Rising Star

This busy town boasts both historical features and modern convenience. Working hard to reinvigorate its High Street and proven to be growing despite the economic climate, Tonbridge really is the place to be.

- Caroline Read

TONBRIDGE is overshadowed by its more glamorous neighbours, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, all too often. But this historic market town has a lot to shout about.

For a start it boasts some of the easiest commuting connections and best schools in the area – a fact which hasn’t been wasted on the many young professionals moving to the town to start families.

It also benefits from a stunning location, set on the banks of the River Medway, with an 11th-century castle at its heart and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Visitors are attracted by the popular indoor-outdoor swimming pool, as well as a multi award-winning country park, a superb, award-winning Farmers’ Market, regular community events and a new indoor trampoline centre.

There’s no doubt that 2016 was a year of exciting growth for Tonbridge. It’s true to say that in the past the town centre has suffered during difficult economic conditions but recent renovations in the High Street and several new housing developments have given it the boost it needed.

In particular, it has benefited the local independent retailers, of which there are more springing up than ever before.

Added to that is the town’s new reputation as a haven for foodies and all the successful new cafés, bars and restaurants that have opened in recent years. The local Town Team is particularly thrilled with the success of the Tonbridge Loyalty Card scheme, with recent figures showing a significant increase of people using their cards to shop at one of the 60 local retailers signed up to the scheme.