Your Autumn Break in Tunbridge Wells

Ideas for things to do and days out in Autumn.

When the kids go back to school at the beginning of September, peace reigns in the countryside! Take a moment or two to plan your relaxing break in Kent and get away from it all.

There are so many brilliant things to do across the borough for the autumn season we bet you’re wondering where to start?

So here are 6 themes for what’s going on in the region of Tunbridge Wells during September and October. Such is this cultural oasis, we can only present a tiny seed in the earth here!

In this article:

Autumnal Gardens in the Fall

Call of the Wild – Autumn Walks and Tracks

Celebrate Harvest Time

Culture and Heritage in Tunbridge Wells

If Music be the Food of Life…..look no further!

Villages of Character

Autumnal Gardens in the Fall

Be dazzled by the riot of colour for walks through the breath-taking stately homes and castles at this time of year. The trees are turning from green to glorious yellow, fiery red and burnished gold.

Penshurst Place is a quintessentially stunning English manor home which is as popular with Hollywood film producers as with visitors to the area. Oozing Tudor charm it has been the location for The Other Bolyen Girl, The Princess Bride, Merlin, Wolf Hall and JK Rowling’s The Silkworm.

The foliage in the arboretum is ablaze of colour at Penshurst Place and it is a particularly beautiful time of year for a stroll with or without the family, the dog or friends.

With two free-to-access estate walks, which are open all year round, providing the opportunity to appreciate the natural local Wealden countryside you can catch exciting glimpses of Penshurst Place from all angles.

The Parkland Walk and the Riverside Walk are marked with numbered and colour-coded signs to follow and both can be completed in a day, starting and finishing in the visitor car park. Trail maps can be purchased from the Gift Shop.

Pashley Manor

A ‘must-visit’ is the bright burst of sparky blooms, as summer turns to autumn in the gardens at Pashley Manor. Located on the border of Sussex and Kent, the gardens are ablaze with colour from the thousands of dazzling dahlias, during the Dahlia Days event.

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Hole Park

Hole Park Gardens is a cherished gem of an estate garden in a rural location at the edge of the borough near Rolvenden. Really very beautiful, and after the bluebell season, autumn is a shining beacon in their botanical calendar.The cafe is often staffed by the owner, Edward Barham who provides the archetypal English afternoon tea with homemade scones, jam and cream and that blissfully reviving cup of tea.

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Scotney Castle

Scotney Castle, as a National Trust property, is yet another one of the ultimate places to admire the best of Mother Nature in autumn in the region of Tunbridge Wells. Don’t forget your camera, a truly Instagrammable inspiration! Enjoy walking for free around the Estate and woodland or treat yourself to a castle entrance.

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Call of the Wild – Autumn Walks and Tracks

Now that the summer sun is giving way to a softer glow, saunter out and enjoy the refreshing coolness that is in the air.

There are an incredible number of walks in the area not least the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk! And what a great way to walk off all that food and drink consumed!

Open year round, the 27.5 mile Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk is highly recommended. It rambles through the rolling rural landscape and is one of the best around. It can be done in one go but we suggest enjoying a total digital detox and completing it in stages to partake of refreshments in the local hostelries along the way.

For an easy access walk of 1.5km, visit Birchden Wood near Groombridge.

Alternatively what will you discover on the 16km of the Forest Way? This disused railway line is an important habitat for wildlife as a ‘green corridor’. It’s great for wildlife spotting, some is easy to see and some not so easy!

Ashdown Forest offers the visitor wide open spaces and far-reaching views. There are thirteen walking leaflets ranging from 1km to around 6km in the Forest.

The countryside is waiting to be discovered so don your boots and raincoat and get out there!

Create your own adventure in Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest where there are miles of trails for walkers of all abilities.

The traffic free cycle tracks provide a carefree way to enjoy the beauty of the woods in their spectacular autumn colours.

Cycling is also welcomed at Bewl Water Country Park round the 20 kilometre shore line of the reservoir. But why not try a cycling holiday, there’s no big mountains to climb here!

