October has landed, and there’s plenty happening in and around Tunbridge Wells to fill your diary. From taking on the epic Commando Series and stepping into Autumn Magic at Birchden Vineyards, to gorgeous seasonal events at Dragonfly Farm and a hands-on bread making workshop at Bore Place, there’s family fun, fashion, live music, food, comedy and a healthy dose of Halloween to enjoy. Oh and the fabulous RVP Style Showcase is back as well as Professor Bubbleburp’s School of Witchcraft & Wizardry! Here’s our pick of the things you won’t want to miss this month…
We’ll be keeping this list updated as more events are announced, so bookmark it and check back throughout October. And if you’re looking for spooky season inspiration, look out for our mammoth round-up of 50+ October Half Term & Halloween events too.
→ Marble Run, Wilderness Wood
Open Tues to Sun | 10am – 4pm
If you haven’t discovered Wilderness Wood yet, October is a lovely excuse. Alongside its woodland trails and family-friendly activities, there’s a brilliant new giant marble run to discover – one for the little adventurers to add to their autumn day out.
→ The Gruffalo Art Adventure at Knole
Now til Sun 1 Nov | 10am – 5pm
Step into the deep dark wood at Knole, where 12 giant sculptures inspired by The Gruffalo have appeared around the estate. The outdoor art trail runs until 1 November and is included with normal admission, making October a particularly lovely time to combine it with an autumn walk around Knole’s grounds.
→ Projects Tunbridge Wells, Crescent Road
Open now
A gorgeous new coworking space has just opened in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Brighton-based Projects has opened its first location outside the city, with stylish coworking spaces, dedicated desks, private offices and meeting rooms, plus a stretch studio for yoga and Pilates and a programme of community events. Perfect for freelancers, remote workers and growing businesses who fancy an alternative to working from home. Find out more and book a tour here.
→ Bamnamu, Castle Street
Open now
Not technically an event, but too new not to mention. Bamnamu has just opened, bringing Korean-inspired small plates to Tunbridge Wells. Expect contemporary takes on Korean flavours, from gimbap and tteokbokki to Korean fried chicken and beef dishes, alongside a selection of wines.
→ The Real Pizza Company
Open now
If you haven’t tried The Real Pizza Company yet, October is a good time to make a pizza date. My Tunbridge Wells readers can get £5 off all orders with the code MTW5 – and you can use it alongside other offers and deals. Simply order through The Real Pizza Company app or website, select the Tunbridge Wells store and enter the code at checkout. Valid until 31 October.
→ Hilden Grange School Open Morning, Tonbridge
Fri 2 Oct | 9:30am – 12pm
Join Hilden Grange in Tonbridge, an independent co-educational prep school for children aged 2-13, for its Autumn Term Open Morning. Explore the school’s picturesque campus, spacious classrooms and extensive facilities, while getting a firsthand feel for its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
→ Two-Course Sunday Lunch at Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells
Available now til 17 Nov
Fancy a proper Sunday roast? Head to Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells for a two-course Sunday lunch, with a choice of starter and main or main and dessert. Tuck into the French Market Table, seasonal dishes and traditional roasts with all the trimmings, including proper Yorkshires. There are also family-friendly options, making this a lovely excuse for a relaxed Sunday lunch in town.
→ Bishops Down Primary School Open Day, Tunbridge Wells
Fri 2 & Fri 16 Oct | 9 – 10am
Meet the Headteacher, Reception Teacher, staff and pupils, tour the school and see learning in action. The Tunbridge Wells school has wonderful grounds, open spaces and a thriving Forest School, alongside a nurturing Early Years provision and an ambitious, engaging curriculum. School tours also available throughout November.
→ Rose Hill Open Morning, Tunbridge Wells
Fri 2 Oct | 9:30am – 12pm
Join their Autumn Term Open Morning and experience daily life at Rose Hill School. You’ll have the opportunity to explore our classrooms, specialist teaching spaces, and 16 acres of beautiful grounds, while getting a true feel for the energy of a normal school day.
