Planning a wedding? Congratulations! Brides-to-be share this with your bride tribe and allow the preparation of the Hen Do of your dreams – in good old Sunny Tunny of course – begin. Whether you’re a bride who wants to be pampered and float on cloud nine or the bride who wants to go all out with bars and a boogie for your last rodeo, you’ll find it in Tunbridge Wells.
Be Pampered
If a spa trip is on the cards, there’s a few options within the borough that’ll provide the perfect R&R before the big day.
For rustic wellness at its best, check out Kingdom, set in a magical 13-acre woodland in the historic village of Penshurst. Tucked away within the trees you’ll find The Forest Spa with a wood-fired sauna, cold plunge barrel and hot tub. Book it out exclusively for 1.5 hours for a group of up to 10 friends so you can unplug and enjoy the whole space to yourselves. After experiencing the fire and ice, take it in turns to enjoy a holistic massage at The Holistic Hut. Or you could go for a walk or just sit in the striking wood and glass structure of the cafe with its breathtaking views and enjoy coffee, cake, brunch or lunch.
If you’re looking for a more traditional spa experience (day passes are for mid-week bookings only), head to The Spa Hotel, the country mansion is perfectly located within the town with 70 rooms, ample parking, a small indoor swimming pool, gym, steam room and sauna. The spa also offers a range of heavenly ESPA face and body treatments. Why not finish with an Afternoon Tea in The Orangery Restaurant?
Or maybe an afternoon chatting in the salon is calling? Grab the girls and head to Nails & Cocktails on Camden Road, where you can sip on cocktails whilst enjoying your treatment. Or there’s TN Beauty & Nails nestled on Chapel Place which is such a gorgeous salon and as luck would have it, there’s a Gin Bar only a few doors down.
Enjoy Nature
Royal Tunbridge Wells lies within an unspoilt National Landscape and with rolling hills, ancient woodlands and even a National Pinetum, it’d be silly to not enjoy some time in nature. This is the perfect opportunity to break the ice and create deeper, more meaningful bonds within your Hen Party.
Reconnect with mother nature and try Forest Bathing with Tansy in the Wild. If you haven’t heard of this latest wellbeing trend, forest bathing is an ancient Japanese process of relaxation, it’s simply the method of being calm and quiet amongst trees. Recent scientific results showed that 2 hours of mindful exploration in a forest could reduce blood pressure, lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improve concentration and memory. So step into the forest and immerse yourself in nature for deep relaxation with a fab guide who’ll show you the way. A Mindful Walk experience can be booked for groups up to 8 people.
Take a minute to pause and breathe with Healing Through Horses, founder Kerry, based in Goudhurst, is an Equine Facilitated Practitioner supporting children and adults with personal development to healing trauma. Equine Therapy is a mental health service with a difference, connecting with horses and nature calms anxiety and soothes the mind. Enjoy mindful walking and gentle breathing exercises with your horse and see just how amazing and how in tune horses are with our emotions and vulnerabilities, I bet you’ll surprise yourself. Go on book a private group session.
Get up close and personal with owls and hawks with these Bird of Prey experiences with Sky Birds of Prey based in Southborough. Experiences from 2 hours long, ideal for any animal lover.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is an award-winning visitor attraction with miles of trails for cycling, mountain-biking, walking and running plus it’s a seriously gorgeous setting for a Yoga class. Join qualified Yoga and Mindfulness teacher, Lisa Whitehouse, amongst the 12,000 trees and improve your overall wellbeing, develop your flexibility and strength whilst reducing stress. Namaste indeed.
Learn Something New
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck into something new with Cookery Classes at Ashdown Manna, a small and independent cookery school, on the edge of the beautiful Ashdown Forest. There’s over 30 different courses to choose from; bread making, patisserie, macaroons masterclass, sushi, street food and artisan pizza. Yum.
Anything is possible at Arty Farty Retreat, the creative space in Southborough and the person celebrating always goes free so it’s a fab deal for your Hen Do. Have cheeky fun with a Life Drawing session where a model will be provided or design and glaze your own plate or mug with pottery painting. Book a 2 hour workshop for up to 15 people.
I think you’ll agree with me that Water Lane in Hawkhurst is simply stunning. This Victorian walled garden with restaurant and shop (plus there’s a food market every Saturday) as well as a whole range of exciting workshops and events throughout the year, is definitely one to visit. Take the girls and book one of their many activities from modern calligraphy, punch needle embroidery, floral painting, flower pressing and much more.
I would also highly recommend booking a Terrapy session with the wonderful Seb, he runs his workshops all over Tunbridge Wells or book a private workshop for groups of up to 30 people. Terrapy introduces you to the wonderful world of terrariums, their history, how they work and get to take home your very own beautiful bioactive terrarium, yours to keep forever and take pride of place in your home. The perfect mindful activity to do with your closest friends. Plus all Terrapy sessions are carbon negative and 10% of annual profits are donated to charities and organisations fighting climate change and social equality so you can feel good whilst doing good.
If flowers are more your thing, head to hidden gem, The Cove on Tunbridge Wells’ High St with their gorgeous range of Fresh Flower Workshops. Book a Fresh Hand-Tied Flowers, Dried Flower Wreaths or a Fresh Flower Basket Arrangement session.