Another more soothing outdoor activity at this time of year is fishing. See our Fishing page for where to go for the best bites!

Celebrate Harvest Time

One of the top things to do in Tunbridge Wells this season is to eat!! We are well known for our local food, drink and produce as well as top notch eating and drinking venues, so this is the ideal place to celebrate all things edible.

The end of summer spells harvest time and amongst other events, we have The Pantiles Market every other weekend in the Royal town centre. Not only is there a dizzying multitude of different foods to try, bites to sample, meal ideas, dining out ideas, ales to taste, fizz, spirits, cocktails, and live music too, but there are quality made gifts, sustainable toiletries and the heartfelt atmosphere of a flea market.

Held on the first Saturday of the month, from 9am-12pm, Water Lane Gardens transforms into a vibrant market. Shop local, chemical-free produce, pasture-raised meats, fresh bread, and homemade treats. Whilst you are there Hawkhurst has some good country pubs and cafes in the vicinity to while away some leisure time.

A lady standing with a beer in front of a steam train at the Spa Valley Beer Festival

The popular annual Spa Valley Railway Beer & Cider Festival is held every October with 160 Real Ales and 50 Ciders perfectly complimented by live entertainment at Tunbridge Wells West, a range of food stalls and of course their steam and heritage diesel trains!

The main Real Ale & Cider bar will be at Tunbridge Wells West and additional bars can be found at Groombridge, Eridge and on both trains that will be in operation.

If Whiskey is more your cup of tea, then save the date for the Kent Whiskey train throughout October or try the stereotypical British fish & chips over a thrilling murder mystery theatrical experience. Spa Valley Railway hosts many fantastic, themed events for all ages so keep an eye on our events calendar.

Trains will be running every weekend and select week days throughout these months as well.

Vineyards are characteristically full of life at this time of year harvesting the grapes and opening their cellar doors, take a self-guided tour of the vineyards in our region and taste the full flavour of wine and cider from Kent, rivalling the top French and Italian terroirs…

Book your local foodie experience

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Afternoon Tea with Alpacas

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Steam Train and Vineyard Tour

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Balfour wine flights – Goudhurst Inn

Unwind at The Goudhurst Inn, the official pub and lodging of the Hush Heath Estate.

Balfour Winery Tour

Explore the heart of English winemaking at Balfour Winery on the Hush Heath Estate.

Chef’s Table at The Counter

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Local Wine or Gin Tasting

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Chefs Table at Tallow

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Heritage Rail Dining Experiences

Enhance your Spa Valley Railway journey with delightful onboard dining!

Foraging – Rural Courses

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Kent countryside and learn valuable skills with Rural Courses!

Foraging & Wild Picnic Lunch

Embark on an enriching adventure and uncover the hidden treasures of the natural world with a Wild Foraging Workshop.

Chocolate Making Classes

Discover your inner Willy Wonka at Temper Temper Chocolate's delectable workshops!

Culture and Heritage in Tunbridge Wells

Discover the insider’s fascinating stories of well known sites in the region through a further delight at this time of year via the annual Heritage Open Days each September.

Take this unique opportunity to explore historical properties sharing behind the scenes peeks free of charge. Explore the behind the scenes at the Assembly Hall Theatre, the new opened the Amelia Scott and the Trinity Theatre clocktower. Learn about the history of Tunbridge Ware during a guided walk. Visit the Union Mill in Cranbrook or the Paddock Wood railway training center in a unique opportunity for those who love trains and railways.

We have two self-led walking tours for the town which can open up this glorious world to you even more. Download the app for the Tales of Tunbridge Wells audio tour for free from your usual app store. Alternatively, The Heritage Walking Trail leaflet is available to download or pickup at the Amelia Scott and thus explore our historical sights and attractions.

For instance, Winnie the Pooh used to go to church in Royal Tunbridge Wells!
The Corn Exchange used to host famous Shakespearean actors.
And in the 1600s, one of the smallest villages in the borough used to be one of the most important internationally thanks to guns!
Search out more curiosities like the ‘Cold Bath’, medieval woodlands and ‘pan tiles’!