→ For the Kids: Harvest Moon Mystery Trail at Birchden Vineyards, Groombridge
Selected dates from Sat 3 to Sat 31 Oct
Little explorers can follow the Children’s Immersive Mystery Trail through the vineyard, searching for the missing pieces of the Harvest Moon. A pumpkin to choose and decorate, marshmallow toasting and a Harvest Key craft are all included, with the experience designed primarily for ages 3–10. Advance booking is required.
→ For the Grown-Ups: Autumn Magic at Birchden Vineyards, Groombridge
Every weekend in October & 27 Oct – 1 Nov
For the adults, the Autumn Magic Barn is the place to settle in for a proper autumn afternoon, with festoon lights, a Bavarian BBQ, local beers and Birchden wine by the glass or bottle. Expect bratwurst, seasonal specials and cosy drinks, with the Blackbird Café serving coffee, lunch and cakes too. Pumpkin decorating and marshmallow toasting are available to purchase separately.
→ Farm Shop Supplier Tasting, Dragonfly Farm, Speldhurst
Sat 3 Oct | 11am – 2:30pm
Start October with a trip to Dragonfly Farm in Speldhurst, where a selection of the farm shop’s local suppliers will be popping in to meet customers and showcase their brilliant products on Saturday 3 October. There’ll be tastings, a chance to meet the people behind the produce and discover more about the local businesses stocked in the shop. No ticket needed, just turn up and enjoy.
→ GO Outdoors, Longfield Road, North Farm
Sat 3 Oct | 9am – 5pm
There’s a new outdoor destination coming to North Farm as GO Outdoors opens its new Tunbridge Wells store. Expect an opening celebration and the chance to pick up a little something for free. The first 100 groups through the doors will receive a complimentary goody bag worth £40, and inside selected bags will be: one £500 in‑store voucher, one £200 voucher, and three £100 vouchers to spend on the day. So go check it out!
→ Bread Making Course, Bore Place
Sun 4 Oct | 10am – 4pm
Get your hands floury at a bread-making workshop at Bore Place, led by Pietro Pagani of Tunbridge Wells cookery school The Alternative Table. It’s a relaxed, hands-on session with plenty of baking know-how – and, naturally, something delicious to take home.
→ AirHop Tunbridge Wells
Throughout Oct
Need to burn off some half-term energy? AirHop Tunbridge Wells has plenty of jumping sessions throughout October, including family sessions, toddler takeovers and open jump. A handy one to have up your sleeve when the weather inevitably turns.
→ PYO Pumpkin Season
Throughout Oct
It wouldn’t be October without a pumpkin patch. From Lower Ladysden Farm to other brilliant local PYO spots, there are plenty of opportunities to get your wellies on and pick your own pumpkin this month. Check out our full guide to pumpkin picking in Kent for all the best local patches.
→ The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Trinity Theatre
Sat 3 Oct | 3pm & 7:30pm
Music lovers, this one’s for you. The Simon & Garfunkel Story comes to Trinity Theatre on Saturday 3 October, bringing the music of the legendary duo to the stage in a West End show packed with their best-loved songs.
→ Emmetts Garden Fungi Festival
Fri 9 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
Step into a world of whimsy at the Emmetts Garden Fungi Festival, running throughout October and into early November. Enjoy arts, crafts, music, talks, and family activities inspired by the amazing variety of fungi found in the gardens!
→ Holmewood House Open Morning, Langton Green
Fri 9 Oct | 9:30am – 12pm
Come and discover what makes Holmewood House School so special at their Open Morning. Known for its academic rigour and wealth of co-curricular opportunities, with a thriving co-educational nursery open 50 weeks a year, this is your chance to see the school for yourself.
→ COMMANDO, Hever Castle
Sat 10 Oct
Fancy getting muddy? COMMANDO is taking over Hever Castle for an obstacle mud run inspired by military challenges on Saturday 10 October. Expect a serious test of stamina, strength and determination across a course packed with obstacles. Choose from three challenging distances: 3K, 6K, or 12K, and conquer a series of rugged obstacles designed to push your limits. Definitely one for the adventurous – suitable from age 7+, we can’t wait to do it as a family! Book your tickets today!
