Explore and enjoy the diversity of shopping in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
From the Victorian feel of Tunbridge Wells High Street to the famous Georgian Pantiles or well-known brands in our department store and shopping centre, delight in strolling round some high-quality boutiques and take a break in the friendly local cafés in between!
The Old High Street & Chapel Place.
Full of character, the old High Street and Chapel Place have a wonderful range of small, independent shops many still retaining their original Victorian frontages, selling exquisite goods from designer clothes and home furnishings to fine jewellery and gifts.
Even the paving is full of character with old stepped walkways down to the road and iron railings in some parts that hint at times of horse-drawn vehicles.
You can stroll down the hill from the railway station and browse around 50 colourful and friendly boutiques.
Some intriguing names.
There’s a cute little children’s shop, a very browsable card shop and several galleries to feed the soul too.
The only royal warranted shop in the Royal town resides in the High Street. G Collins & Sons is well worth peering in at the sparkling jewels. It is kept company by no less than three other fine jewellers in the street.
Little offshoot roads with storybook names such as Castle Street, White Bear Passage, Frog Lane and Little Mount Sion, invite you to take the time to explore the nooks and crannies before moving on to Chapel Place.
Chapel Place looks quaint and pretty, and has some really unique shops to linger over. The delicatessen and butchers are a ‘must-peek’! The interiors, garden and bookshops are beautiful mainstays of this area too.
Carry on down the crooked little alley-way (with well worn steps) round the back of the church of King Charles the Martyr and you will reach the start of the famous Pantiles.
The Pantiles.
As a Finalist in the Great British High Street Awards 2016 and 2018, this is not an undercover mall full of well known chains.
This is an exceptionally classy boutique filled al fresco destination linked to the old High Street via cute cobbled Chapel Place.
Since the early days when the town first developed as a popular Spa town, Royal Tunbridge Wells has been providing retail therapy to visitors ever since. The unique area which eventually became known as The Pantiles (due to the name of the tiles on the ground) quickly established itself as the centre of commerce and leisure.
Shopping as it used to be.
The original shops housed a mixture of trades and professions including: the apothecary, barber, shoemaker, upholsterer, ladies tailor and a printer who produced some of the early tourist guides to Royal Tunbridge Wells.
As well as selling essential everyday items such as bread, poultry, fish and groceries the shops also catered to a growing demand for luxury items that would appeal to tourists such as Tunbridge Ware.
Plenty of choice on The Pantiles.
Whether you are looking for that exclusive piece of art, some exquisite bespoke jewellery, a designer wedding dress, a doggie daysuit or kitchenware, you are bound to find something to tempt you, whatever your budget. Fine furniture and carpets including oriental rugs provide the discerning interior decorator with a chic selection of inspiration.
It’s a pretty place for some retail therapy at any time of the year without being overwhelming or exhausting. Personal customer service is second nature in individually owned boutiques in the well-preserved Georgian promenade.
Shopping centre & department store.
Discover designer fashion for men and women, pamper yourself with top-tier beauty brands, and spruce up your home with stylish furnishings. Enjoy a light bite at the cafe or treat yourself to a salon session, all under one elegant roof. Immerse yourself in a world of luxury and style right in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Royal Victoria Place
Affectionately known as RVP, it is an award-winning shopping centre with over 50 well-known High Street brand names all under one roof. The main entrance is situated overlooking Fiveways near the Millennium Clock at the ‘top’ of the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Once you are in the centre you will be mesmerised by the fragrant soap shop, the flowers, the cafés and the fresh pretzels! Small businesses also sell their wares at little stalls, like flowers, jewellery and scarves.
Where to shop independent in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Royal Tunbridge Wells has an abundance of independent businesses. All have a unique offering and run by passionate businesses owners. As well as in the old Highstreet, Chapel Place and Pantiles, you will find some hidden gems on Monson Road with Jeremy’s Home Store and Glass by Claudia. On Mount Ephraim offers a delightful viewpoint of the town where you will find Zaven’s, a coffee shop, florist and small antiques seller! Do not miss the quirky Camden Road, in the modern part of town. Here you will find an eclectic mix of shops from Even Flow’s Vinyl’s Shop to the Dance Boutique, there are some delicious cafes and restaurants as well.
© Spa Hotel
Have your cake and eat it!
The town caters for revolutionaries and royalists alike. You can be sure no-one will take offence at eating cake (or any baked goods!) in Royal Tunbridge Wells. In fact, one might say it is positively compulsory with all the options of purchasing cake, or other refreshments.
Have a sit down and regroup for a short while so your shopping feet can be refreshed and you can take some time to revive. A glass of bubbly might go down well with some and this is easily found in the attractive bars here.
