There’s a seriously good mix of things happening in and around Tunbridge Wells this weekend, from the return of the funfair to Dunorlan Park and Alice’s Wonderland Express at Spa Valley Railway, to dragon boat racing and the final River Walk Music of the summer in Tonbridge.
Elsewhere, you can raise a glass at Chapel Down’s first Magnum Festival, step back in time at Lullingstone Castle’s Cactus Weekend, catch some beautiful live classical music, visit the Speldhurst Flower, Vegetable & Craft Show or make the most of the final weekend of summer activities at Scotney Castle. Plus, we’ve got a few ideas for eating, relaxing and trying something different locally too.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in and around Tunbridge Wells this weekend, 4–6 September…
♥ Fri 4 – Sun 6 & Thurs 10 – Sun 13 September – M&L Pleasure Fairs at Dunorlan Park
The funfair is back at Dunorlan Park for some late-summer family fun. Expect thrill rides, children’s rides, dodgems, traditional fairground games and plenty of candy floss, with free entry and no need to book.
♥ 5–6 September – Chapel Down Magnum Festival
Raise a glass to the end of summer at Chapel Down’s first ever Magnum Festival. Set amongst the vines at its Tenterden estate, the weekend brings together award-winning English wine, live music and fantastic food from Kent producers and restaurants for a proper late-summer celebration. Book your tickets today!
♥ 5 September – Classics by Candlelight at St James Church
Enjoy an atmospheric evening of live classical music by candlelight at St James Church in Tunbridge Wells on 5 September. Internationally acclaimed violinist Harriet Mackenzie and the Celoniatus Ensemble will perform two intimate one-hour concerts, featuring Vivaldi’s Winter at 6pm and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending at 8pm. Proceeds support Music in Action’s developing schools’ outreach programme in the Tunbridge Wells area. Book your tickets today!
♥ 5–6 September – Alice’s Wonderland Express at Spa Valley Railway
Step into Wonderland aboard the Spa Valley Railway as Alice’s Wonderland Express returns for a wonderfully chaotic family adventure. Journey aboard a steam train as Wonderland comes to life around you, with plenty of classic characters and fun along the way – a memorable way to round off the summer holidays. Book your tickets today!
♥ 5 September – Speldhurst Flower, Vegetable & Craft Show
Head to Speldhurst Village Hall for this traditional village show, celebrating homegrown flowers and vegetables alongside local crafts. Taking place from 2–4pm, it’s a lovely way to support the local community and enjoy a quintessentially village afternoon.
♥ 4–6 September – Pokémon Summer of Play at Scotney Castle
It’s the final weekend to catch Pokémon Summer of Play at Scotney Castle, with a whole meadow of family activities including games, sports, creative challenges and Pokémon-themed activity zones. The activities are included with normal admission, so you can make a full day of it exploring the castle, gardens and woodland too.
♥ 5–6 September – Cactus at the Castle at Lullingstone Castle
Something a little different for the weekend! Lullingstone Castle’s Mexican Celebration Weekend returns with Cactus at the Castle, the UK’s largest annual cactus and succulent event. Browse unusual plants, hear expert talks, join a tour of the World Garden and tuck into Mexican street food, with cocktails and Mexican beers from the Blue Agave Bar too.
♥ Sun 6 September – Free Irish & Trad Sessions at The Sussex
On the first Sunday of each month, The Sussex Arms fills The Pantiles with Irish spirit from 4 to 6pm, with a free afternoon of live traditional music from the Sussex Arms Traditional Irish band. Expect folk, Celtic and old-time tunes in true pub session style – best enjoyed with a pint of Guinness in hand (free entry, booking a table in advance is advised by emailing bar@thesussextw.co.uk).
♥ Anytime – Swim, Soak & Sauna at Notcutts
Discover The Hot Tub & Swim Spa Company’s new Tunbridge Wells showroom at Notcutts, where you can browse Jacuzzi® hot tubs, swim spas and saunas – or book a Try Before You Buy wet test and experience them for yourself.
♥ From 4 September – Castle Farm Apple Orchard opens its PYO season, inviting families to pick rare Norfolk Royal apples in a pretty orchard near Sevenoaks. Entry is free, simply pay for what you pick, and enjoy treats from the Market Stall including ice cream, drinks and Castle Farm goodies. A short-season activity not to be missed!
♥ 6 September – Tonbridge Dragon Boat Race
Head to the River Medway by Tonbridge Castle for an action-packed day as teams battle it out in colourful dragon boats. Expect plenty of competitive spirit, cheering from the riverbank and a brilliant community atmosphere, with the racing helping to raise money for local charities.
♥ Anytime – Discover The Lair at Vapour Games
Board game fans have a new place to play in Tunbridge Wells! Vapour Games on Grosvenor Road has its own dedicated gaming space, The Lair, where you can gather friends for board games, Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer and more. Food and drinks are available too, making it a fun alternative for your next games night.