Royal Tunbridge Wells

Travel Guide

Pantiles
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Pantiles which includes a city as well as a large group of people
This spa town is home to a wealth of historic attractions, interesting museums and independent shops.

Royal Tunbridge Wells rose to prominence during the 17th and 18th centuries as a spa destination, attracting upper-class visitors with its mineral-water spring. The spa craze has faded over the centuries. Today, you can enjoy the town’s shops and restaurants, and admire the elegant buildings that were constructed during its golden age.

The city gained popularity beginning in 1606 when Dudley Lord North, a courtier to King James I, discovered an iron-rich mineral spring. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, royal visitors flocked to the town, seeking cures for everything from impotence to melancholy. Trips to the town remained in vogue throughout the reign of Queen Victoria and it was given its “Royal” prefix in 1909. Visit during the summer nowadays and drink the waters of the town’s Chalybeate Spring, where costumed “dippers” dole out drinks.

Go for a stroll along the Pantiles, a lovely colonnaded walkway bordered by 17th-century buildings. Browse the promenade’s unique shops, enjoy a coffee at an open-air café or check out a live performance on the bandstand. Stop by the Saturday farmers’ markets, held on alternating weeks at the Pantiles or Town Hall.

Inspect the 18th-century buildings that line the lower end of Tunbridge Wells’ High Street.

Near the northern end of Mount Pleasant Road, you’ll find the Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery. This family-friendly museum is dedicated to the exhibition of local artifacts. Look for the world’s largest collection of Tunbridge ware, consisting of decorative wooden objects inlaid with small pieces of colored wood.

Save time to check out the 17th-century Church of King Charles the Martyr. Although the church’s exterior is relatively plain, the interior features a beautiful plastered ceiling. You may also be able to watch one of the organ recitals that regularly take place here.

Royal Tunbridge Wells is located 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of London. Take the train from London's Charing Cross or Cannon Street station towards Hastings, which passes through Royal Tunbridge Wells’ town center.

Where to stay in Royal Tunbridge Wells

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Tunbridge Wells Town Centre

Unique features of Tunbridge Wells Town Centre include the bars and gardens. Make a stop by Assembly Hall Theater or Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery while you're exploring the area.

Tunbridge Wells Town Centre
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Denny Bottom

Though Denny Bottom may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells Golf Club.

Denny Bottom
The Spa Hotel
The Spa Hotel
4 out of 5
Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, England
The price is €137 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€137
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (920 reviews)
"Lovely staff, we were upgraded to a lovely room, we used the spa and bar facilities which were excellent. I would say that the quality of the breakfast doesn’t reflect the price"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2025

The Spa Hotel
Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
4 out of 5
8 Tunbridge Road, Pembury, Royal Tunbridge Wells, England
The price is €82 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
€82
includes taxes & fees
20 Mar - 21 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the ...
7.6/10 Good! (999 reviews)
Top customer care and relaxing surroundings.
"We were incredibly well looked after by all the staff we met there. We had told them my husband had mobility issues and we had a room just nearby reception and the dining area, making access really easy. They had also given us a room with 2 comfy chairs which myself, and especially my husband, really ..."

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2025

Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
Royal Wells Hotel
Royal Wells Hotel
3 out of 5
59 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, England
The price is €114 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
€114
includes taxes & fees
6 Mar - 7 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (842 reviews)
Royal Wells Hotel
"Lovely welcome at reception. Spacious bedroom, gorgeous bathroom with free standing bath and separate large shower enclosure . Stylish restaurant with table service at breakfast. I can recommend the Eggs Royale."

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2025

Royal Wells Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pet friendly country barn and forest retreat with a private hot tub
Pet friendly country barn and forest retreat with a private hot tub
Eridge Green
Stay at this vacation home in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy a fitness center, in-room fireplaces, and a spa tub. Popular attractions Eridge Rocks Nature Reserve ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Simply stunning
"The Barn is an absolutely gorgeous place to stay. The location is lovely, situated on the edge of Eridge woods and overlooking beautiful countryside - we were spoiled for views in every direction. The Barn was so comfortable and beautifully decorated and we loved the original artworks adorning the ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2024

Pet friendly country barn and forest retreat with a private hot tub
Vive Hotel
Vive Hotel
4 out of 5
Havelock Rd, Hastings, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (74 reviews)
"Clean spacious room center of town"

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2025

Vive Hotel
1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre
1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre
3 out of 5
Dartford
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Dartford. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Bluewater Shopping Centre and Orchard Theatre ...
1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Royal Tunbridge Wells

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
49
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
62
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good memories

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A quaint town in an attractive part of Kent. A pleasant place to visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Pantiles area was lovely

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Unique shopping and character

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely town and well placed to visit Hever castle and Chartwell house.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice place