TUNBRIDGE WELLS
This cheerful former spar town grew up amid the Wealden forests after Lord North discovered it's chalybeate spring in 1606.
Building began in 1638 when a grassy promenade, called the Walk, was laid out beside the spring and visitor 'took the waters' in the morning and socialised afterwards. Later, the Walk was paved with square earthenware tiles, giving rise to it's present name, The Pantiles.
Tunbridge Wells grew haphazardly and informally, and is a very attractive town, it's charm arising from the 18th and 19th century elegance including Decimus Burton's Calverley Park and Calverley Park Terrace, and the buildings on Mount Sion and Mount Ephrahim. The common is a superb open space, while the most famous area, The Pantiles, is in effect an 18th century shopping precinct: a raised paved walkway shaded by lime trees, and fronted by shops behind a colonnade, which gives uniformity to otherwise varied architecture.
The Chalybeate Spring
Tucked inside the entrance of the Pantiles, the famous colonnaded shopping area in Royal Tunbridge Wells, is the mineral spring to which the town owes its very existence - the Chalybeate Spring.
The spring was discovered in the early 17th century by a lifelong hypochondriac, Dudley Lord North. He had the water analysed and then claimed it had miraculously cured him from a 'lingering consumptive disorder'.
Test its purported medicinal qualities by taking the water from a traditional dipper. Open from Good Friday 29 March - Sunday 29th September 2002 10.00am to 5.00pm every day.
Once you have taken the waters and feel invigorated, why not explore the rest of historic Royal Tunbridge Wells or set out into the beautiful High Weald countryside and visit one of the many gardens, castles, and stately homes in the surrounding area?
With a variety of places to stay from luxurious town hotels to cosy B&B's in stunning countryside settings Royal Tunbridge Wells makes an ideal place for a short break.
Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest Gardens
Near GOUDHURST
Tel: (01580) 211781
Fax: (01580) 212423
E-mail: bedgebury@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
The world's largest collection of conifers on one site. The tree collection comprises over 2200 varieties of conifer trees covering 300 acres, landscaped around a series of lakes and streams. Complemented by broad-leaved trees, Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
- Waymarked trails, Visitor Centre, Shop and Tea-rooms
- Open all year, 10am daily, last entry 5pm
- Admission: Adults £3.00, OAP's £2.50, Children £1.20, Family day ticket £8.00
- Educational programme available.
Signposted from A21, North of Flimwell on the B2079
A Day At The Wells
ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Tel: (01892) 546545
Fax: (01892) 513857
AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
Life-like scenes, penetrating smells and evocative soundscapes brilliantly re-create life in Georgian Tunbridge Wells.
A journey through Kent would not be complete without visiting A Day at the Wells.
Family tickets.
Open 10am - 5pm (April- October),
10am - 4pm (November - March).
The Living Museum Of Music
GOUDHURST
Tel: (01580) 211702
Fax: (01580) 211007
www.finchcocks.co.uk
The eighteenth century manor of Finchcocks is home to a celebrated collection of historical keyboard instruments, and set in a beautiful garden surrounded by glorious Kentish countryside. Entertaining musical tours whenever the house is open.
Open Days: Sundays and BHM from Easter to September.
Wednesdays & Thursdays in August: 1400 - 1800hrs. By appointment for groups most days April to October.
Special Events:
September Festival (weekends);
Fairs May and October.
Available for receptions.
Licensed for Civil Marriages.
Off A262. 10 miles from Tunbridge Wells.
Groombridge Place Gardens & Enchanted Forest
Near TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Tel (01892) 863999
Fax (01892) 863996
www.groombridge.co.uk
Award winning “Groombridge Place is wonderful because it’s so different” is what our visitors say! Come and experience the history, mystery and excitement for yourself. Enjoy stunning formal gardens beyond compare, and the sheer magic of The Enchanted Forest. Let your imagination run wild and you’ll discover the best day out in the South East.
Open daily, April-October, 9.00-18.00.
The Museum & Art Gallery
ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Tel: (01892) 554171
www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/museum
From Tunbridge ware caskets to Victorian oil paintings and archaeology, and Minnie the LuLu terrier to historic fashions and dolls, there are displays to fascinate everyone at Tunbridge Wells Museum. The Museum and Art Gallery also have a changing programme of exhibitions and events for all ages.
Open daily 9.30am-5.00pm. Closed Sundays, Bank Holidays and Easter Saturday.
Admission free. Situated off the A264, next to the Town Hall.