Tunbridge Wells became famous in Regency times when it developed as a spa to rival Bath. The Pantiles is an 18th century shopping walk around the Chalybeate Spring. The unusual Wellington Rocks on the Common are outcrops of sandstone. Tunbridge Wells PlusBus tickets are valid within the local urban area.
TI The Corn Exchange, The Pantiles. Tel. 01892 515675.
Collections include Tunbridge ware, dolls, toys, art and natural history.
Exhibitions programme. Café. The Amelia is named after local suffrage campaigner Amelia Scott.
Open M-S 0930-1700, Sun 1000-1600, closed BH.
www.theamelia.co.uk
A steam railway to High Rocks, Groombridge and Eridge. Buffet.
Open please see website for details including train times.
www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk.
A series of traditional walled gardens. 'Enchanted Forest' ancient woodland. Birds of prey flying displays.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 1000-1700.
www.groombridgeplace.com
Bus
291 from Stop U (near station) to entrance. M-S hourly, Sun & BH 2-hourly, 12 minutes journey.
Operated by Metrobus.
Impressive ruins of an abbey, including much of the 13th to 15th century church, chapter house
and gatehouse. Rooms in the 'Georgian Gothick' dower house are also open.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 1000-1700. Nov-Mar, see website.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus 256 to the entrance drive, as Scotney Castle below but 20 minutes journey.
There is no marked bus stop at the entrance (on the left), watch for the EH and 'Welcome to Kent' signs a few
minutes after Bells Yew Green.
The moated Old Scotney Castle was partly demolished to leave a romantic folly as the centrepiece of the
picturesque garden. Rhododendrons, azaleas and autumn colour. The Victorian mansion which replaced the old
castle is also open. Estate walks. Tearoom.
Open Mar-Oct, Daily 1000-1700, House from 1100. Nov-Feb, see website.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bus 256 from Rail Station stop T to Lamberhurst, The Vineyard,
shortly after width restrictions in the road, 25 minutes journey.
Then 1 mile walk, including ½ mile entrance drive.
Bus 256 operates M-F only, infrequent but at reasonable times for visiting.
Bus times from Traveline.
The bus also passes Frant station.
The magnificent ancestral home of Viscount De L'Isle with Tudor Gardens and parkland.
Fine collections of furniture, tapestries, portraits and armour.
Toy museum, adventure playground, woodland trail. Tearoom.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily, House 1130-1530, Grounds 1000-1700. Nov-Mar, see website.
www.penshurstplace.com
Bus
231/3 from War Memorial (231 also passes station) to Penshurst Institute.
M-S every 1-1½ hours, 24 minutes journey.
Check the War Memorial bus stops carefully: bus 231 heads south (via station), bus 233 heads north.
Operated by Metrobus.
Penshurst Place is 2 miles from Penshurst station.
