IN ASSOCIATION WITH
KENTSTAYCATION
48 Hours in ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS CONT .
SPA VALLEY RAILWAY © Darryl Curcher Photography
WHITE BEAR GROOMBRIDGE PLACE
Day Two
BREAKFAST Serving up excellent craft Monmouth coffee and famous for their signature breakfasts , The Black Dog ( www . blackdogcafetw . co . uk ) is sure to gear you up for an exciting day ahead . Priding themselves on their Australian influence , visitors can choose from a vibrant and varied menu full of delicious dishes created from local produce and served with passion . Savour one of their healthy smoothies or treat yourself to a full-English , made with carefully sourced meat from local family butchers Fullers of Tunbridge .
MORNING Take a journey back in time on the Spa Valley Railway ( spavalley . vticket . co . uk ) and admire breathtaking views across the picturesque Kent countryside on the five-mile journey to neighbouring town Eridge . Manned by volunteers for almost 20 years , travellers on this heritage railway will quickly see why this thrilling attraction is loved so much by enthusiasts and tourists alike . Feel entranced by the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as it passes by your window or learn more about the railway itself at Tunbridge Wells West station , the headquarters of the railway and home to an 1886-built engine shed and a café in a restored buffet car .
LUNCH Having worked up your appetite travelling through the glorious Kent countryside , Salomon ’ s Estate ( www . salomons-estate . com ) provides the ideal location for visitors to continue admiring their surroundings whilst enjoying a traditional Sunday lunch made from the finest and freshest local ingredients . With a seasonal , varied and exceptionally tasty menu to choose from , dine in the bright conservatory overlooking the beautiful grounds or indulge in one of Salomon ’ s famous afternoon teas , an elegant English tradition which includes a selection of delectable delights from homemade scones to macaroons .
AFTERNOON One of the ‘ Seven Wonders of the Weald ’ Groombridge Place ( www . groombridgeplace . com ) is a remarkable country estate , featuring a 17th Century moated manor house , immaculately sculpted formal gardens and 200 acres of magnificent parkland . With its forest , giant zip swings and Crusoe ’ s World , Groombridge Place is able to provide an adventurous family day out as well as a beautiful location for literary lovers , due to it being the film location of Jane Austen , as well as the perfect spot for those simply wanting to appreciate its enchanting history and scenic tranquillity .
DINNER An extension of The Crowborough Estate which holds stock of Sussex cattle , Boer goats , fallow deer , and wild boar The Warren Restaurant ( thewarren . restaurant ) draws on this for its outstanding menu . Cooking predominantly British food yet occasionally dipping into other cuisines to provide a vehicle for flavours such as their nettle gnocchi and poached oyster with wild boar chorizo , chefs Chris Fitt and Martin Haymes have created a fun and informal restaurant , to offer the Crowborough Estate ’ s finest produce from . Surrounded by the beautiful arched windows of an orangery and complete with a splendid terrace overlooking Tunbridge Wells , the stage is well and truly set for your last evening out in the spa town .
DRINKS Keen to keep the night going ? Then look no further than the beautifully refurbished White Bear ( www . the-white-bear . co . uk ). Quintessentially British with a hint of cool , the elegant yet laid back vibes of the White Bear , which is helpfully positioned just a short stroll from the train station and mere steps from the Pantiles , is casual enough to feel relaxed , yet smart enough to feel special . If you can , nab a seat in the stunning Orangery to indulge in the well conceived ales , wine and cocktail menus – all bursting with local influence – amongst the pretty draping greenery and industrial-luxe exposed brick .
A Sneaky Staycation Extra
Tunbridge Wells is known for its iconic grandeur , so why not embrace a little more extravagance on your trip . One Warwick Park ( www . onewarwickpark . co . uk ) provides the ultimate luxury guest experience and is situated just a stone ’ s throw away from the Pantiles . With custom made furnishings and a ‘ London-calibre ’ service from staff , this hotel has been designed with comfort in mind to make for a lavishly memorable stay . Visit The Ivy ( theivytunbridgewells . com ) and sip a cocktail from their well-stocked and trendy curved bar as you take in the art-deco interiors and spot nods to local surroundings in the artwork . Try their famously delicious ‘ zucchini fritti ’ before you dig in to a main from the menu made up of an eclectic mix of modern British comfort food .
In partnership with Kent Staycation and Visit Kent .
For more inspirational ideas for things to do in Kent , visit www . visitkent . co . uk .
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