Royal Tunbridge Wells
spa-town strolling, free
A genteel spa town of colonnades and common land, fifty minutes out. The Pantiles and the commons are free to roam.
Free day out · Tunbridge Wells · Kent · Charing Cross or London Bridge → Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells grew up as a Georgian spa and the prettiest bit, the Pantiles, is a colonnaded walk of shops and cafes around the original chalybeate spring, free to stroll and still serving spa water in season.
Behind the town the Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall commons give you wild heath, woodland and the strange sandstone outcrops of Wellington Rocks and the High Rocks, all free to roam. An easy genteel day out south of London.
Getting there from London: Charing Cross or London Bridge to Tunbridge Wells, around 50 min, advance singles, book ahead. The Pantiles, the commons and the streets are free. Only lunch and the train cost.
Getting there: Tunbridge Wells station is a few minutes walk from the Pantiles, and the common rises just behind the town.
Best time to go: A dry day for the commons and the Pantiles. Markets and events fill the colonnade at weekends.
Official site: https://www.visittunbridgewells.com
More free day trips from London · Free things to do in London