→ Hospices of Hope Carnival Gala, High Rocks
Sat 10 Oct | 7pm – midnight
Fancy a glamorous night out for a good cause? The Hospices of Hope Carnival Gala is heading to High Rocks for a carnival-inspired evening celebrating 35 years of the charity. Expect a welcome drink, three-course dinner, live entertainment, carnival games and plenty of fun, with tickets raising money for the charity’s work supporting terminally ill patients and their families.
→ Uplands Academy Open Events, Wadhurst
Sat 10 Oct & Mon 12 – Fri 16 Oct | 9:30am – 12:30pm
Uplands Academy is a welcoming and ambitious secondary school in the heart of Wadhurst. Visit their Open Day on Saturday 10 October, to explore the school, meet students and staff, view the facilities and hear from senior leaders about life at Uplands. Or try their Year 6 Open Morning Tours from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October, book your place asap.
→ Victoria Hislop Author Talk, Southborough Library
Thurs 15 Oct | 6:30pm
Bookworms, don’t miss this free author talk at Southborough Library with bestselling author Victoria Hislop, hosted by Mark Stay. Hear all about her writing career and latest book, The Wine Dark Sea, with a chance to ask your own questions too.
→ Royal Victoria Place’s Style Showcase
Fri 16 & Sat 17 Oct | 11am, 12:45pm & 2:30pm
Fashion fans, this one’s for you. Royal Victoria Place’s Style Showcase returns for two days of free fashion inspiration, expert styling advice, talks and interactive workshops, all curated by local stylist Helen Thomson. It’s all about getting your autumn/winter wardrobe working harder, so pop along and get some fresh outfit inspiration.
→ Tunbridge Wells Halloween Trail
20 Oct – 1 Nov
Get ready for a spooky scavenger hunt around town! Follow the Tunbridge Wells Halloween Trail, spotting 10 golden skeletons hidden in participating businesses and solving the mystery of the missing Tom Bones. Visit eight or more locations and check in via the RTW #LoveLocal App to enter the prize draw, with extra Halloween fun at The Amelia and Royal Victoria Place along the way.
→ Spa Valley Model Brick Show
Sat 25 & Sun 26 Oct | All day
Trains and LEGO unite at the Spa Valley Model Brick Show. Your return train ticket grants you access to the Tunbridge Wells station engine shed, where model LEGO railways and more will be on display. It’s a train-lover’s paradise!
→ Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival
Mon 26 – Sat 31 Oct
The much-loved festival returns this October with six days of world-class puppetry and family-friendly events across Tunbridge Wells and Southborough. This year’s global puppetry-themed programme includes Gaby Gulliver’s Travels, Three Little Pirate Pigs, The Wolf Project and Southern Thai Shadow Puppet Theatre, with free and ticketed events for a range of ages. Book tickets here.
→ Professor Bubble Burp, Royal Victoria Place
Mon 26 – Sat 31 Oct | Sessions from 10:30am – 4pm
Something for the little ones: Professor Bubble Burp is bringing some wonderfully silly bubble-based entertainment to the area this month. Expect giant bubbles, plenty of laughs and a show designed to keep younger audiences entertained.
→ Halloween Fun at Dragonfly Farm, Speldhurst
Fri 30 – Sat 31 Oct
There’s more happening at Dragonfly Farm as Halloween approaches. On Friday 30 October, Smodge will be in the café running a Halloween-themed art workshop for children, with a trick-or-treat tote bag to decorate. Tickets are required. Then on Saturday 31 October, the farm is hosting a Halloween Party all day in the café, with free crafts for kids, Halloween cakes and bakes and plenty of dressing-up encouraged. No ticket needed.
→ Bridget Christie & Guests, Trinity Theatre
Fri 30 Oct | 8-10pm
Fancy a comedy night? Award-winning comedian Bridget Christie heads to Trinity Theatre, for a special evening of stand-up with guests. Tickets are £29 and advance booking is recommended.
October is absolutely packed with autumnal days out around Tunbridge Wells, so don’t forget to check the My Tunbridge Wells What’s On calendar for newly added events throughout the month. You’ll also find details of local open days, workshops, family activities and Halloween events as they’re announced.
And for even more spooky-season inspiration, make sure you check out our 50+ October Half Term & Halloween events guide.