Seated in the Garden of England, the picturesque town of Tunbridge Wells has much to offer.
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. But what’s it actually like to live in Tunbridge Wells? Is it a nice place to live? Those considering the area will, understandably, have many questions.
It’s crucial to research any potential new place to live. Your happiness in a new place can depend on many factors, so we’re here to give you a brief overview of some of the most important ones. If you’ve set your sights on the area, our blog will give you an idea of what life here looks like and highlight some of the best places to live in Tunbridge Wells.
What Makes Tunbridge Wells Such a Nice Place to Live?
Stunning Scenery
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 collonaded 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.
Quality Schools and Nurseries
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.
Transport Links
Living in Tunbridge Wells comes with excellent transport links offering 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!
From Kiko Sushi & Yakitori for Japanese to Sankey’s for fish, the culinary choices at 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.
Shopping
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.
Local Events
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 the 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.
Nearby Attractions
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, located 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?
Housing in Tunbridge Wells
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 are highly sought after by families. While these are usually expensive, unfurnished properties are a bargain in comparison.
Best Places to Live in Tunbridge Wells
Those considering a move to Tunbridge Wells will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a neighbourhood to live in. This historic spa town boasts a mix of charming Victorian and Edwardian homes, leafy suburbs, and modern developments, all set against a backdrop of stunning parks and countryside. Whether you’re seeking a lively atmosphere with easy access to shops and restaurants, or a peaceful, family-friendly neighbourhood, Tunbridge Wells offers a variety of appealing options to suit different lifestyles and preferences. Let’s look at some of the best areas to live in Tunbridge Wells.
Southborough and St Johns
For those with school children, the communities of St. John and Southborough are fantastic places to live in Tunbridge Wells. There are plenty of top-rated primary and secondary schools in the area offering excellent choices when it comes to education. Furthermore, they’re a stone’s throw from the High Brooms train station with direct services to London for commuting parents.
Hungershall Park and Nevill Park
Hungershall Park and Nevill Park are two of the most prestigious places to live in Tunbridge Wells. Colossal houses in the area are often split into multiple apartments. These sprawling country residences offer incomparable views of lush green fields and meadows and are conveniently located close to the town centre.
The Village
The property market in The Village features modern homes with a period character. Houses here are placed at different angles on roads that wind up and down from the High Street. While the area is highly sought after by young professionals, the availability of large homes with courtyard gardens on Claremont Road also makes it ideal for families. Plus, the area is close to Grove Park and Claremont Primary, which is notorious for its repeated ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings.
Camden Park
Camden Park is an oasis with its lovely walks, offering excellent work-life balance. That being said, it is by no means far from town. The houses are roomy, have their own character, spacious parking and gardens, and often, common land towards the rear of the property.
Langton Green
This beautiful green village is a highly sought-after place to live around Tunbridge Wells. The Hare is a fantastic place to dine and Rusthall with its brilliant shops such as The Daily Bread makes shopping extremely convenient for residents. Further afield are the family-friendly communities of Pembury and Crowborough with independent shops and supermarkets.
To sum up, Tunbridge Wells offers a unique blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning Georgian architecture, the convenience of its transport links, or its vibrant cultural scene, it’s a place that effortlessly balances tranquil countryside living with all the perks of a bustling town. This Kentish town offers the perfect middle ground where tradition meets contemporary comfort, making it an ideal place to live for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a well-rounded lifestyle.
Quality of Life in Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells continually ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in the South East, which goes a long way in making it such a nice place to live. And it’s not without reason, either. The beauty and strong schooling system are a big factor, as well as convenient links to London and a positive sense of community. Let’s investigate a few reasons why the quality of life in Tunbridge Wells is so high, and also investigate some potential cons for living in the area.
A Healthier, Happier Lifestyle
There’s no buts about it – Tunbridge Wells is a beautiful place to live. Surrounded by the High Weald AONB, the town offers an active lifestyle with easy access to countryside walks, parks, woodlands and more. Healthcare is another win for the area, as it’s served by an array of well-rated GP surgeries and the modern Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury.
The Cost of Living: More Than Average, but Manageable
As we’ve already highlighted, living in Tunbridge Wells isn’t the cheapest option in Kent. That being said, many residents feel the quality of life justifies the cost. According to recent estimates:
The average monthly cost for a single person (excluding rent) is around £750–£850.
A one-bedroom flat in the town centre typically rents for £1,000–£1,200, while larger family homes can range from £1,600–£2,500+, depending on size and location.
Dining out, transport, and utilities tend to be higher than the UK average, but still significantly more affordable than in London.
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 170+ years, you can trust us with your move. In the meantime, our pre-move checklist will help you keep those moving-day nerves at bay.
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