tunbridge Wells Circular, High Weald Landscape Trail and Bewl Water Country Park. Visit our walking page for more information and maps.

Currency & money.

Euro exchange is located in Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre. In addition, the Post Office, Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury’s will all exchange currency.

The currency used in Tunbridge Wells, as in the rest of the United Kingdom, is the British Pound Sterling (£).

Sainsbury’s in Linden Park Road & at The Great Hall (opposite the station) as well as Loyds Bank, NatWest and Metro Bank on Mount Pleasant Road and Santander and the Post Office located on Grosvenor Road are all official UK banks with ATM’s.

Visiting Tunbridge Wells / the UK for the first time.

The weather varies, but it typically has mild summers and cool winters. Be prepared for occasional rain, so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat. Read our Best Time of year to visit article for inspiration.

Most international mobile phones will work in Tunbridge Wells, but check with your mobile provider about international roaming rates. You can also consider purchasing a local SIM card for the duration of your stay. Sim cards can be purchased upon arrival at the airport or from one of our local network provider stores (e.g Vodafone, EE mobile and O2).

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Check with the UK government or your nearest British embassy or consulate for visa information.

Tunbridge Wells operates in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone during the winter months and British Summer Time (BST) during the summer when the clocks are set one hour ahead.

Tunbridge Wells follows British customs and etiquette. Common courtesy, politeness, and queuing (standing in line) are highly valued. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for certain services.

There are no specific vaccinations required for visiting the UK. However, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Visit the UK Government website for the latest information.

The UK uses Type G electrical outlets with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. You may need a plug adapter and, in some cases, a voltage converter for your electronic devices. Adaptors can be purchased at the airport and in an electronic store.

You can use your mobile phone, social media, and messaging apps to stay in touch. Free Wi-Fi is available in some public places and accommodation.

Yes, tap water in Tunbridge Wells is safe to drink.

Shopping.

Most shops and cafes close at 5pm in Tunbridge Wells. Royal Victoria Place Shopping centre closes at 6pm during week days. Shops and cafés are mostly open on Sundays but some may close on Mondays. Please check the specific business website before making travel arrangements.

The TNcard offers discounts across a range of businesses in Royal Tunbridge Wells, surrounding villages as well as Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. The card can be purchased via the TNCard app or online where you can get a physical card delivered (UK delivery).

Tunbridge Wells offers a variety of souvenirs that captures the essence of Royal Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages. Why not go souvenir hunting around the area?

Eat & drink.

Tunbridge Wells is a foodie destination and offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional British pubs to international cuisine. The Pantiles and High Street are popular areas for dining out in Royal Tunbridge Wells. You will also find many dining options in the surrounding towns and villages. Explore our Eat & Drink section for more inspiration.

The emergency phone number for police, fire, and medical assistance in the UK is 999 or 112.

Where to stay.

You can find a range of accommodation in Tunbridge Wells, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Browse our accommodation section to find the best option for you.

Wi-Fi.

There are computers and internet access for free at The Amelia Scott.

Most cafes, restaurants, and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi (Royal Victoria Place, The Amelia Scott and The Pantiles), but it’s a good idea to have a mobile data plan or a portable Wi-Fi device for convenience.

Emergency number.

The emergency phone number for police, fire, and medical assistance in the UK is 999 or 112.

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