Local area
This section gives you information about the local area, as well as events for you to attend.
About the borough
The borough of Tunbridge Wells is in Kent, South East England. The borough has 14 parish councils and two town councils.
The borough takes its name from the town of Tunbridge Wells. Typically when people are referring to ‘Tunbridge Wells’ they are referring to the town and not the borough.
Some of the villages around Tunbridge Wells are: Bidborough, Carnbrook, Rusthall, Goudhurst, Hawkhurst, Lamberhurst, Pembury, Southborough & Speldhurst. The information and contacts are the same irrespective of where you are in the borough.
Places of worship
The main Ukrainian churches are in London, The Orthodox church is in Acton and the Catholic Cathedral is in Mayfair.
However, there are several areas of worship in the area including:
Christianity (Anglican) places of worship
St. James Church - Ferndale, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3RL. This is an Anglican church.
Islamic places of worship
Masjid Al-Noor - 99 Camden Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2QR
Jewish places of worship
Chatham Memorial Synagogue - 366 High St, Rochester ME1 1DJ
Parks and nature
Below is a list of outdoor parks within the borough:
- Calverley Grounds (Tunbridge Wells) – An urban park with sports facilities, gardens, paths and benches, children’s play areas, and open grass spaces.
- Dunorlan Park (Tunbridge Wells) is a large 78-acre country park with a big lake in the middle – good for walking and cycling.
- The Rocks (Southwest of Tunbridge Wells) are a collection of rocky highpoints outside of the town – perfect for exercising and exploring.
- The Commons (Tunbridge Wells) are an area of protected green and woodland space in and around the town. It’s good for a run, morning walk or a place to take your children to explore.
- Foal Hurst Wood (Paddock Wood) a reserve covering 43 acres, it is a peaceful location which can be explored by all.
- Bedgebury Pinetum (Goudhurst) 350 acres of countryside to walk and explore (parking charges apply and some activities have costs).
- Tudeley Woods Nature Reserve (Tudeley) An extensive area with mixed woodland, heathland and wildflower meadows.
Travel and transport
Rail
There are four railway stations in the borough. These are High Brooms station, Tunbridge Wells station, Ashurst station and Paddock Wood station. Trains go to London and take about around 40 minutes.
Please see here for a map of the local railways.
To plan a trip and see how much your tickets will be, please visit National Rail.
Bus
There are a number of local bus routes around Tunbridge Wells which will help you travel to different locations in and outside of the borough. Details on the different routes, timings and costs can be found here.
Events & Activities
Tunbridge Wells is a busy borough with lots of local events on each month. Please visit the Tunbridge Wells events website to see if there are any upcoming events that you might be interested in. Some venues include:
- The Amelia Scott building (Tunbridge Wells) is opening on 28 April 2022 and includes art and objects on display and both an adult and children’s library. Internet facilities are available free of charge, seven days a week.
- One Warwick Park Hotel Shop (Tunbridge Wells) hosts a pop-up shop on 5 May 2022 from 12:00pm - 09:00pm. This is where local businesses sell goods such as jewellery, handmade chocolates, candles, kids items, body products, different locally produced food etc. All money raised will provide resources for the English conversation classes and childrens integration clubs running through the year for Ukrainians families that are arriving and staying in Tunbridge Wells.
- Cranbrook Museum (Cranbrook) houses a local history collection within a 15th century timber-framed farmhouse bringing to life Victorian Cranbrook.
- Libraries – There are libraries in Cranbrook, Hawkhurst, Paddock Wood, Pembury, Rusthall, Sherwood, Showfields and Southborough.
- Leisure Centres – There are leisure centres (indoor sports, swimming, gyms) in Cranbrook, Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells.
Connecting with Others from Ukraine
The Sunflower Club
Informal gathering of hosts and Ukrainian guests on Sunday afternoons between 03:00pm and 05:00pm at the United Emmanuel Church in Tunbridge Wells. Tea, coffee and cake will be provided.
Conversation and coffee classes will be starting on the week commencing 9 May 2022 at the following locations and times for Ukrainains wishing to learn or improve their English whilst connecting with other Ukrainians. The events are run by qualified trained teachers and supported with volunteers.
- Monday Afternoons – Mosaic Resource Centre, 46 Quarry Road, TN1 2EZ from 01:45pm - 03:15pm (no child care at this site - adults only).
- Tuesday Mornings – Christchurch Hall, High St, Tunbridge Wells from 10:00am - 11:30am (child care on site for those who need to bring their children).
- Tuesday Eveningcare on site for those who need to bring their children).
- s – Christian Centre, Hanover Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1EY from 07:00pm - 08.30pm (child
Our welcome pack (available in English or Ukrainian) brings together most of the information in this section of the website and can be downloaded for future reference.
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