LOCATION
HOTspot
Royal Tunbridge Wells
5 REASONS WE LOVE… TUNBRIDGE WELLS
1. Its majestic title! 2. The historic Pantiles 3. Excellent schools 4. Incredible countryside 5. Fast, reliable transport links
Royal Tunbridge Wells feels a million miles from the city, but is in fact located just 30 miles from the capital. Combining striking scenery with a convenient commute, it is little wonder so many first time buyers are looking to relocate to this picturesque spa town
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
OUT AND ABOUT
Royal Tunbridge Wells is a town of around 56,000 people, located in Kent, the Garden of England, close to the border with East Sussex. Tunbridge Wells (the town didn’t earn its “Royal” prefix until 1909) owes its existence to Dudley Lord North and his discovery of the Chalybeate Spring. He was returning from his Abergavenny Estate on horseback to London when he noticed the reddish-brown waters of the Spring foaming from the ground. He felt so rejuvenated from drinking the cool, iron-rich water that he declared it to be health-giving. He recommended it to his friends and soon visitors from London and beyond flocked to "take the waters". Since it wasn’t far from Tonbridge (then Tunbridge), it became Tunbridge Wells. Royal Tunbridge Wells is on the Southeastern railway line from London Charing Cross to Hastings, making it perfect for commuters. Direct services depart at least every half hour reaching London Bridge in 45 minutes, London Waterloo East in 50 minutes and London Charing Cross in under an hour. The line also conveniently serves Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, and offers connecting services to Gatwick airport. The area is well served by buses. By car, Royal Tunbridge Wells is located where the A26 and A21 roads
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meet, both of which run between London and the south coast, and is easily accessed from the M20 and M25. Royal Tunbridge Wells has a strong appeal for families as schools in the area are well regarded. It also entices Londoners, attracted by the high quality of life, and security of its close proximity to their former stamping grounds. Its most prestigious roads are to the south east of town, off the common, where large houses have been converted into apartments offering phenomenal views. However, "The Village", centring around Grove Park and only a few minutes from the high street and station, is the most popular with young professionals. Many families settle in Hawkenbury or, if walking the children to school is a priority, St Johns. High Brooms station is also a reasonable walk from St Johns, meaning it is still easily commutable. Southborough is an affordable option.
One of the biggest draws of Royal Tunbridge Wells is its proximity to the countryside. In fact, you don’t even need to leave the town to enjoy plentiful green spaces. These range from wild woodland to beautifully maintained grounds and parks, including the handsomely landscaped 78-acre Dunorlan Park and the historic Calverley Grounds in the town centre. Out of town, the nearby High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is criss-crossed with cycle routes, including The Cuckoo Trail and Forest Way which follow regenerated, disused railway lines. Bewl Water, Ashdown Forest (aka AA Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood) and the delightful Groombridge Place are local too. Tunbridge Wells is a shopping hotspot, especially the historic quarter. From the Victorian feel of the old High Street to the famous Georgian Pantiles, shopping here feels a little more special than your typical town. There is a delightful range of small, independent shops, many retaining their original frontages. The old stepped walkways down to the road and iron railings also hint at times of horse-drawn vehicles, and add to the town’s charm. The Pantiles is a unique al fresco area linked to the High Street by the cobbled Chapel Place, and is a tourist destination in its own right.
First Time Buyer October/November 2021
FTB 32-35 Hotspot-Tunbridge October-November21.indd 32
13/09/2021 16:35
