Another weekend in Tunbridge Wells is almost here, so we’re here with another roundup of things to do on 13 and 14 January. Actually, we’ve decided to branch out a little and include a few weekday things too – check out the end of this post for some fab things happening during the week. We hope you like this little change. If you know of something you think is worthy of this roundup, contact me (Zoe) on editor@mytunbridgewells.com to let me know.
By Zoe Phillimore
OUR PICK THIS WEEKEND
Get up to 100 per cent off a slap-up meal
♥ Our friends at Sankey’s are offering up to 100 per cent off their meal for My Tunbridge Wells readers. So you could end up with a free lobster dinner! There are plenty of details on the offer here. With fresh seafood and a great buzzy vibes, this is a great cure for those January blues.
There’s lots more going on in Tunbridge Wells this week, so keep reading…
Do something you’ve been meaning to do
♥ Got something that’s broken? It’s Tonbridge Repair Cafe on 13 January from 10am-12.30pm at St Stephen’s Church. Their band of wonderful volunteers offer repairs of wooden & toys, mechanical, electrical, electronic, IT, textiles & clothing, toys plus knife sharpening and glueing. The last repair will be at midday, or when capacity has been reached – so get there early!
A fun theatre trip for kids aged 3-10
♥ On 13 January at 3pm at Southborough Civic Centre, Will Tell is galloping in to tell his funny tale of going up against the Big Bad Baron. Theatre Fideri Fidera’s production of Will Tell and the Big Bad Baron is filled with comedic capers centred around a medieval Strictly Come Dancing competition. Tickets are £7, and you’ll need to book in advance.
Make some furry friends
♥ How about a walk on the wildside? The hugely popular Breakfast with the Alpacas is back at Reuthe’s Lost Garden of Sevenoaks. The event is on 13 January from 10am. Children aged three and up will get a cooked mini English breakfast before going on a group trek around the grounds with two alpacas. Children aged over three will be allowed to walk with the alpaca. It’s worth noting this is all outdoors and isn’t all on a pram-friendly trail. Book ahead – children’s tickets are £10.95, adults are £2.95.
Beer + Thai food = ???
♥ On Saturday 13 January, ThaiSo food truck is headed to Cellarhead Brewing Company & Tap Room from midday until 7pm. Grab some Pad Thai and beer and suddenly January doesn’t feel so bad after all.
Tuck into one of the best breakfasts in Kent
♥ How about a delicious breakfast? We are spoilt for choice for breakfast and brunch in Tunbridge Wells, but recently we’ve been loving Eggs Eleven. Their Eggs Royale is fantastic, as is their full English. Service is always quick and with a smile, and it’s great value. After you’ve fuelled yourself up, you can take a stroll through Tunbridge Wells Common to Wellington Rocks. Just cross over London Road and head uphill.
Test your mettle
♥ This one is strictly for adults, but sounds so fun. The Winter Survival Camp at Brasted Chart is a chance for you to commune with nature and see if you’ve got what it takes to survive in the wilderness. Instructors will teach survival skills during the day, but as night falls you’ll be left on in your own in the wild to fend for yourself. If you watched Alone on Channel 4 last year and fancied having a go yourself, this sounds pretty similar.
Something that’s FREE
♥ Talking of walks, have you ever been to Harrison Rocks? We went recently and loved it – plenty of parking (although you do have to pay via Ringo – download the app before you go, as the reception is fairly useless there), toilets in the car park and maps to plan your route. It is boggy under foot, so wear wellies. But you get to stroll next to the Spa Valley Railway route, so might catch sight of a train chugging past. If that’s not for you, we have plenty other great walks in Tunbridge Wells in our roundup.
And something that’s indoors
♥ Ah the old January conundrum; weather too yuck to brave the outdoors but you really need to get out. How about a rock climbing session at Chimera Climbing? Under 12s can climb between 9am and 2pm on the weekends, and is suitable for kids aged five and over. This is climbing without ropes, so a bit different from Clip ‘n’ Climb in Tonbridge. But kids love it as they’re not waiting around to be clipped and unclipped – and it’s a bit more like “real” rock climbing.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
Welcome to the new section of our “what’s on in Tunbridge Wells” roundup. We’re going to be hand selecting a few of the best weekday events going on, that you may want to give a go.
Monday 15 January
♥ If you want to give babywearing/slings a go but don’t know where to start, Kent Sling Library is here to help. They’re rolling into town on Monday 15 January at Christ Church on the High Street from 9.30-11.30am. This runs alongside the Baby Umbrella sessions, which is a great place to get support for infant feeding, speak to experts and meet other fellow parents in the thick of the newborn haze.
♥ The Duke of York on The Pantiles will be hosting it’s bi-monthly pub quiz on 15 January. It’s teams of six and entry is £2.
Thursday 18 January
♥ I was lucky enough to go to Gravetye Manor last summer and marvel at its spectacular gardens (and eat the incredible food). On Thursday 18 January, Gravetye Manor’s head gardener will be giving a talk on how he’s renovated the garden as well as talking about Victorian horticulturalist William Robinson. It’s £160 per person, so quite pricey but that includes a talk, a three-course lunch and refreshments upon arrival.
♥ Another one for foodies is happening today. Squerryes with Friends is a regular event where the Squerrys Vineyard invites trusted friends to share their expertise. On the 18 January, Tunbridge Wells’ very own Matthew Sankey is hosting a six-course seafood tasting menu. This will be accompanied by a talk from Squerryes’ owner about fine wines. Book ahead for this one as spaces are limited and in demand.
♥ Thursday is a busy day! If you want to start the year in a positive way, how about the ultimate joy of singing? Tunbridge Wells Rock Choir meets on a Thursday at 8pm in St James Church Hall. You can do a taster session before committing. Joining at the beginning of term makes sense as they’ll start learning three new songs.
Friday 19 January
♥ Nature Makers is running on Friday 19 January from 10-10.45am at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. The group meet at The Hub, but then adventure through the park learning about nature through activities designed for babies and preschoolers. You need to book in advance for this.