ABOuT TuNBRidge WeLLS

tunbridge wells

■ sPA VAlleY rAilwAY

Royal Tunbridge Wells’ very own heritage railway with “A destination at every Station!”. The Spa Valley Railway is a five-minute walk from the famous Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells and operates both steam & heritage diesel trains throughout the year between Tunbridge Wells West & eridge stations, with intermediate stations at high Rocks & groombridge.

Passengers can enjoy the spectacular scenery along the line and choose to alight at any of the stations to enjoy a walk or explore nearby attractions including groombridge Place.

There are special family events at easter, halloween and in december with the popular Santa Specials.

Adults can enjoy the annual beer festival, murder mystery evenings, fish and chip suppers, fine dining or engine driver experiences. For railway and engine enthusiasts, there are visiting locomotives and a large engine shed – every little boy’s dream! Timetables, information and bookings can be made on the Spa Valley Railway website at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

■ tHe AssemblY HAll tHeAtre

1939 ready to be used as a dancehall for troops, film shows and events to help raise money for the war effort in World War ii. Fast forward 80 years and the historic venue now plays host to an exciting and diverse programme featuring a wide range of dazzling theatrical performances, famous comedians, music and more throughout the year. You can read all about the theatre, find out about upcoming shows and get in touch at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk. Fancy coming along to a show? Book online or over the phone on 01892 530613

■ trinitY tHeAtre

Trinity Theatre is a vibrant arts venue in the centre of Tunbridge Wells. Welcoming 90,000 people a year through the doors of a converted decimus Burton church for a range of theatre, music, dance, film and comedy. Alongside the artistic programme and gallery is the community output, from Speech Bubbles work with local schools to Senior Cinema scheme for older, socially isolated people. Box Office 01892 678 678, www.trinitytheatre.net

■ tHe PAntiles

A beautiful, historic, open-air promenade surrounded by georgian shop fronts, The Pantiles has been a popular leisure destination for centuries and now hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

The award-winning Jazz on The Pantiles starts in early May, with a fantastic array of musicians taking to the stage every Thursday evening through to late September. For those who love the music of the seventies, Soul Train nights on The Pantiles provide the perfect excuse to dance the night away. if food and drink is your thing, there’s a number of superb bars and restaurants to choose from as well as regular markets, food festivals and gin & Jazz events that showcase the very best of outstanding local producers. For more information, please visit www.thepantiles.com

■ tHe Forum

With so much going on across the town in the Summer months, it’s easy to forget the Forum’s year-round programme continues with national touring acts, local talent, festival warm-up shows, and tribute acts taking to its stage.

Situated on Tunbridge Wells Common, the Forum is a great spot in the Summer with a veranda overlooking Fonthill and a covered garden area.

The Forum also programmes smaller gigs in the basement room of the Sussex Arms pub. To buy tickets and for up-to-date listings go to www.twforum.co.uk

■ roYAl VictoriA PlAce

Royal Victoria Place boasts a great selection of shops and places to eat and relax. it is home to some of the town’s biggest brands including the famous Bond Street department store Fenwick, plus an enviable line up of stores including M&S, Next, Topshop, Oliver Bonas, hobbs, hotel Chocolat, Lush, French Connection, Timberland, L’Occitane, Pandora, Swarovski and many more.

Royal Victoria Place is open 7 days a week until 6pm weekdays and Saturdays with late night shopping every Thursday until 8pm and on Sundays is open 10.30am to 4.30pm. Royal Victoria Place has over 1,750 car parking spaces and offers free parking after 6pm every Thursday. Find out more and discover what’s on at www.royalvictoriaplace.com