OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
GUIDE
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
THE PANTILES A lovely shaded walk lined with elegant shops and overhung in places with its original ‘ musick balcony ’, The Pantiles was once paved with tiles made in a pan on the stern orders of Queen Anne . Only 15 of the original pantiles remain ; these would have seen raucous fun including gambling , balls and concerts - the latter of which can still be enjoyed in the town . Today , it is the most well known and photographed vista of the town and home to a pleasing variety of specialist independent shops , art galleries and open-air cafés , restaurants and bars .
MUST-SHOP ARTISAN STORES AND BOUTIQUES
THE CHEESE SHOP Simply unmissable if you are an avid cheese lover , The Cheese Shop stands by its commitment to bringing customers a wide selection of brilliant British and European artisan and farmhouse cheeses , including the best from local Kent and Sussex cheesemakers .
LE PETIT JARDIN Beautifully styled specialist garden and homeware shop supplying stylish gardeners and homemakers with gorgeous gifts including highquality soaps , bespoke furnishings and Scandinavian gifts for children .
MINT VELVET The founders of ‘ relaxed glamour ’, expect a meticulously selected array of quality clothes . Known for their easy shapes , beautiful prints and flattering fits , Mint Velvet stocks luxurious , effortless pieces customers can just slip on , nodding to trends in a relaxed way .
DIVINE DINING
THACKERAYS A former residence of author William Makepeace Thackeray , the building itself is more than 300 years old and is an architectural work of art . When it comes to food , Thackerays ’ ethos states that they are not an exclusive restaurant and have no desire to be one . For that reason , they offer a wide variety of menus ranging from a daily set lunch menu to their indulgent chef ’ s tasting menu . Head chef Patrick Hill uses his immense knowledge , passion and creativity to craft ever-changing seasonal menus to inspire and delight all tastes .
THE IVY Sophisticated smoked salmon brunches can be enjoyed alongside flutes of Champagne in the morning , lavish lunches in the afternoon and opulent dinners to be enjoyed in the evening .
THE WARREN Sustainable dining using locally sourced and seasonal free-range produce from their own estate . Enjoy exquisite dishes in beautiful surroundings that include decadent floor-to-ceiling art-deco windows and glittering chandeliers .
The Ivy ( top left ) & Thackerays ( bottom left )
TRINITY THEATRE One of the cultural cornerstones of Tunbridge Wells . As well as traditional plays , the Trinity Theatre , which is based in a magnificent renovated church , also shows film screenings , community theatre , comedy and more . A varied array of performances means there will be something to suit everyone , no matter their age or interests .
SCOTNEY CASTLE A majestic castle split in two halves , Scotney Old Castle is a medieval manor house , while Scotney New Castle is a Victorian mansion . The grounds are a Site of Specific Scientific Interest , with formal gardens and 700 acres of parkland to explore .
OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
PENSHURST PLACE A mighty ancient house that has welcomed many historic guests including Henry VIII who used it as his hunting lodge . Standing since the 14th century , the medieval Baron ’ s Hall has an original 60ft-high chestnut-beamed ceiling . Venture outside to discover beautifully designed gardens and grounds , an adventure playground , woodland trail and country bike hire . A charming toy museum displaying toys and books from across the centuries is also on the grounds .
BEWL WATER The largest reservoir in South East England . With miles of scenic pathways to walk , cycle , run or ride and hundreds of protected species to discover , you will never get bored at Bewl . Fuel up after all the excitement at Bewl ’ s café , which has stunning views of the lake and serves light bites , good coffee and dreamy hot chocs .
DUNORLAN PARK Once the private grounds of a large and very grand mansion , the garden here was laid out in the 1850s and 1860s by the renowned Victorian gardener , Robert Marnock . The mansion no longer exists , but the garden is one of the best preserved examples of Marnock ’ s work . Today , enjoy a richly varied Victorian garden , meadows and wildlife , as well as the amenities of a modern park .
Bewl Water ( top left ) & Penshurst Place ( bottom left )
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