The town has been named one of the best places to live in the UK thanks to its thriving art galleries, yoga studios, range of shops and easy access to London,
Many of the shops and cafes in the town are independent(Image: Millie Bull/REACH PLC)
In recent years, I’ve made it my personal quest to discover towns and villages right on my doorstep. I’m lucky enough to call Kent home – also dubbed the Garden of England – which means I’m absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning towns and villages. One town that keeps pulling me back is Royal Tunbridge Wells. My most recent trip was my third visit to the town – and it certainly lived up to expectations.
Located just 30 miles from London, this spa town has become a go-to location for commuters and boasts a rich history stretching back to the Iron Age. Its famous chalybeate spring transformed it into a fashionable retreat during the Restoration era, attracting visitors seeking its healing waters and the legendary Pantiles. Today, tourists still pour in, lured by the Pantiles – a stunning Georgian colonnade sitting at the town’s centre – alongside its boutiques, quirky cafes, restaurants, bars, and the chalybeate spring.
What really makes the town stand out is its exceptional ‘Royal’ title, a distinction held by just three towns in England. King Edward VII granted the prefix in 1909 to acknowledge its enduring appeal with the Royal Family.
With all this going for it, it’s little surprise Tunbridge Wells was crowned one of the best places to live in the UK for 2026 by Muddy Stilettos.
The town earned praise for its thriving art galleries, yoga studios, range of shops, easy access to London, and, naturally, the legendary Pantiles.
The publication stated: “Forget those letter-writing retired colonels: this spa town now pulls in well-families chasing a best-of-both-worlds commuter lifestyle. With yoga studios, art galleries galore and the Garden of England’s apple orchards on the doorstep, this town has it all.”
The town also secured 10th place in the UK in last year’s Better Lives Index.
Compiled by the International Longevity Centre, the index assessed 359 UK districts across nine measures: gross domestic household income, life expectancy at birth and at 65, economic activity for over-16s, inactivity among 50 to 64-year-olds, pollution density, child poverty rate, avoidable mortality, and the ratio of house prices to earnings.
Despite somewhat changeable weather during my visit, I made the most of the driest day to wander through the town centre and soak up the atmosphere.
For the rest of my trip, I unwound at The Spa Hotel – a historic sanctuary nestled within 14 acres of beautiful grounds just beyond the town centre.
This was our third visit to the hotel, which has firmly established itself as a personal favourite, owing to its tranquil spa facilities, mouth-watering dining options, welcoming staff and luxurious rooms.
On this occasion, I was fortunate enough to wander the grounds, uncovering breathtaking countryside vistas, a picturesque pond and spring flowers just waiting to burst into bloom.
It comes as little surprise that the hotel has become a sought-after wedding venue, something we witnessed first-hand on the second day of our stay.
The stunning hotel boasts a restaurant and bar, a heated indoor pool, a gym, steam room, sauna, and a brand-new Wellness Suite.
So, should the weather prove unsuitable for venturing into town, there’s still a wealth of activities to enjoy within the hotel itself. On earlier visits, snow and thunderstorms had confined us indoors for entire weekends, yet with room service, superb spa amenities and a cosy bar, being kept inside felt far from a hardship.
Despite feeling delightfully secluded in the countryside, the hotel is just a stone’s throw from the town centre. A short five-minute drive brings you into town, with ample parking on hand. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely 20-minute stroll downhill, or, as we opted to do, catch a local bus from right outside the hotel entrance.
The town itself ranks among the most stunning I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. The Pantiles are a particular highlight — a collonaded walkway that transports you back in time, with the majority of its buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Many of the shops and cafes in the Pantiles are independent, with Collared, a dog accessory and gift shop; Trevor Mottram, a kitchenware shop; and the cosy cafe Eggs Eleven among my top picks.
During this trip, we finally sampled the celebrated water from the chalybeate spring. At the far end of the Pantiles, a vending machine dispenses glass bottles of this distinctive, iron-rich mineral water, renowned for its unique flavour.
Uncovered by Lord North in 1606, the mineral spring rapidly earned a reputation for its extraordinary healing properties, thought to remedy everything from ailments and infertility to hangovers and obesity.
In 1629, the Queen of England drank the spring water and shortly afterwards gave birth to Charles II, who was said to owe his life to the famous waters. The spring also drew other royals, including James I, Queen Anne, and Queen Victoria.
The water itself tasted remarkably pure – considerably better than tap or many bottled waters, without any of the usual chemical aftertaste. The glass bottles also make delightful keepsakes, ideal for reusing as vases or candleholders.
The remainder of the day I spent wandering around the town, browsing shops and enjoying the sunshine. If you’re eager to shop, Tunbridge Wells has plenty on offer, from independent boutiques to familiar brands like Anthropologie, Space NK, LUSH and Fenwick, many of which are located in the town’s shopping centre, Royal Victoria Place.
After spending the day browsing the shops, we headed to Roddy Burger, a local independent eatery renowned for its freshly prepared food. Arriving among the first customers, we ordered a succulent chicken burger, a halloumi burger, chips, and beer-battered pickles. Both burgers were exceptional, washed down with a non-alcoholic lager for me and an ale for my husband. It was my first experience of battered pickles, and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious they were – the salty, sharp pickle worked brilliantly with the crispy batter.
The team were genuinely lovely, and the restaurant’s quirky interior and lively music created a chilled, inviting atmosphere. If you’re after a laid-back dinner venue, I’d absolutely recommend popping in.
While I didn’t manage to visit Halstead Bakery on this occasion, I’ve only ever heard glowing reports about it. Situated on the same road as Roddy Burger, this independent bakery is celebrated for its handcrafted bread, pastries, and baked treats made using local, seasonal produce. It holds an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google, with customers singing its praises for “incredible pastries and great coffee.”
One review states: “Delicious fresh bakes with innovative and vibrant flavour combinations. We’ve had so many different things from this bakery – the croissants are crispy, puffy and cooked to perfection; their speciality scones are not to be missed; and the cardamom buns are fragrant and moist. Friendly atmosphere and helpful staff. Highly recommend!”
I’ve also popped into Fine Grind on the High Street during a previous trip, a delightful coffee shop that boasts it has served “the best brews in town for 13 years,” according to its Instagram. The coffee is truly outstanding, particularly when enjoyed alongside one of their cakes or pastries. A word of warning: it becomes extremely busy at weekends!
One of the greatest advantages of visiting Tunbridge Wells is its excellent transport links. Regular buses operate in and out of the town centre, while trains can reach London in roughly 45 minutes. Although my journey from the Kent coast takes over two hours, those travelling from Canterbury, Ashford, or Maidstone can arrive in just 60 to 90 minutes, depending on their chosen route.
The local taxi services in Tunbridge Wells are also excellent, though Uber operates in the area too if you’ve got the app.
While I thoroughly enjoy my visits to Tunbridge Wells, one aspect consistently lets it down: the general reception of locals. Although hotel and hospitality workers are invariably pleasant and accommodating, I discovered the atmosphere around town to be rather less welcoming. People frequently barged past without apologising or acknowledging when I held doors open, which left me feeling somewhat unwelcome.
Hailing from a small town, I’m accustomed to a neighbourly environment; people smile while passing and chat at the till. Perhaps I’m simply unaccustomed to the more distant character of larger towns, where residents are less acquainted with each other.
If you’re thinking about a laid-back staycation this summer, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a brilliant option — ideal for browsing shops, exploring historic sights, or just taking it easy without venturing far. Just bear in mind, you might not receive the warmest welcome from residents…
