THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Things to Do in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Scotney Castle Garden, UK Owl And Raptor Centre, Churches & Cathedrals, Historic Sites.
Scotney Castle Garden, UK Owl And Raptor Centre, Churches & Cathedrals, Historic Sites.
Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
Adventure Toursfromper group (up to 4)C$4,580
Historical Toursfromper adultC$181
Audio Guidesfromper adultC$70
Historical Toursfromper adultC$132
Historical Toursfromper adultC$59
Historical Toursfromper adultC$155
Historical Toursfromper adultC$181
Historical Toursfromper adultC$163
Full-day Toursfromper adultC$172
Walking Toursfromper adultC$46
Historic Sites
Historic estate with picturesque gardens, an old castle ruin, and a stately home with intriguing rooms. Enjoy strolls, views, and a glimpse into the past.
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Parks
Tranquil park with a boating lake, children's play area, and outdoor gym. Enjoy picnics and strolls along scenic paths amidst vibrant, peaceful surroundings. Dog-friendly zones available.
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Parks
Scenic lakeside destination with activities like cycling, walking, water sports, and a pirate-themed play area. Features well-maintained paths and pet-friendly spaces amid natural beauty.
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Geologic Formations
Wedding venue set in scenic gardens with the impressive Great Barn, known for its beautiful ambiance and a mini bus service for convenient guest transport.
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Architectural Buildings
Ruined castle amid enchanting gardens with Monet-like lakes and rare wildlife; pleasant walks and picturesque views complement the stately home and bookshop.
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Historic Sites
Scenic countryside retreat with engaging falcon displays, serene boat rides, and lush gardens. Features family-friendly activities including Nerf battles and woodland play areas.
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Theatres
Historic venue presenting a lineup of engaging performances, from musicals with impressive sets to compelling one-man shows, in a classic atmosphere with convenient adjacent parking.
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Other Top Attractions around Royal Tunbridge Wells
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Emily AKent, UK63 contributionsBeautiful Scotney Castle really is the picture perfect fairytale castle you dream.
By far my favourite NT location, with the most magical grounds and whimsical finds all around.
Quite a long and steep walk so maybe not best appropriate for the less able walkers, but if you are in good health, you must visit!
Allow enough time to explore the full nooks and crannies as there's some beautiful surprises dotted all around.
If you're travelling from far, book ahead as often the location fills to full capacity early on.Written August 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Brian M7 contributionsSet in the grounds of the stunning Groombridge House, the visitors are kept to the bare minimum to avoid distressing the birds, of which the centre has 23 different species.
A selection of birds are brought out one at a time where visitors can feed the bigger birds by hand, using a gauntlet or by firing meat into the air for the kites to catch.
The staff, Dan and Grace, were very knowledgeable about the birds at the centre giving plenty of information about the birds they were displaying also very concerned about the welfare of the birds, the Steppe Eagle injured itself on landing and was immediately returned to its cage for their vet to inspect.
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and plan to go back later in the year.Written September 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Cliff58 contributionsCame here for a walk and it’s immediately apparent how well kept the park is, the paths are wide and everything is tidy. Good for a dog walk, joggers and a picnicWritten July 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- M P1 contributionI visit Bewl Water for camping and fishing every year so yes I do love the place, however I think it is time to up your game at Bewl.
1. Calling your phone is nightmare - 1 out of 20 might be answered so you can’t address any urgent matters when you're still at home. (I lost my chance for 20% discount for camping despite promise to rectify this later - never happened)
2. SHOWER ROOMS and toilets - no change for years and it is now so disgusting to be there. Taking a shower is a big challenge. In high season place should be cleaned much more often. It is time to renovate it as well; all toilet seats broken.
3. Access to freezer for your icepacks. I was really not comfortable to trouble the busy staff to be coming and opening small shed for me to put the icepacks and the. To take them back. There was a big freezer before in shower building with 24hrs access which was much better. On my first visit in May this year there was no freezer at all and I was told to give the icepacks to the caff staff which I did. When I picked them in the evening they were warm and not frozen - they did not have space in freezers so did not put them in.
Overall staff very nice, strictly following the rules. Even 5min early fishing start was not permitted :( I mean come on ….
I will be visiting next year 100% but hope there will be some changes.Written September 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TheRelfsterManchester, UK1,833 contributionsFour of us went mid afternoon on a sunny Saturday and only saw two other people. It was lovely wandering round having the place practically to ourselves.Written July 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Elaine Hayes-DavisRoyal Tunbridge Wells, UK19 contributionsOoh how dreamy. Beautiful grounds and castle. Captured some wonderful photos. Lovely dog walk on a gorgeous sunny day.Written August 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HoppityskipEssex, UK16,943 contributionsFabulous well set up event with great music and dance and some lovely food too.
The organiser has been doing a brilliant job for yearsWritten July 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jon HLewes, UK27 contributionsWe decided to take our 3-year-old grandson out one last time before he returned to school. Groombridge Place came up in discussion as a possible place to visit.
