Royal Tunbridge Wells Travel Guide

Tourist 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 kilometres) southeast of London. Take the train from London's Charing Cross or Cannon Street station towards Hastings, which passes through Royal Tunbridge Wells’ town centre.

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 Assembly Hall Theater.

Denny Bottom
The Spa Hotel
The Spa Hotel
4 out of 5
Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, England
The price is £120 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£120
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (983 reviews)
"Everything worked in room 314, which makes a change from many other hotels."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 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 £60 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£60
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (999 reviews)
Staff
"Really great staff nice place to stay"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
Russell Hotel
Russell Hotel
2 out of 5
80 London Road, Kent, Royal Tunbridge Wells, England
The price is £80 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£80
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (385 reviews)
"GOOD SERVICES"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Russell 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.
The Lower Bell
The Lower Bell
3 out of 5
201 Old Chatham Road, Bluebell Hill, Aylesford, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Aylesford. Enjoy free parking, a business centre and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Oare Marshes Nature Reserve and ...
7.8/10 Good! (145 reviews)
"Fairly good, a bit out of the way but very reasonably priced. Kitchen wasn't serving, unfortunately, which is too bad."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

The Lower Bell
Flexistay Tulsi Aparthotel
Flexistay Tulsi Aparthotel
3 out of 5
256a High Street, Croydon, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Croydon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Crystal Palace Park is located ...
7/10 Good! (159 reviews)
"The area around the property not very clean"

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Flexistay Tulsi Aparthotel
1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre
1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre
3 out of 5
Dartford, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Dartford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Bluewater Shopping Centre and Lakeside ...
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

Things to do

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

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