Another shepherd’s hut in Priory Park, this rustic hut sleeps up to four across bunk twin and double beds, making it an ideal accommodation option for a small family. With its own oven, BBQ, and wood burner, Stag is well-equipped for all seasons, keeping things cosy whether you’re outside toasting marshmallows and gazing at the night sky, or relaxing inside with a film.
The epitome of elegance and charm, Royal Tunbridge Wells has been Kent’s most stylish town since it was founded in 1606.
Stumbling upon what we now know as the Chalybeate Spring, it was a courtier to James I who put this area on the map: crowning it Tunbridge Wells. Over the next hundred years, the mineral waters of the spring attracted hoards of well-to-do tourists and aristocrats. Still not so different today.
By the 1700s, all the style, sophistication and elegance of the Georgian era had shaped the identity of Tunbridge Wells – from its exquisite architecture to the vibrant, rakish nature of the town’s social scene – famed by both celebrities and royals of the time. So enchanted by the town, the Royal Family became frequent visitors and by 1909 it had officially received its ‘Royal’ prefix, granted by King Edward VII in honour of his mother Queen Victoria, another loyal fan.
Today, Royal Tunbridge Wells is just as fashionable and thriving as ever. Lying just 30 miles from central London, the town has been a sought-after spot with its easy connections to the city and the Kent and Sussex countryside.
Perhaps Tunbridge Wells’ most celebrated area is The Pantiles. Lying at the very heart of the town, it was originally a grassy area called ‘The Walks’. When Princess Anne visited with her young son in 1699, he slipped and hurt himself. As a result, the princess demanded the area be paved with tiles made in a pan. Only 15 of the original ‘pantiles’ remain. One of the Pantiles’ ‘must see’ bars is Charlotte’s On The Pantiles. Serving decadent cocktails of all kinds, its beautiful marble-topped pink bar makes it the ultimate spot for a weekend brunch.
The buzzy Pantiles are awash with places for coffee, breakfast, brunch and lunch. Framptons serves famously good brunch pancakes — try out their vegan pancake stack with berries and lemon drizzle for that sweet mid-morning hit. If you’re more of an avocado-on-toast fan, then visit The Pantiles Café and Bar for their avocado poached egg on sourdough toast and a cup of seriously good coffee. As well as plenty of foodie havens and bars, The Pantiles has lots of artisan shops and boutiques, as does its neighbour: Chapel Place.
For the avid cook and kitchen lover, don’t miss Trevor Mottram, who sells everything from whisks and plates, through to clocks and cutlery. For the fashionistas, Tunbridge Wells is home to the much-loved US chain Anthropologie and several British chain clothes shops such as Mint Velvet. Chapel Place has plenty of other enthralling little shops, including Hall’s Bookshop for booklovers, Le Petit Jardin which sells luxurious gifts for gardeners and Settle Home for beautiful home interiors pieces. And for those looking for all the high street favourites, including department store Fenwick, head up to Royal Victoria Place.
A short car journey out of the town centre, and you’ll find Dairy Barn, a beautiful holiday home with a fully equipped kitchen, hot tub and uninterrupted views across the rolling countryside. It is a truly special setting for a romantic break in the countryside. If you’re travelling to Tunbridge Wells as a bigger family group have a look at its neighbouring holiday home, Cart Lodge, which sleeps up to 4 additional guests and like Dairy Barn is also dog-friendly.
