Mark Cross Inn

The discovery of spa water from the Chalybeate Spring in the seventeenth century marked the start of the Pantiles and of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The popularity of this spa water amongst the upper class Georgians, led to the popularity of Tunbridge Wells as a spa resort. The area surrounding the spring, became a colonnaded walkway in the eighteenth century, this is the Pantiles. Most of the buildings date from 18th and 19th Century. Water is still served in summer by traditional dipper. In the present day, the Pantiles also has many varied and interesting shops to fascinate the visitor.

Tunbridge Wells Museum offers a variety of interesting and exciting exhibits that help to bring to life the rich history of this community in Kent. See how Henry Peach anticipated the modern age through his extensive photograph archives. Other exhibits include those dedicated to prehistory and traditional crafts. A small art gallery is located within the museum showing a changing series of shows with a local and regional theme.

Located two miles west of Tunbridge Wells, these impressive rocks date back millions of years. Visitors can walk over the eleven inter-linked bridges to reach the impressive sandstone rocks. Woodland walks over several acres of woodland can also be enjoyed. These rocks were once a stone age camp, but are now part of the High Rock complex, which also includes a pub and a railway station. They are also a very popular spot for wedding photos and climbing.

Lamberhurst Vineyard was founded in 1971 and planting began in 1972. The winery was built in 1974. This north facing vineyard ensures that the harvest is a couple of weeks later and reduces early frost damage. A planting programme was introduced in 2004 and there is now 20 acres of vineyard, which the visitor can walk around. For the children, there is pets corner, while there is a beauty salon for the mothers! Plantbase and the vineyard shop offer the chance to buy souvenirs. When this all gets too much you can retire to The Swan pub!

Take a step back in time to the days of Winnie the Pooh and Tiger too. The famous children’s author of the Winnie the Pooh stories, A.A. Milne, lived in a house in Hartfield, close to Ashdown Forest. When his son, Christopher was a child, they would visit the rickety old bridge in Ashdown Forest and played a game they called “Poohsticks”. The bridge became infamous in the tales of Christopher Robin and families now flock to the little bridge to play their own game of Poohsticks.