Another weekend in Tunbridge Wells is here, as we glide gracefully (and slightly soggily) into the festive season. This week we’ve got an amazing and varied list of things to do in Tunbridge Wells over the weekend. There’s something for all ages, from tots up to teens and adults too – including those who are child free. Have a fab weekend, all!
By Zoe Phillimore
As well as this weekly round up, we have a wider selection of ideas of things to do this winter. There are more ideas than we could possibly put together in one list, but there are loads of Christmas fairs going on this weekend, as well as the best family walks in Kent and the best playgrounds, if the rain holds off.
OUR PICKS FOR THE WEEKEND
♥ Just because it’s not 5 November, doesn’t mean we have to stop enjoying the fireworks. This weekend it’s Reuthe’s The Lost Garden of Sevenoaks’ fireworks display. The event is on 11 November from 3pm (tickets in advance only). There will be live music, hot food and mulled cider to accompany the spectacle.
♥ Santa will be welcoming visitors to his much loved magical grotto at Royal Victoria Place from this Saturday (11th November). Visits start from a budget friendly £7 per child (including a very special gift). Find out more here about seeing Santa as well as the fab festive activities and events taking place across the centre this festive season.
Read on for more ideas this November weekend…
A lovely community event
♥ It’s Speldhurst Village Winter Market on 11 November from 2-4pm. This lovely village welcomes everyone to shop their wares. As well as plenty of gift ideas for Christmas, there will also be freshly made pizzas, a kids trail, hot cider, cake and more.
Step into Christmas
♥ Christmas fair season is upon us, and headlining this weekend is the It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas pop-up market at Crowborough Community Centre. Pop along from 10am-2pm on 11 November to snag some gifts and Christmas decorations. The perfect place to shop small.
Have a spooktacular evening – boo!
♥ There’s a ghost hunt at Tonbridge Castle on 11 November at 8pm. Did you know Tonbridge Castle is considered the most haunted place in Kent? Ghostly apparitions and haunting screams have been experienced on ghost hunts there. Yikes. This is strictly 18+ event. Book your tickets in advance.
Grab the best hot chocolate in town
♥ Grab a pimped hot chocolate from Sweet 15 on The Pantiles this weekend. We reckon they’re some of the best hot chocs in town. Then you can wander through the farmer’s market, which is running both days this weekend in The Pantiles.
There’s so much on in Tunbridge Wells this weekend. Keep scrolling ???
Have an Scandi-style ‘outdoor’ sauna
♥ We recently visited Hot Roxx Sauna at Loddington Farm, and enjoyed a relaxing sauna and open-water lake swim just as it was getting dark. It was absolutely magical, so we thought we’d spread the word. It’s £20 per person for a 45-minute session (book online). You sit in a wood-burning sauna that overlooks a tranquil lake, and is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Something that’s FREE
♥ Head down to The Amelia to borrow a stack of books for the kids, and even a DVD. We find it’s a great shout to while away a few rainy hours. You can snuggle up together with a book, look at the artefacts (the “dead animal section” is always a big hit with our kids ?) and grab a snack at Fine Grind, if you want.
Take the kids for a stomp through Autumn ???
♥ The Autumn Colours event at Bedgebury Forest is still ongoing. You can either do your own thing, walking through the amazing woodland – or biking (you can hire bikes there at the on-site shop). Or you can grab a sheet from the visitor’s centre by the lake. The sheet is perfect for primary-school-aged children. The sheet is free, but parking is not unless you’re a member. You can pay for parking on card via the machines in the car park.
Something for teens
♥ We’ve heard so many of you asking for more ideas for teens, and we’re here to serve you! So how about a game of laser tag at Bewl Water to get teens away from their PS5? Suitable for those aged eight and up, this is a fast-paced and hugely fun outdoor activity in a military themed arena. You’ll get 50 minutes to play three games: Team Death Match, Attack and Defend, and Protect the VIP. Booking ahead is an absolute must.
A night of music with a nostalgic twist
♥ Stick ’em punks, Huey Morgan is hitting The Forum on 11 November at 7.30pm. Huey 54 is a celebration of the music of Studio 54. Grab your friends, grab a can of Red Stripe and enjoy a night of soul, funk and NYC disco courtesy of Mr Morgan.