Make the most of the warm summer months and Kentish countryside in Tunbridge Wells. Visit our many historic houses and gardens and discover why we are called the ‘Garden of England’.
![Bedgebury Gruffalo trail Bedgebury Gruffalo trail](https://visittunbridgewells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bedgebury-Gruffalo-Trail-1024x682.jpg)
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is an idyllic place for a picnic, as well as for exploring the lovely trails on foot or by bike. Covering 10.5 square kilometres, the forest provides ample opportunities to explore, allowing you to bring your four-legged companion along for the adventure. Explore our dog friendly guide for even more inspiration!
The big outdoor playground is a popular visit for the little ones and the café serves some very tasty refreshments. There is a bike hiring facility. But watch out for the Gruffalo, he may be about! And not forgetting the adventurous Go Ape zone – a great way to whizz through the trees!
Bedgebury is also a popular mountain bike destination where miles of dirt tracks await you!
Bewl Water is the largest area of inland water in the South East, and offers a variety of exciting water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing and paddleboarding. The Aqua Park and Laser Tag are available all year round, but you can also find seasonal activities such as Kayak Fishing and camping.
Some walking and cycle trails at Bewl Water can be more challenging. The circular reservoir walk can take up to 6 hours, although there are many captivating viewpoints with benches to rest, take in the views, have a picnic, or watch the wildlife.
Laid back options are there to enjoy too. Admire the beautiful lake, sunbathe on the lawns, hire a boat to go fishing, enjoy a cup of tea and cake from the café, or take a short stroll over the dam to the other side of the reservoir.
![Bewl-Water-Paddle-Boarding](https://visittunbridgewells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bewl-Water-Paddle-Boarding-1024x682.jpg)
Outdoor experiences.
Adrenaline-fuelled activities such as rock climbing, bird of prey encounters, hot air balloon rides or sky diving are also available in the region.
The Spa Valley Railway steam and diesel engines chug gently through the Kent countryside. With a destination at every station, you are bound to have a day full of fun! Start your journey at Tunbridge Wells West near the Pantiles and hop on board for an exciting ride. On some days you can get off at High Rocks, enjoy a drink or lunch at the restaurant, and visit the National Ancient monument. Meander through the impressive high rocks and learn more about this scientific wonder. Just over the border from Kent into Sussex you can get off at the final stop, Eridge, a small village, and hop on back to Tunbridge Wells for a stroll around the Pantiles.
View our events calendar to stay up to date with special events on the Spa Valley Railway!
![The Spa Valley Railway The Spa Valley Railway steam train at Groombridge station](https://visittunbridgewells.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/The-Spa-Valley-Railway-v1kcby.tmp_.jpg)
Respect, Protect, Enjoy
For those days when you really want to stay out in the big, wide outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Tunbridge Wells.
Tunbridge Wells is the perfect destination for fresh air and exercise, with 69% of the Borough designated as a designated National Landscape!
From self-guided heritage trails, to accessible paths, toddler walks, to rambles and hikes, to Stone Age rock sites, woods, forest bathing, and on to the Tunbridge Wells Circular. We have it all! It’s hard to work out what to do next.
Remember your countryside code, and please respect the this beautiful area and its wildlife – leave nothing but your footprints (and only on the paths!).