Royal Tunbridge Wells Tourist Attractions
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A good center from which to explore the North Downs is Tunbridge Wells (pop. 45,300), attractively situated on the northern slopes of the Weald. Its chalybeate springs made it a much frequented spa in the 18th century. In 1909 the town's name was changed by royal decree to Royal Tunbridge Wells. Illustrious visitors to the spa have included the dandy "Beau" Nash and the writers Daniel Defoe and John Gay.The Assembly Halls and the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells provide live comedy, film and music entertainment. The farmers market is held on the second and fourth Saturday morning of each month outside the Town Hall.
Groombridge Place Gardens
A classical 17th century manor provides the backdrop to Groombridge Place Gardens - "the most romantic garden in the Kingdom". It features fountains, formal gardens, and 'The Enchanted Forest' - an award-winning children's garden. You will also find a medieval moat with a waterlilly collection.It was the setting for Peter Greenaway's film "The Draughtsman's Daughter".
Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange was originally built and used as a local theatre, later it was converted to a corn exchange where grain was bought and sold. Today the historic building houses a number of select shops.
Surroundings
East Grinstead
East Grinstead (pop. 22,394) is located east of Crawley on the A264. High Street is noted for the continuous run of 14th century timber-framed buildings, the longest in England.Ashdown Forest, located south of East Grinstead, is the setting for Winnie the Pooh stories.
West Hoathly - Priest House
The Priest House is an early 15th C timber-framed hall-house with a roof of Horsham stone. It contains a fascinating array of domestic country furniture, kitchen equipment, needlework and household items. The formal herb garden contains over 150 culinary, medicinal and folklore herbs.
Standen
Standen is a National Trust property located in East Grinstead. This arts-and-crafts-inspired family house was designed by Philip Webb with William Morris wallpapers and textiles. There is also a fine garden.
Mayfield
Mayfield is located on the A267 7mi/12km south of Royal Tunbridge Wells. There are a number of local walks available through a guide booklet in Mayfield. The walks take visitors around the town and through the countryside.
Festival
The charming town of Mayfield plays host to a biennial three-week festival which runs from late April to mid-May (on even-numbered years) and includes a wide array of daily events.This festival is one of the most prominent in southern England. Among the many events are orchestral, choral, chamber and organ concerts, recitals, theatrical performances, art and photography exhibitions, lectures and puppet shows.Although the musical repertoire is equally varied, a theme of high artistic quality is shared by all.The performances take place in numerous venues, including the Mayfield Parish Church, the Convent Chapel and the Concert Hall.
Pashley Manor Gardens
Pashley Manor was orginally built in 1252 but was demolished in the 16th century by a new land owner. The house you see today was built in its place. Gardening became serious business under the new owners and continued over the following centuries. The gardens are still being cultivated today. A rose garden and wild garden are among the more recent additions to the landscape.In the gardens and greenhouse at Pashley Manor, visitors enjoy colorful displays throughout the year.
Danehill
Danehill is a small village located on the A275 to the northwest of Uckfield. Danehill is located on the western edge of The Ashdown Forest.
Historic Heaven Farm
At the Historic Heaven Farm visitors can take walks along the Bluebell Nature Trail and afterwards relax in the Stable Tea Rooms with a traditional Sussex cream tea. On weekend afternoons there are tours through the Ancient Farm Museum. Walking sticks are crafted on site.
Goudhurst
Goudhurst is a nice village on a hilltop which commands fine views of the surrounding countryside. The existence of the current church in Goudhurst was first recorded in 1119, however it is believed to be even older.
Finchcocks Living Museum of Music
Finchcocks Living Museum of music in Goudhurst offers visitors an informative and entertaining introduction to keyboard instruments of the 17th to 19th centuries. The museum is situated in an early 18th century manor house with beautiful grounds.A visit to Finchcocks is fulfilling as it is at combines the aspects of visiting a manor house with a concert and a museum.
Bedgebury Pinetum Forest and Gardens
Over 1,500 varieties of conifer trees are to be found at Bedgebury Pinetum Forest and Gardens. Spread over 300 acres and complimented by broad-leafed trees, Azaleas and Rhodondendrums, this is one of Europe's most enchanting forests and finest conifer collections.
Bedgebury School Riding Centre
The school in Goudhurst is set in 250 acres of parkland and has 40 horses and ponies for riders of all abilities. Facilities include a cross-country course, indoor and outdoor arenas and a jumping paddock. For those more interested in taking in the local scenery, trails have been set out along the adjacent Bedgbury Forest.
Lamberhurst
Lamberhurst is an interesting town with nearby walking trails, picnic areas, an extensive golf course and a children's playground.
Bayham Old Abbey
Ruins of a house founded in the early 13th C, surrounded by landscaped gardens from the 18th C.
Bewl Water
Bewl Water offers outdoor education and activity courses. Cruises are offered around the reservoir.
Toy & Model Museum
The Lamberhurst Toy & Model Museum is housed in a restored Oast on a working hop farm.
Sprivers Garden, Horsmonden
Sprivers Garden is a National Trust property located in Horsmonden that is administered and maintained by the tenant. The garden features hedged compartments and a rose display.
