Tunbridge Wells Area Guide

One of few UK towns to have a ‘Royal’ title, Tunbridge Wells offers the best of Kent living. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, its historic high street boasts independent shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. With London and the coast within easy reach, property in Tunbridge Wells truly offers something for everyone.

Welcome to Tunbridge Wells

A family-friendly town with strong community spirit, Tunbridge Wells is home to excellent schools, peaceful parks and outstanding sports and leisure facilities. It hosts a weekly farmer's market and regular food festivals, and with a theatre, cinema, bowling alley and much more besides, you'll never be short of things to do.

Why Tunbridge Wells is ideal for families

Highly rated schools are just one of the factors that attract families to property in Tunbridge Wells. Outstanding primaries include Claremont, St James and Langton Green, while for older kids, there's The Skinners' School for boys, as well as Tunbridge Wells Grammar schools for boys and girls. Other top options include Beechwood Sacred Heart independent school, St Gregory’s Catholic school and the Bennet Memorial Diocesan School.

Getting around in Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells lies on the A26, which leads north to Maidstone and south to Brighton and the coast. There are three stations close by: Tunbridge Wells, High Brooms and Frant, in Bells Yew Green. From Tunbridge Wells, it's easy to travel by train into London, with services departing every 30 minutes at peak time for Charing Cross and London Bridge, with journey times of under an hour.

A short history of Tunbridge Wells

Queen Victoria reportedly loved Tunbridge Wells, and the town gained its royal title from her son King Edward VII in 1909. It was a famous spa town in the 18th and 19th centuries, and today you can see remnants of its former spa splendour at the Chalybeate Spring on The Pantiles. The town is also famous for its Tunbridge Ware, and these distinctively decorative wooden accessories can still be purchased from antique stores along the high street.

Arts and Leisure in Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells hosts several festivals every year, celebrating everything from literature and music to the art of puppetry. The town has its own choral society and even a rock choir, while CREATE (Camden Road Education, Arts and Theatre Enterprise) presents various festivities, including a winter lanterns parade. Sporting facilities include skate parks, football pitches, basketball courts, a golf course and several dance and gymnastics clubs.

Shops and Restaurants in Tunbridge Wells

Property in Tunbridge Wells benefits from access to the town’s historic high street, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of independent and national stores. When it comes to dining out, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Local favourites include Sankey's Seafood restaurant, the Earl Grey Tea Rooms and The Town House, while Mount Ephraim gastropub and The Guinea are excellent choices for nights out.