For the sweet tooths, head to Temper Temper for delicious chocolate making, based in their kitchen in Southborough. Spend over 2 hours making a variety of goodies from moulded figures, lollipops, florentines, bowls and truffles. Snacks and drinks are included for up to 8 people.
Get the party started at One Warwick Park with a fun cocktail making class. Shake and stir with their skilled mixologist for 2 hours and enjoy up to 3 yummy cocktails in your own private space. It’s slap bang in the middle of town so it makes for a great location to stumble to (or from!).
Experience Adventure
If your hens love catching a thrill, head to Bedgebury near Goudhurst, to try the exhilarating Mountain Bike Tours with challenging climbs, tricky descents and large rocks or experience the high heights of the tree tops at Go Ape tree-top Adventure.
Take to the water with Giant Group Paddle Board or hire canoes or SUP’s at Bewl Water near Lamberhurst. Or get locked in and work together in an escape room at Clue Cracker Games on St John’s Road in Royal Tunbridge Wells – can you make it out in 60 minutes?
Or if you’re really up for something different, get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping with a Skydive – you daredevils! Experience the feeling of freefall and jump out of an aeroplane 10,000 ft high with GoSkydive in Headcorn. Tempted?
Foodie Discoveries
We are in the Garden of England after all and surrounded by some of the world’s leading vineyards and wineries. So wine-lovers, take a private group tour with Wine Tours of Kent who’ll show you the way (via your own private minibus of course) throughout the beautiful countryside where you can explore up to 3 vineyards with wine tastings and lunch.
If beer is more your go-to, Cellar Head has monthly brewing tours, every first Saturday of the month so you’ll have to check your diaries, lasting 1-1.5 hours, be introduced to the brewing process and have a taste of a variety of beers.
All aboard the Gin train! Experience gin like you’ve never experienced it before with Spa Valley Railway on a steam locomotive. Oh yeah. Sit in the heritage 1960s carriages, depart from Tunbridge Wells West station for a return trip to Eridge. Along the way try 3 different Gins from Anno Distillery, based locally in Marden plus canapés.
For a foodie experience you definitely won’t forget anytime soon, Afternoon Tea with Alpacas – yes it’s possible! – from May to mid October at Bewl Rookery. On arrival, meet the adorable alpacas, feed them their favourite carrot treats and take photos. Then sit in the garden marquee overlooking the paddock and enjoy a delicious, traditional Afternoon Tea. Maximum booking of 12 people. Or book it out exclusively as a private party.
Bottomless brunch is also a fabulous option, get The Manor House on your radar or click here to see the best of brunch in Tunbridge Wells.
Or if going for dinner is more your idea of fun, book the very sophisticated Chef’s Table at Tallow in Southborough. This is a fully immersive and intimate dining experience where you can enjoy a seven-course tasting menu that’s cooked entirely in front of you. Watch while the Chef prepares your menu for the evening, talks through the ingredients and techniques before you eat. Seats up to 8 people max.
Nightlife
Because no Hen Do is complete without a cocktail or two, Tunbridge Wells is filled with buzzy bars and a few hot spots to boogie. Here’s where to go…
For the most gorgeous girlie dusky pink and gold interiors, head to cocktail bar Charlotte’s in The Pantiles – it doesn’t get better than this! Serving fancy cocktails and organic wines with a range of light bites.
Lemons Bar is only a short stumble away with an impressive craft cocktail menu with live entertainment most weekends plus charcuterie and cheese sharing boards should you get peckish. They also have a private-hire area downstairs called ‘The Snug’ with its own private bar and bartender.
The Glasshouse is also pretty serious when it comes to cocktails with a range of crafted signature cocktails but 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 til late.
For more of a paired-back, pub vibe, named as Tunbridge Wells’ friendliest local is Tiger Tavern along St John’s Road with cocktails, beers and wines, open til 11pm on weekends.
You cannot visit Tunbridge Wells without experiencing Jazz on The Pantiles, this summer highlight runs from May – September, every single Thursday along the gorgeous Georgian colonnade. See some of the best live music on the Band Stand along with food and drink from some of the Pantiles’ finest eateries. Book your table way in advance.
If you’re looking for somewhere to let your hair down, head to nightclub The Manor House in the heart of the town centre with DJs and a very lively atmosphere til the early hours. I particularly love the sound of £2 Taco Tuesdays.
The Forum has monthly Boogie Nights that always sell out. Spinning deep disco, bumping house tunes on vinyl and all your favourite classics paired with a fully licensed bar and immaculate vibes – this is a recipe for a fab night out.
Throughout summer, you’ll find the Old Auction House on The Pantiles also has a whole host of hot events from DJ nights, quiz nights and live music nights. Check out the Visit Tunbridge Wells events calendar or their IG for updates.
Your local guide
Mollie Manning
Travel & Lifestyle Content Creator
Mollie Manning is a travel and lifestyle writer, content creator and blogger based in Tunbridge Wells. She writes articles, features and reviews for Muddy Stilettos Kent and Visit Tunbridge Wells, sharing the best things to do and revealing hidden gems all across the county of Kent. As a professional photographer, she’s lucky to get to meet and work with a wide range of businesses and business owners and loves to champion local talent. When she’s not taking photos or writing, find Mollie eating brunch with friends or walking her dog in the countryside.
