The Commons are the great treasure of the Tunbridge Wells area. Large green oases in the urban environment, free to visit and great natural playgrounds!
Tunbridge Wells Common.
Located in the heart of the town, Tunbridge Wells Common is a much-loved natural green space providing opportunities for walks, play, picnics, ball games, fitness training, horse riding, rock scrambling or just taking in the views or cricket games from one of the many benches.
The Commons are managed by the Commons Conservators to protect and enhance the wide varieties of habitat types, providing happy homes for a whole range of plants and animals. Visitors to the Commons might be lucky enough to spot roe deer, grass snakes, solitary bees and wasps, coralroot bittercress or common spotted orchids, to name but a few. With every change of the season the Commons reveals more variety and interest, so that no two visits will ever be the same.
This handy map (pdf) suggests a number of walking trails and clearly illustrates the paths and tracks, if you prefer to explore and create your own route. Perhaps you want to clamber over rocks, catch a game of cricket, investigate the inhabitants of the ponds, or maybe a woodland walk is what you fancy, just pop on your boots and get exploring.
Nestled within Tunbridge Wells Common, you will also find a quintessential British pub, The Mount Edgecumbe, where you can savour some delicious dishes by the fireplace in winter and enjoy their terrace surrounded by verdant trees in summer.
Rusthall Common.
Rusthall Common is a delight to visit with varied woodland, meadows, striking rocks and various ponds. It has something for everyone to enjoy, from adrenaline seeking rock climbers to visitors looking for a peaceful spot to stop, reflect and take time to think.
Famous for its sandstone outcrops, produced by wind and water erosion during the Ice Age, Rusthall Common has been gifted many interesting and intriguing rock formations. Many of these sandstone rock outcrops were lovingly named by the Victorians as Elephant, Toad Rock, Cheesewring, Parson’s Nose, Loaf and Ship amongst others and are designated by Natural England as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Rusthall Common can also boast having one of the best views in Tunbridge Wells, at Happy Valley, across to St Mark’s and Broadwater, you can’t fail to be impressed on a clear day. The bench at the viewpoint is definitely one of the most popular across the Commons. Use this handy map (pdf) to explore and find all of the hidden gems of Rusthall Common, once you’ve found them, we guarantee they will become part of your favourite walks.
Also overlooking Happy Valley, is boutique hotel and restaurant, The Beacon. Serving local produce in a beautiful setting and views, The Beacon comes highly recommended by local residents.
Southborough Common.
Documented from the 13th century, this is a lovely common and woodland area of 75 acres. Take in the fresh country air and enjoy the old and young broadleaf trees on a ramble.
The views are so good Henry Moore had to paint them so come and see for yourself.
Afterwards find refreshment at one of the cafés or pubs in Southborough nearby.
