10 Good Reasons To Visit Tunbridge Wells

Prepare for a heady mix of history, culture, great shopping and dining at this elegant spa town

- Caroline Read

1 EAT OUT AND ABOUT This historic spa town has a great range of places to eat and drink, with everything from a waffle house and coffee shops to sushi restaurants and fine dining. For a light bite try Juliet’s, The Bicycle Bakery, The Plant Base, The Black Dog, Delaney’s and Casa da Claudia. For drinks we like Sankey’s, Chapel Place, The George, The Common Room, Fuggles Beer Café or Framptons. And dine out at places like The Ivy, The Warren, Thackeray’s, The White Bear, The Mount Edgcumbe, Vittle & Swig, Zorba, Kitsu and Hattusa. The most interesting development in 2019 is the repurposing of Royal Victoria Place’s Ely Court. The disused outdoor shopping area has been taken over by Central Market and now offers pop-up eateries and a large covered seating area.

2 HISTORIC PANTILES If you’re sightseeing, this pretty pedestrianised shopping area in the old part of the town will be at the top of your list. The site of the natural spring from which ‘the Wells’ takes its name, The Pantiles has been the main attraction for centuries. Lined with historic buildings, there are pubs, bars, cafés, coffee shops and shops selling everything from art and wedding dresses to kitchenware and apparel for pampered pooches. The association of traders is very active and events are held here throughout the year, from Hug Many on New Year’s Eve to food festivals, French markets and summer jazz evenings.