10 Nov 2023
From stunning castles in the Kent outdoors and scrumptious local produce to excellent transport links to London and beyond, this charming previously “royal” town is a highly sought-after place to live.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Tunbridge Wells is a nice place to live, our blog will give you an idea of what life here looks like.
Bordering East Sussex and Kent High Weald, the scenery of Tunbridge Wells is painted with beautiful buildings and rolling hills across a stunning sky. The iconic Pantiles - a historic spot with independent shops across a tree-flanked colonnaded walkway - offers an unparalleled shopping experience and is second only to the surrounding countryside. Whether you fancy taking a stroll in the Groombridge Enchanted Forest or taking a dive into local history at your castle of choice (Hever, Scotney, or Chiddingstone), there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Tunbridge Wells boasts an excellent education system making it a great place to live for families with kids. There are nurseries attached to local independent schools such as the Nursery at Sacred Heart Wadhurst as well as options in nearby Tonbridge. Did you know that the Bright Horizons nurseries have been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted?
In addition to independent schools, there are also prep schools such as Holmewood House. At the heart of Tunbridge lies Rose Hill School with unique financial incentives for pupils such as Y7 and Y8 awards. For primary schools, Claremont and St. James are popular among local families.
The educational setups in Tunbridge Wells include a number of Special Educational Needs (SEN) institutions. There are also faith state schools as well as grammar schools for both boys and girls.
Tunbridge Wells’s excellent transport links offer the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you can easily access the coast and countryside which is perfect for a weekend getaway. On the other hand, the town is also well connected to neighbouring areas with efficient bus transport. London commuters will be pleased to know that high-speed trains to central stations such as Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Waterloo East, and London Bridge are all under an hour.
Further afield destinations are within arms reach too. Drive down the A26 for an ice cream in Brighton or hop on the M26 to get to Gatwick in just 40 minutes!
The leisure amenities in Tunbridge are a testament to the town’s excellent work-life balance. According to a survey conducted by Rightmove last year, Tunbridge Wells is the 11th happiest place to live in the South East.
From Kiko Sushi & Yakitori for Japanese to Sankey’s for fish, culinary choices in Tunbridge Wells are diverse. Central locations in town are ideal for dining out when shopping. The Ivy Royal Tunbridge Wells, for instance, is opposite the Anthropologie Boutique. In the evening, you can put down your shopping bags and have a swanky cocktail at One Warwick Park. Gastropubs are plenty, but The Kentish Hare in Bidborough and Pomalo in Pembury are among the standouts.
The shopping scene in Tunbridge Wells will stop you in your tracks. The Pantiles region is full of a Georgian colonnade of independent shops, boutiques, galleries, and cafés. At the same time, you can also shop all of your high street brands at the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre.
Tunbridge Wells hosts several exciting events each year for locals and visitors alike. In the summer, there is the popular Gin & Jazz Festival at Pantiles. There are film screenings, music nights, and a regular Comedy Club at Trinity Theatre. Assembly Hall, which is the town’s main theatre, has its own events calendar for the year.
Quite recently, the Amelia Scott - a cultural hub housing a library, art gallery, and museum - has become popular with bibliophiles owing to the annual Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival.
The attractions in and around Tunbridge never cease to amaze, be it Dunorlan Park with its boats and ducks or the popular ice skating rink at Calverley Grounds. The Groombridge Farm Shop towards the west of town sells outstanding groceries and baked goods.
The village of Penshurst, which is only a 15-minute drive from town, has the famous Kingdom café and cycling club for friends and family to relax. Tunbridge Wells also offers sports and fitness facilities at places such as SPN and One Warwick Park Hotel. Did you also know that the ancestral home of Anne Boleyn - Penshurst Place & Gardens - is only two miles from the charming town?
Given the attractive amenities the town has to offer, the housing market in Tunbridge Wells is fairly competitive. Rental properties are let swiftly even for comparatively higher prices in the region. Large, detached houses are characteristic of Tunbridge and highly sought after by families. While these are usually expensive, unfurnished properties are a bargain in comparison.
If living in Tunbridge Wells is on the cards for you, our Tunbridge Wells removals branch will be best equipped for you. With a legacy spanning 165 years, you can trust us with your move. Our pre-move checklist will help you keep those moving-day nerves at bay.
