With some of the best landscapes in the country and a fantastic choice of public footpaths, the best way to see the glorious countryside of Kent and Sussex that surrounds Royal Tunbridge Wells is on foot.
By slowing down and absorbing the scenery around you, you’ll gain a new perspective and see so much more.
Here you can roam for miles or take a gentle stroll; walk with the family or wander freely.
Some of the Best Walks in the Kent Countryside
The marked long distance walking routes around the Tunbridge Wells area are some of the best walks in Kent, an area ideal for walking, rambling, tramping and strolling!
Ashdown Forest
True Pooh fans can enjoy a game of Poohsticks on Pooh Bridge near the village of Hartfield, a short 20-minute drive away.
Nearby, Ashdown Forest is the creative birthplace of Hundred Aker Wood in AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories.
The Forest is a protected reserve made up of 2,500 acres of rare and threatened heath habitat interwoven with small trails and bridleways to enjoy.
The Wealdway
The Wealdway walk runs across the counties of Kent and Sussex across the chalk ridges of the North and South Downs and through the Weald stretching for almost 80 miles (126.8km).
It begins from Old Father Thames, our famous river at Gravesend in North Kent, and wends its way through Royal Tunbridge Wells before finally running out of land at the seaside in Eastbourne, Sussex.
The Sussex Border Path
The Sussex Border Path, as its name suggests, runs along the county borders of Kent, West Sussex and East Sussex, over the South Downs towards East Grinstead, passing south of Royal Tunbridge Wells to Bewl Water and Hawkhurst and then finishing on the coast in Rye.
The 150 mile walk meanders through unblemished countryside and quaint villages with inviting and friendly pubs offering good traditional food and beer.
The Tunbridge Wells Circular
Distance: 27 ½ miles
This whopping marathon-length walk passes through some of the most picturesque parts of the borough. Take on the challenge of this walk as a whole, or split it into four shorter walks ranging from 8 to 15 miles. Highlights include passing through Barnett Wood’s Nature Reserve, Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons, High Rocks and Speldhurst village. If you’re looking to take in all of the beauty of Tunbridge Wells on foot, this might just be the perfect plan.
Goudhurst
Distance: 10 miles Duration: 5 hours
Starting in one of Kent’s most picturesque towns, Cranbrook, and passing through the chocolate-box village of Goudhurst, this countryside walk is one of the borough’s best. Heading through orchards, fields and woods and with plenty of opportunity for refreshments, stop off at the Star and Eagle Inn or The Goudhurst Inn. If you’re looking to take in the High Weald landscape, this is the perfect way.
Scotney Castle Circular, Lamberhurst
Distance: 4 miles Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
Scotney Castle is one of the jewels in Tunbridge Wells’ crown – a beautiful mediaeval castle and Victorian manor house with sprawling grounds and beautifully-maintained gardens. This short 4 mile walk starts and finishes in the nearby village, Lamberhurst. It takes you directly through the fields of Scotney Castle grounds and National Trust members can extend the walk with a visit to the beautiful property.
For refreshments, the Vineyard pub is the perfect place to recoup after your walk.
Paddock Wood
Distance: 5 miles Duration: 2 and half hours
A rural walk with plenty of plant and wildlife spotting opportunities. Leave the bustle of Paddock Wood behind and head into the woodland where in spring the floors are abundant with bluebells, blossom on the orchard trees and orchids. Come autumn you’ll spot fruits on the trees and patchwork fields. The circular walk can be extended by heading into nearby Matfield.
Cranbrook & Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens
Distance: 3 miles Duration: 2 hours
A short walk that couples the charming town of Cranbrook with Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. The route takes you along the High Weald Landscape Trail and features rolling countryside views. Taking only two hours, it leaves plenty of time for a spot of lunch and exploration of this National Trust property. And Cranbrook isn’t short of places to eat from tea rooms to cafes and restaurants.
Horsmonden
Distance: 5 miles Duration: 2 and half hours
Views of the High Weald are in abundance on this walk. Passing through an important fruit-growing area of orchards and well-worked fields, this is Wealden countryside at its best. Starting, and finishing, in Horsmonden you can pair this walk with a trip to the Gun and Spitroast pub or head to the village store (once voted Best Village Shop by the Telegraph) for hot drinks and pastries to accompany you on your amble.
Matfield & Brenchley
Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Matfield was named a ‘must-see’ village in 2024 by Kent Live and its not hard to see why. With a village green, duck pond and pretty rows of Georgian houses, the term ‘chocolate-box village’ springs to mind. This series of walks is ideal to accompany a pub lunch in either The Star at Matfield or The Bull at Brenchley. Choose from four two hour walks or a shorter 30 minute amble and take in these two beautiful neighbouring villages.
Miles without stiles
Our easily accessible, miles without stiles walks are perfect for everyone. From parkland to woodland walks, see our favourite stile-free walks:
Some of the Best National Trails in the UK
If you are a keen hiker who loves a challenge the National Trails of the North Downs Way and South Downs Way are within easy reach.
You only need to walk a section of these trails to make a wonderful day out in the countryside.
Alternatively, stay longer, walk further and really explore. The trails link to an extensive rights of way network across Kent and Sussex.
Pickup a map - Tourist Information Points
The Amelia Scott
Mount Pleasant Road
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1AW
Leaflets & customer service
Royal Victoria Place
Shopping Centre
Customer Service Centre
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2SS
Leaflets & customer service
Pantiles Corn Exchange
(closed Mondays)
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN2 5TE
Leaflets only
