Royal Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area
Located 30-miles south-east of London, visitors to Royal Tunbridge Wells cannot avoid The Pantiles. Created following the discovery of a chalybeate spring in the early 17th century, this area is now better known for its diverse range of boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, atrracting a number of visitors each year who want to experience the town's elegant surroundings.
The Assembly Halls Theatre is also a popular destination in the town, hosting a number of popular events including music, comedy, dance and drama and the annual pantomime.
Further Afield
For those that wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre, Knole in Sevenoaks is a magnificent 600-year old estate that spans 1,000-acres and is Kent's last medieval deer park.
Originally built as an archbishop's palace, Knole passed through royalty to the Sackville family who still live there today. Explore grand courtyards, the tranquil Orangery and winding paths in the parkland.
The Hop Farm is Kent's iconic and historic landmark, over 450 years old. A 400-acre Country Park in Beltring, near East Peckham in Kent, the Hop Farm holds the world's largest collection of Victorian oast houses.
A major supplier of hops to London breweries in the 19th and 20th centuries, families across the south east and beyond used to spend the summer holidays working in the rolling countryside around the farm, harvesting hops and preparing them to be transported. Nowadays, The Hop Farm Family Park is packed full of attractions.
Useful local links:
Tourist Information Sites
• www.visittunbridgewells.com
• www.sevenwonders.org.uk
Local Theatres and Museums
• www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
• www.trinitytheatre.net
• www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Local Council Site
• www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Local Shopping Centres
• www.thepantilesonline.co.uk
• uk.westfield.com/royalvictoriaplace
Local Media
• www.thisiskent.co.uk/tunbridgewells
