Tunbridge Wells Attractions

Tunbridge Wells attractions draw many visitors each year as it is situated in one of the most scenic areas of Kent with a variety of interesting and enjoyable places to visit and things to do. Tunbridge Wells attractions are also a great way to get to know the town and surrounding areas.

Castles & Gardens

Some of the wonderful castles and gardens near Tunbridge Wells to visit are:

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Enjoy the garden in the ruin of an Elizabethan house, set in the middle of its own woods, streams and farmland and with long views on all sides across the fields and meadows of the Kentish landscape. There is a shop and restaurant on site.

Hever Castle

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, tragic queen of King Henry V111. Surrounded by a moat , there are fascinating stories in every room of the amazing castle. Children love visiting the adventure playground, yew and water mazes.

Scotney Castle

Situated in Lamberhurst, near Tunbridge Wells, it is one of the top 10 best English gardens to visit. The focal point of the romantic ruins of a medieval castle and moat are the celebrated gardens which have spectacular displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and kalmia.

Chiddingstone Castle

Enjoy the castle, gardens and tea rooms. Visitors can discover Samurai Warriors, Egyptian tombs and enjoy nature trails in the grounds.

Merriments Gardens

Created during the early 1990s the beautiful gardens at Merriments have quickly developed into a stunningly beautiful 4 acres of densely planted borders where the plants grown in the nursery can be seen in a garden context with a truly remarkable depth of imagination.

Penshurst Place

Described as “the grandest and most perfectly preserved example of a fortified manor house in all England’

Set in the beautiful Weald of Kent, Penshurst Place has stood on the banks of the river Medway since the 14th century. The 11 acres of walled gardens are as old as the original house with walls and terraces laid out in the Elizabethan era.

Bedgebury National Pinetum

Bedgebury National Pinetum has the most complete collection of conifers in the world.

Bedgebury is the perfect place for healthy outdoor exercise. The National Pinetum offers beautiful walks and picnics. Bedgebury Forest features cycling, mountain-biking, Go Ape, riding, walking and adventure play. The visitor centre has a bike shop, refreshments and showers.

Chartwell

Chartwell was the principal adult home of Sir Winston Churchill. Churchill’s family home has magnificent views over the Weald of Kent, the rooms remain virtually the same as when he lived there from 1924 until he died. There are beautiful lakes, gardens and many of his paintings to be appreciated while visiting Chartwell.

Leeds castle

A blend of heritage and history, glorious gardens, lakes and attractions, licensed restaurant and fun-packed programme of events. Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds Castle is only a short drive from Tunbridge Wells.

There is also a 9 hole pay and play golf course, offering stunning views of the castle, with challenging holes.

Knole Park

Knole is set at the heart of the only remaining medieval deerpark in Kent (sika and fallow deer roam freely) The birthplace and childhood home of Vita Sackville-West, Thirteen show rooms remain much as they were in the 18th century, including world-renowned Stuart furniture, rare carpets, tapestries and sliver.

Groomsbridge Enchanted Forest

House with 17^th Century gardens, discover the secret, quirky and mysterious gardens of the ancient forest . There are exciting playgrounds, stunning views, unusual animals, plants, deer, flowers and fun activities for all to enjoy. 

Besides the castles and gardens there are other interesting things to do in Tunbridge Wells like visiting Bewl water where you can walk, cycle, ride, or challenge yourself in the various activities on offer. Fishing and sailing are also attracting many visitors.

Tunbridge Wells attractions include places like The Hop Farm. It is also nearby which offers a fun day out for the family with a funfair, maze, museum, pirate cove, magic factory, Victorian carousel, animal farm being some of the attractions.

The Kent & East Sussex Railway is the country's finest example of a rural light railway. The line gently wends its way from Tenterden - "The Jewel of The Weald" for ten and a half miles, through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley, to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam.

The Spa valley railway offers a trip on a steam train, it runs for 51/2 miles

through the picturesque Kent and Sussex Weald countryside between the mainline junction at Eridge and the spa town of Tunbridge Wells, stopping off in between at Groomsbridge and High Rocks.

High rocks is steeped in history with acres of breathtaking sandstone rocks interlinked with bridges making a lovely scenic walk through a stone age camp and woodland setting.

For wine lovers why not visit some of Kent’s vineyards there are tours and tastings available at Chapel Down winery near Tenterden, who have recently been awarded a gold medal for their Rose brut. Biddenden is Ken’s oldest commercial vineyard and are also known for their traditional Kentish ciders. Sandhurst is a family run mixed farm comprising of hops, vineyards, cherries and grassland.

There are also many different walks catering for all abilities to do in and around Tunbridge Wells . There are numerous footpaths and longer walks including the Tunbridge Wells Circular walk.

So enjoy a day out or a short break enjoying all the Tunbridge Wells attractions, a town surrounded by beauty and easily accessible by car or train.

Enjoy a combination of history and relaxation as you visit this unique spa town in the South east of England.

Photographs Courtesy of Mervyn Gaston