The back story
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Town guide
Royal Tunbridge Wells: the back story
A spring of iron-rich water found in the early 1600s, a queen in 1629, a Georgian promenade and a royal title in 1909.
Beyond Brighton · north-east into Kent
Royal Tunbridge Wells: Our Favourites
Royal Tunbridge Wells, north-east into Kent: the Pantiles and the chalybeate spring that made the town, the Common and Wellington Rocks, The Amelia Scott, Trinity Theatre and the Spa Valley Railway.
What's onThis week in Brighton
Where to stay
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In a sandstone mansion
Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells
A hotel in a Grade II listed sandstone mansion, with a wine cellar and a bistro.
Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LYExplore View on map
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14 acres
The Spa Hotel
A country house hotel and spa in 14 acres on Mount Ephraim, above the town.
Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 8XJExplore View on map
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Above the Common
The Royal Wells Hotel
A hotel on Mount Ephraim, overlooking the Common, with a restaurant, bar and bedrooms.
59 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 8BEExplore View on map
Where to eat
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All day
The Ivy Royal Tunbridge Wells
The Ivy’s brasserie on the High Street, for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
46–50 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XFExplore View on map
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Overlooking the Common
Thackeray’s
A restaurant in a historic house just off London Road, with sloping ceilings and views over the Common.
London Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1EAExplore View on map
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Since the nineties
Sankeys
A family of Tunbridge Wells venues that made its name selling lobsters: the Old Fish Market, the George & Dragon, the Basement and the Fish Shop.
Pubs
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Belgian and craft beer
Fuggles Beer Cafe
An independent pub and bar for craft beer, real ale and Belgian beer, with wine and cocktails.
28 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2APExplore View on map
What to see and do
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Markets and music
The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells
The colonnaded heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, with independent traders, weekend markets and music.
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Steam to Eridge
Spa Valley Railway
Heritage steam trains from Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge, with dining trains and family events.
West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QYExplore View on map
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Discovered in the early 1600s
The Chalybeate Spring
The iron-rich spring that made the town, under the Bath House of 1804 at the end of the Pantiles.
Arts & Culture
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Arts and heritage hub
The Amelia Scott
The town’s museum, gallery and library together in one civic building.
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In a former church
Trinity Theatre
A theatre in a Gothic former church on Church Road.
Church Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JPExplore View on map
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Touring shows and panto
Assembly Hall Theatre
The town’s large theatre for touring drama, musicals, comedy, classical music and pantomime.
Crescent Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LUExplore View on map
Parks and gardens
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Wellington Rocks
Tunbridge Wells Common
Woodland, heath and sandstone outcrops above the town, cared for by the Commons Conservators.
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Shopping
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Near the Pantiles
Farrow & Ball Tunbridge Wells
Farrow & Ball’s showroom on the High Street, for colour cards, sample pots and advice.
4 High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UXExplore View on map
Property
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Georgian heart
The Pantiles and the old town
Flats and period houses around the Pantiles, the Common and Mount Ephraim.
Share your Royal Tunbridge Wells tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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