It was twenty years plus since our last visit with our children.
Having checked out details and noted it was under new management after closing in 2018 our expectations we managed by the statement on the website about improvements being carried out and our patience would be appreciated while this is carried out.
We tried to book online the night before and apply a 25% summer discount. This was not possible so we tried the following day (the day we intend to visit) only to find you can only book at least 24 hours in advance, So no discount then.
We still decide to go. On arrival at 2 pm we followed the sign to the carpark & coach park and ignored the handwritten sign for car parking. This meant we parked up in the original parking area and had a short walk to the entrance otherwise the distance was a lot longer.
It looked a bit run done but we paid the entrance fee which we felt was reasonable. When we asked if there was a map. We were told that they were waiting for new ones to be delivered and we could take a picture of the one they had in the shop.
We set of with our charge to see the Zedonk and birds of prey display.
Having time to spare before the show started. We carried on walking into the woods to see what was on offer and found the play area which was impressive and decided to come later.
We walked up into the woods further at which point our grandson wanted to use the toilet. I looked at the map on my phone and could see there was one close by which we went to. On arrival there was no toilet to be seen and not signs to show were the nearest one was. We decided to walk back to the entrance where we knew there was a toilet so 10 minutes later and with a little boy who was a little distressed by now because he was desperate, we arrived the toilet. It was untidy and needed a good clean. Because of this he couldn't go and was distraught. We calmed him down and had a drink in the cafe so we could be close to the toilet.
We purchased 2 teas and a small cake and felt the cost was a little steep but accepted this, but they were served in take away cups we had to ask for the cake as they forgot this item with no napkins available when asked we had to take these from the ice cream counter.
All the staff seemed to be young and have their minds on other matters such as their phones. so not impressed at all.
We tried again with the toilet, but to no avail we pressed on to see the Birds of Prey display, which was impressive, Especially seeing three black kites flying at the same time. We all enjoyed this part of our visit. We then went back into the woods and walked the boardwalk which although a bit run down was enjoyed by us all. the swings needed upgrading though. Making our way through the rest of the 'Enchanted woods' the original grottos and landscaped areas had definitely lost their Enchantment being very run down. There was lots of climbing and swing opportunities though.
We then had to take him back to the toilet another long walk!!! 30minute later we continued our walk though the woods. We spotted a group of fallow deer which was exciting.
We carried on and played on the rest of the climbing equipment of which there was a lot of to choose from this was late in the day about 5.30pm and we were the only people there. We had a drink at the kiosk again expensive and found another toilet at last.
We finished playing in the woods and made our way back to the car park leaving at 6pm.
In summary, we were initially disappointed because of the lack of toilets or proper signage and the poor service from the staff. Toilet by play area in the woods were the best on site having been recently refurbished.
The facilities need further improvement and hopefully in time this will happen.
The Bird of prey display was very good. With plenty of areas for kids to run around and let of steam and areas for adults to walk and take in the gardens and animals.
It does make a for a good family day out just don't expect all the amenities of more commercial venues.Written September 7, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - wombatskiBexleyheath, UK107 contributionsHad a fantastic time here today. Just the two of us and Zoe the falconer. There for 3 hours and we flew 8 birds from Barn Owls to a Vulture (she was a real character). Took loads of photos but won't bore you with them. Great fun and fantastic value for money.Written August 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ian S8 contributionsJust been to see Buzzcocks at The Forum. If you want to see a favourite band up close and intimate and get a sweat on then it's a great venue. It holds around 200 people at a squeeze but seems to be very well run with a very easy to access bar and no problems getting in and out. Plenty of parking within a couple of minutes walk. Basic decor yes but decent acoustics which let's face it, is the most important thing.
Buzzcocks were excellent fun and this was a perfect setting. A bouncing, enthusiastic crowd and everyone enjoying themselves. With the sad passing of Pete Shelley, Mr Diggle has picked up the vocal baton and while he doesn't have the same range, his enthusiasm and the tight band made it a great night. So many hits too. Left with my ears ringing but fantastic to see a local venue doing so well after so many years and all power to them.
Personal highlights: Ever Fallen In Love (obviously!), I Don't Mind, Love You More, Autonomy, What Do I Get, Why Can' I Touch It and the elongated sing-along Harmony In My Head.
Sidenote: For those who haven't kept up with Buzzcocks, I would strongly recommend listening to the recent Sonics In The Soul album and especially "Manchester Rain" - right up there with a lot of their earlier tracks.Written May 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sian Ccardiff30 contributionsThis was a peaceful place and we had a lovely hour or so wandering amongst the ruins. There were brief boards of information - but they only gave basic information. I would have liked to have more information.Written May 8, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Roving519097Sevenoaks, UK74 contributionsGreat night at the theatre for Tap Factory. Entertaining show and a good venue with clear views from all parts of the theatre.Written March 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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