CHRISTMASINKENT
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY CONT .
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Surrounded by some of Kent ’ s most picturesque countryside , this Georgian spa town has been a popular destination since the discovery of the Chalybeate spring in the 17th century , a time which helped turn the town into a booming resort after King James I drank the water and claimed it had curative properties . This aristocratic appeal was further cemented by Queen Victoria , whose son granted the town its royal prefix in recognition of her adoration for it . Since then it has been a popular getaway location for Londoners thanks to its quick train links to the capital and the surrounding quintessential Kentish countryside of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty . One of Tunbridge Wells ’ most famous attributes is the pretty collonaded Pantiles offering a raffish charm that is all the more accentuated at Christmastime . Set aglow with fairy lights , sparkling decorations and the hubbub of the bustling Christmas market with the sounds of carols floating through the air , this is an idyllic place to really get into the spirit of the season .
With plenty of independent gift shops and boutiques to peruse for the perfect Christmas gifts , Tunbridge Wells is the ideal place to shop in between slices of respite ( and cake !) at one of its many cosy coffee shops and trendy bistros . Before you start your day however , we recommend you breakfast at The Black Dog ( www . blackdogcafetw . co . uk ) which now offers a brand new dining experience - The
Sunday Social - a delicious brunch or bottomless brunch on the last Sunday of every month . Opening in 2010 , The Black Dog have taken the acclaimed Australian approach to coffee and are passionate about serving the most exquisite cups of java the UK can offer , and have therefore been serving the speciality Monmouth espresso blend since they opened . Breakfast highlights include poached eggs in all forms , homemade granolas , apple and cinnamon porridge , and a famously good breakfast stack with bacon , avocado , roasted tomato , baby spinach and feta .
If you are tired of Christmas shopping at this point in the season or have everything checked off your list and are simply visiting Kent for a festive break , Tunbridge Wells offers plenty of countryside beauty spots perfect for a bracing winter walk and sure to supply some stunning scenery . Once the private landscaped grounds of a large Victorian mansion , Dunorlan Park is now a spacious and elegant location for everyone to enjoy with wild grassy slopes and magnificent views across the lake to the Weald . Further afield , visitors to Tunbridge Wells will find another picturesque lake in the form of Bewl Water ( www . bewlwater . co . uk ), a lovely open space to cycle , walk , run and take part in water activities . Bewl Water is also home to a cute waterside café which is ready to welcome you into the warmth for a comforting cup of tea , sandwich or snack .
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