There’s plenty happening in and around Tunbridge Wells this weekend, with a brilliant mix of family days out, live music, community events and things to discover. From the Hospice Run and Paws in the Park to model railways, wedding inspiration, pond dipping and the final weekend of Heritage Open Days, there’s lots to choose from. We’ve also featured a new favourite walk too…
Whether you fancy getting outdoors, trying something new or simply finding somewhere lovely to spend a few hours, here are some of our favourite things to do this weekend. Also – have you heard the news about The PIG coming to Tunbridge Wells? SO EXCITED!
Read on for loads more ideas of things to do this weekend…
FEATURED EVENT
♥ Sun 20 September – Hospice Run
The Hospice Run returns to Tunbridge Wells for its 20th year with half marathon, 10k, 5k and a family fun run!
Whether you’re chasing a new personal best, ticking a half marathon off your bucket list or simply enjoying a fun morning out with the family, every entry helps make a real difference to local people facing life’s toughest moments. A brilliant community challenge raising vital funds for Hospice in the Weald. Register here!
♥ Sat 19 & Sun 20 September – Spa Valley Railway Autumn Model Railway Show
Railways large and small take over Spa Valley Railway for one of the South East’s biggest model railway events. Explore more than 30 layouts across Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge and Eridge, browse specialist trade stands and enjoy unlimited travel aboard heritage trains throughout the day. There’s also a Model Railway Hunt for families, and children aged 2–15 travel free with a fare-paying adult.
♥ Sat 19 September – Country Music Day Party @ Aura
Get your cowboy hats ready for an afternoon of country music, dancing and plenty of good vibes from 3-8pm. Expect a mix of old-school favourites and modern country hits from the likes of Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, Luke Combs and Shania Twain, with plenty of opportunities to hit the dance floor and sing along.
♥ Anytime – Friezland Woods Walk & Drinks at High Rocks
Take a wander through Friezland Woods, alongside the Spa Valley Railway line – you might even spot a heritage train passing! Follow the woodland paths past streams and the impressive High Rocks, then head to High Rocks for a drink and a bag of crisps in the garden while the kids have a run around. A lovely, wholesome afternoon with plenty of parking too!
♥ Anytime – Mini Golf at Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground
Fancy a round of mini golf? Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground has unveiled its newly refurbished nine-hole course, with each hole inspired by a different Tonbridge landmark. It’s part of a wider programme of improvements at the sportsground, which also includes new pickleball courts, upgraded tennis courts and an expanded outdoor gym. A great excuse to get outside, try something different and perhaps add a little friendly competition to your next trip to Tonbridge!
♥ Anytime – Duddleswell Café, Ashdown Forest & Babylon Eco make a perfect mini-day out with coffee and cake, a loop walk at The Hollies, and a browse (plus play area and café stop) at Babylon Eco.
♥ Sat 19 & Sun 20 September – Paws in the Park at Kent Showground
Paws in the Park returns to the Kent Showground in Detling for a whole weekend dedicated to dogs and their humans. Expect plenty to see and do throughout the day, with activities, displays, shopping and lots of opportunities to get involved with your four-legged friend. The event is open from 9.30am–5pm on both days, with cheaper tickets available when you book in advance.
♥ Sun 20 September – Pond Dipping at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park
Discover what’s lurking beneath the water at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park with a free family pond dipping session on 20 September. Join local expert Martin Sutton to explore the park’s wetlands and discover some of the fascinating creatures that call its ponds home. Meet at The Hub at 10.30am before heading down to the wetlands to investigate, with the drop-in session running until 12.30pm. It’s free to attend, although donations to Friends of Grosvenor & Hilbert Park are always welcome.
♥ Sat 19 – Sun 20 September – Heritage Open Days
The final weekend of free tours and events across Tunbridge Wells. Highlights include walking tours of The Pantiles, Woodbury Park Cemetery, Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Salomons Museum plus hidden gems and a chance to explore historic buildings not usually open to the public.
♥ Anytime – Walk around the Penshurst Estate
If you love a countryside walk even more when there’s something delicious waiting at the end, the Penshurst Estate is a lovely one to add to your list. Starting at Penshurst Place, you can wander through the surrounding rolling countryside, passing beautiful historic buildings, a 1,000-year-old tree and some pretty special views along the way. Finish with coffee, cake or lunch at the Porcupine Pantry, or head to The Leicester Arms for a cosy country pub stop. Even better, work has been underway to improve the pathway ready for the wetter months, hopefully making those autumn walks a little less muddy and slippery!
♥ Sun 20 September – Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Showcase
Planning a wedding? Spend the day exploring beautiful Chiddingstone Castle and meeting a selection of wedding suppliers who can help bring your plans to life. Set within 35 acres of Kent countryside, it’s also a brilliant opportunity to see this historic venue dressed for a celebration and imagine your own big day there.
♥ Sun 20 September – Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Turandot at Trinity Theatre
Experience one of opera’s most spectacular productions on the big screen at Trinity Theatre. Puccini’s Turandot is performed against the extraordinary backdrop of Sydney Harbour, combining soaring music, incredible staging and one of opera’s most famous arias, Nessun Dorma.
♥ Sun 20 September – Raystede hosts its All About Dogs Day, a free event packed with expert advice, behaviour talks, microchip checks, dog-friendly shopping and family activities. A welfare-focused day out designed to help every pup live their best life.