Why is tunbridge wells famous

Visitors have been coming to Royal Tunbridge Wells since the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring in Over the subsequent years the town grew in popularity and gained its reputation as the place to see and be seen. Sir Christopher Wren sent his chief plasterer Henry Doogood to create its magnificent ceiling.

It was here that Princess Victoria attended church services with her mother, the Duchess of Kent. The Wells became a favourite destination for fashionable society who needed accommodation and wanted places of entertainment such as coffee houses, gaming-rooms and an assembly room for dances and balls.

And so the town began to spread. The Grove is the oldest park in Tunbridge Wells. A deed of endowment was drawn up to ensure that the trees in the Grove were protected. To this day The Grove continues to provide a haven of tranquility for local residents and visitors. Not only is it rich in history and architecture, but its various green open spaces range from woodland to meticulously maintained grounds and parks. This is a town to wander at will and soak up the atmosphere. Surprises lie in wait around every corner.

The old colonials may be long gone, but the town continues to perpetuate the view that it is the most English of conurbations. Prepare to be delighted rather than disgusted. By car, Royal Tunbridge Wells is situated on the A26 and A21 routes from London to the south coast and can be reached from both the M20 and M25 motorways within 20 minutes by car.

When it comes to parking in the town centre and surrounding areas, there is plenty of space with several public car parks in the town centre alone. Services take approximately 50 minutes from Charing Cross. There are also connecting services to Gatwick Airport and Ashford International stations. Further details on trains to Tunbridge Wells are available on the National Rail Enquiries website: www.

The Tunbridge Wells Hotel is a small boutique hotel based on the historic Pantiles. Decorated in Georgian style with all modern amenities. Tel: ; www. As the name suggests, they specialise in porcine dishes.

Alternatively, just outside the town, The Hare at Langton Green where the famous table top football game Subbuteo was invented is a lovely old pub where much care is taken over ingredients and preparation of the food.

You are assured a warm welcome here. Renowned architect Decimus Burton left the greatest mark on the town, designing dozens of impressive private homes, most notably in the Calverley Estate. A town of two halves, the more traditional shopping area is around The Pantiles, the High Street and Mount Pleasant Road, while the modern, big brand shops can mostly be found at the top end of the town. Calverley Precinct acts like a modern High Street, with Royal Victoria Place shopping centre at its core.

The shopping centre recently released exciting proposals for a new multi-screen cinema within its roof, as well as several new restaurants and bigger stores.

Tunbridge Wells is not short of excellent places to eat. Groombridge Place is a wonderful local attraction, particularly for children with a love of the great outdoors.

Groombridge puts on special events all year and its themed school holiday entertainment days are a huge attraction for families trying to make the most of time together, www.

The Corn Exchange on The Pantiles is another building worth a look-see. Built as a theatre and later used as a shopping centre, it's now being turned into flats.

According to a plaque on the building, before the county borders were moved when it was still a theatre, the stage was located in Sussex, but the auditorium was in Kent.

Opposite the railway station, next to Hoopers department store is the Great Hall Arcade, a rather fancy if petite and dated shopping arcade. These days it's home to a Sainsbury's and a furniture store, but it's worth peeking inside just to see the arcade itself. BBC Kent is also based there. If you've exhausted the options of Tunbridge Wells town centre, there's plenty more going on nearby.

Visit its namesake, Tonbridge , for a castle, river trips, ghost signs and street art. Penshurst Place is great for history buffs with a lovely quaint village nearby. Check out our suggestions of places to go on a day trip from London for further suggestions. The best things to do in London. The must-read London articles. The coolest London events from our partners. Why You Should Go To Tunbridge Wells. By Laura Reynolds.

Tunbridge Wells If Tunbridge Wells has entered your radar at all, it's probably due to the 'Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells' stereotype that's still hanging round from the s. Report a problem with this article. X close. Londonist in your inbox Plan your day ahead or read the day's London headlines with our daily emails. Get Londonist in your inbox The best things to do in London. I would also like to receive the Best Of Londonist weekly email, sent Sunday morning I would also like to receive Things To Do in London: The Daily Guide weekday picks sent every day at 4pm for the next day Thank you, your preferences have been saved.

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