Some more exciting annual festivals celebrating our local heritage & culture include the Cranbrook Literature Festival and the Cranbrook Apple Fayre. Museums (especially the recently opened Amelia Scott) and theatres are great to take advantage of especially if it is a bit damp or cold. For more rainy days inspiration click here.

If Music be the Food of Life…..look no further!

Live on the Pantiles (formerly Jazz on the Pantiles) lasts until end of September, and you don’t want to miss this. Sit back and relax at one the participating restaurants or surrounding bars and listen to some wonderful Jazz on the bandstand.

As the nights lengthen dance the night away at the monthly Boogie Nights hosted in the legendary Forum in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The monthly party has been going on since 2015! DJ’s play classics like Disco, House and Dance bangers all played on vinyl.

Concerts are held at St Mary’s Church, a Norman building originally from the late 12th century, situated on a ridge above the Teise valley for the Lamberhurst music festival.

Enjoy Cranfest, a local addition to the music scene, in Cranbrook by means of a town-wide music festival which is free.

Villages of Character

Discover more by staying longer. Explore our numerous charming Wealden villages scattered among a rustic undulating countryside.

The pretty villages of Brenchley, Horsmonden, Goudhurst, and Matfield are just a few of the many endearing places to visit.

Benenden

Benenden is situated in the Weald of Kent, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is surrounded by scenic farmland and woodland, where there are many walks to explore.

Brenchley

Brenchley is a lovely village located 6 miles (9.6km) east of Royal Tunbridge Wells , not too far from the A21 and adjoins neighbouring Matfield to make up one parish. However, Brenchley is the elder of the two!

Goudhurst

Goudhurst is only 10 miles (16km) from Royal Tunbridge Wells or 5 miles (8km) from Cranbrook. It is a delightful village with its high street tumbling down the steep hill from the church to the village pond.

Hawkhurst

This historic and infamous village is situated within the Kentish High Weald near the border with East Sussex.

Horsmonden

What does Horsmonden have in common with the White Tower at the Tower of London? Read on to find out. The name of this pretty village means ‘horsemen’s woodland pasture’.

Lamberhurst

Lamberhurst should definitely be part of your tour if you like country pubs, stately homes, castles and walks.

Matfield

A village nestled in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Kent.

Paddock Wood

Paddock Wood is 7 miles (11.7km) from Royal Tunbridge Wells and neighbours the quaint villages of Matfield and Brenchley.

Rusthall

A lovely little haven one mile west of the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells and Tunbridge Wells Common, Rusthall is hidden among the trees and surrounded by rocky sandstone outcrops complete with some lively village shops.

Sandhurst

With very early military credentials going back to 1066, Sandhurst in Kent is only a 30 minute scenic drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells, and a marvellous stop off between coast and town.

Sissinghurst

The little village of Sissinghurst, surrounded by woodland in in the far east of the region of Tunbridge Wells is most well-known for the famous gardens in the ‘Castle’.

Southborough

Today this busy town has many quieter areas to offer the visitor, especially if you are looking for strolling and dining options just on the doorstep of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Speldhurst

Speldhurst, located just 5 km away from the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, boasts a charming 19th-century ambiance, exemplifying the beauty of our quaint Wealden villages.

Royal Tunbridge Wells

With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a plethora of cultural attractions, it's no wonder that this town has become a popular destination for visitors and a beloved home for many.

Cranbrook

Known as the ‘Capital of the Weald’, Cranbrook is a pretty town with a medieval street layout. Many buildings date from the 15th through to the 19th century.

Why not stop and sample some Kentish hospitality in one of the numerous country pubs which serve a varied menu made from fresh locally sourced ingredients?

Top tip: try a ‘Ploughman’s’ lunch! A simple meal of bread and cheese made elegant with the addition of tasty local chutneys and salad.

Follow the scenic country car tour to visit our villages, maybe take elevenses in one, lunch in another and afternoon tea in a different spot and choose your favourite.