A guide to Tunbridge Wells

The Pantiles

In many ways, it is a microcosm of the city of York. Similar residents, similar shops, similar mindset. And no Primark!

Despite its history, Tunbridge Wells is very much with the times. Leaving the station, you are faced with the Great Hall, home to BBC South East studios and head quarters. A ten minute walk up the hill finds you in Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, one of the original Westfield centres. Here, and in the precinct outside you will find most of the high street shops you could require, save a couple such as Zara and H&M.

Jeremy's Home Store is also worth a visit-think Give the dog a bone meets Hawkins Bazaar meets Lakeland Limited. Look for all the storage crates, baskets and bins outside. Saltmarsh, just down the road, is a must visit for all artists and crafters (look for a papier mache giraffe).

For a more traditional (meaning pricey) shopping experience, head to the Old High Street and The Pantiles, where you will find designer boutiques and cute homeware shops aplenty-the cookery shop on The Pantiles is a favourite! The Pantiles is also home to the Chalybeate Spring. Many tourists take the opportunity to drink from the water, but having seen what goes into it on a Friday night when the pubs kick out, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Calverley Park has recently played host to the winter ice rink, but in summer you are more likely to see hoards of sunseekers lounging on the grass. 20 minutes walk away is the more impressive Dunorlan Park, complete with boating lake, and host to one of the most spectacular annual firework displays in the area.

For refreshments, head to Bean on Camden Road. It’s one of those retro milkshake and old fashioned sweet cafes-but, its existence predates the recent fad for these places, which, by the rules of fashion, makes it even cooler.

I won’t lie to you, the nightlife in Tunbridge Wells isn’t great (understatement of the century), at least not if it’s hardcore clubbing you’re looking for. For drinks, however, there are several choices. For classy cocktails, Sankey’s or TN4 are your best bet. For a more traditional pub, head to The Ragged Trousers on The Pantiles. If all else fails, there’s always The Grand Opera House, part of the Wetherspoons chain.

Unfortunately, the town centre lacks any decent cinema facilities, and the Odeon at Knight’s Park is a substantial bus ride away. Trinity Theatre occasionally shows films, but very rarely hosts new releases. The Assembly Hall Theatre provides a wide range of live entertainment, from bands, comedy acts and musicals. If unsigned bands are your thing, The Forum is the place for you-a performance space set up in an old public toilet block, just what every town needs!

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