Living in Tunbridge Wells

Your guide to moving to Tunbridge Wells

Why Tunbridge Wells is a good place to live

Tunbridge Wells is a beautiful place. Surrounded by the Kent Countryside, this attractive, traditional town has loads of lovely places to eat, shop and explore - and also boasts a collection of excellent grammar schools.

Less than an hour out of London, it's a popular area with families and commuters - with house prices to match.

Shopping here is a treat. The high street has some lovely independent boutiques and high street faves. Expect to find The White Company, Whistles, Mint Velvet and Anthropologie, alongside independent clothing and jewellery stores, with plenty of lovely cafes to stop for coffee and cake.

There are literally dozens of fab restaurants and cafes to choose from in Tunbridge Wells.

Head to the Finch House Cafe & Bakery, Basil, The Bake House, Weathered and Worn or 65mm coffee to soak up the cafe culture.

Or, for a special night out, foodies will love Vittle and Swig, Thackeray's and The Beacon. For the best sushi in town, it has to be Kitsu - and The Warren is where it's at for a buzzy night out.

There are plenty of beautiful attractions to visit nearby for the whole family to enjoy. A weekend visit to Penshurst Place is a must, while Groombridge offers adventurous fun in a witchy woods. Emmett's Garden, Hever Castle and Churchill's former home, Chartwell, are all a short drive away.

What's Tunbridge Wells famous for?

Royal Tunbridge Wells grew up as a spa town after a medicinal spring (containing mild chalybeate waters) was discovered at the site in 1606.

Today, that area has become The Pantiles and the town has since become legendary for its fairy tale gardens, moated castles and mellow country manors.

Things to do in Tonbridge Wells

Be sure to visit the moat-ringed Scotney Castle and enchanting Sissinghurst Castle Gardens at any time of year.

Explore the stunning bloom-filled walled gardens (and handy adventure playground) at Penshurst Place, with its stunning manor house and nearby woods.

Kids will love the enchanting forest with giant swings at Groombridge Place, where Conan Doyle created mysteries for Sherlock Holmes and Keira Knightley starred in Pride and Prejudice.

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is brilliant for biking along tracks or taking a more gentle stroll. It has one of the world’s best collection of conifers - and there's a Go-Ape for adventurers.,

Nearby Bewl Water - a huge reservoir surrounded by woodland, offers fishing, water sports and biking and walking tracks along the waterfront.

Or, for a more relaxing afternoon, hop on board the Spa Valley Railway and sit back and enjoy the beautiful countryside with a cream tea. A super stylish way to explore the various attractions along the way.