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 artefacts. 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 €150 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
€150
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-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! (1,001 reviews)
"X"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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 €69 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€69
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Need to update website, no swimming pool as advertised"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
Hilton London Gatwick Airport

Hilton London Gatwick Airport

4 out of 5
South Terminal Gatwick Airport, Gatwick, England
The price is €132 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€132
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gatwick. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,267 reviews)
"Great hotel for a night before flying from Gatwick. Lots of choices for food / drinks. The room was modern and comfortable. Would highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Hilton London Gatwick Airport
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.
Holiday Studio Flat / BnB

Holiday Studio Flat / BnB

Southborough
Stay at this apartment in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Hever Castle and Gardens ...
"Set in a very convenient area for our visits. Initial stock of various items very acceptable."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2024

Holiday Studio Flat / BnB
Ardens Lodge

Ardens Lodge

2.5 out of 5
Arden Street, Gillingham, England
Book a stay at this golf aparthotel in Gillingham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Chatham Naval Memorial and Historic ...
3/10 (2 reviews)
Awful avoid!
"Absolutly awful would avoid at all costs we stayed for ten mins and drove 2 hours home!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Ardens Lodge
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 center, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Oare Marshes Nature Reserve and ...
7.8/10 Good! (146 reviews)
"Clean comfortable proprty"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

The Lower Bell
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.

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