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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Llanberis, Gwynedd, Wales. View across the lake early in September 2005

Llanberis

in the county of Gwynedd

Pictures of Tunbridge Wells

in the county of Kent

About Tunbridge Wells

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS is one of the best known inland holiday resorts in England. This friendly and attractive town is situated on the Kent / Sussex border about mid-way between London and Hastings. To the East lies the Kent fruit and hop-growing countryside known as the “Garden of England”, whilst to the South are the woods and mixed farms of Sussex.

The town became famous following the discovery by Lord North, a courtier to James I, of the medicinal qualities of iron impregnated water in the chalybeate wells. Royalty were frequent visitors and Tunbridge Wells became a popular resort for high society. Queen Victoria in her early life often came to the town. In 1909 Edward VII granted the title of “Royal” to the town as it is now formally called “Royal Tunbridge Wells”.

Today, in 2004, Tunbridge Wells is principally a residential town and tourist resort with some light industry on the outskirts. There are excellent shopping facilities and first class hotels. There are modern houses and places of historic interest. Much of the old world charm has been retained. Examples are the historic Pantiles with the Chalybeate Spring and the beautiful Common which remains unspoilt although the racecourse, much appreciated by Royalty at one time, has long since disappeared. The town has many parks, recreational facilities including one of the Kent County Cricket Grounds and several golf courses. There are numerous old and charming villages around Tunbridge Wells. Within a short drive many places of historic interest including Hever Castle (home of Anne Boleyn in her youth), Penshurst Place, Bodiam Castle, Sissinghurst Castle (with its famous gardens) and Chatwell (home of Sir Winston Churchill).

Royal Tunbridge Wells is a town of interest and charm.
Information submitted by: Daniel Bech
Enjoy some of Daniel's pictures on our picture tour and check out his wonderful CD "Historical and Interesting Views of Tunbridge Wells"

Recommended towns & villages near Tunbridge Wells

Groombridge Station

Groombridge (9 Pictures) in the county of East Sussex

(3.3 miles, 5.3 km, direction W of Tunbridge Wells)

In an area of attractive, outstanding villages, Groombridge with its 18th-century tiled cottages against the back-drop of a beautiful village green, stands out as being the very epitome of the perfect English village...

Bridge over river medway Tonbridge, Kent

Tonbridge (32 Pictures) a Historic Market Town in the county of Kent

(4.7 miles, 7.5 km, direction N of Tunbridge Wells)

Fine streets show a rich variety of architecture including typical Wealden tile-hung properties, and handsome Georgian and Victorian buildings dominating the river scene...

Marle Place Gardens, Brenchley, Kent - TN12 7HS

Brenchley (10 Pictures) in the county of Kent

(6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction E of Tunbridge Wells)

Brenchley is a beautiful "showpiece" village full of picturesque Tudor cottages, complimented by houses from the Regency and Victorian periods...

Chiddingstone

Chiddingstone (46 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Kent

(6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction NW of Tunbridge Wells)

Fascinating village, owned by the National Trust which is crammed with beautiful properties from the 16th and 17th-century probably built with iron-industry money...

April Garden Tea Room hearth, 16th century building, Mayfield, East Sussex.

Mayfield (6 Pictures) in the county of East Sussex

(7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction S of Tunbridge Wells)

This is a tranquil, historic village lying close to the beautiful River Rother. The village stands on a ridge in a lovely rural location with panoramic views over the valley...

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Nearby attractions..

Penshurst Place, Kent

Penshurst Place and Gardens (93 Pictures)

(4.5 miles, 7.2 km, direction NW)

A beautiful Medieval Manor House set in 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, which date back to 1346. The manor House has.....

Bayham Abbey, Lamberhurst, Kent

Bayham Abbey (13 Pictures)

(4.6 miles, 7.3 km, direction E)

Built in the 13th century, and set in beautiful surroundings, Bayham Abbey is a favourite of painters and photographers...

Tonbridge Castle

Tonbridge Castle (16 Pictures)

(4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction N)

A fire in 1088 destroyed the first castle at Tonbridge, and the evocative remains we see today are of a later castle which was.....

Marle Place Gardens, Brenchley, Kent - TN12 7HS

Marle Place Gardens (21 Pictures)

(6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction E)

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Chiddingstone Castle in Kent. taken in 1987

Chiddingstone Castle (28 Pictures)

(6.3 miles, 10.1 km, direction NW)

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The beautiful Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Scotney Castle (190 Pictures)

(7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction E)

What could be more romantic than to wander amongst the ruins of moated Scotney Castle, believed to have been begun in the latter.....

Hever Castle - UK_flag

Hever Castle (317 Pictures)

(7.6 miles, 12.3 km, direction NW)

The very mention of Hever Castle conjures up memories of Anne Boleyn, the bewitching young girl for whom Henry VIII divorced.....


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