Whether you’re planning a visit to the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells for the first time, or you just want to discover more about our favourite Georgian walkway’s best shops, cafes, and places to eat, you’ve come to the right place!
Our Local Guides to the Pantiles include everything you need to know about the charming, historic heart of Tunbridge Wells. To help you make the most of your time in the Pantiles, we’ve even included directions on how to get here, where to park, and where to stay.
History of The Pantiles
The story of the colonnaded Georgian walkway began in 1606, when a slightly under-the-weather English nobleman, Dudley Lord North, fortuitously stumbled upon a mineral spring during his journey from Eridge to London.
After drinking the reddish-brown water and feeling remarkably rejuvenated, Lord North declared the waters had healing properties. The nobleman’s discovery led to the eventual creation of the spa town (Tunbridge Wells), which quickly became a retreat for the aristocracy.
Then known as The Walks, it soon became a social destination for the country’s gentry. Famous visitors included Princess Anne and Queen Victoria, who flocked to the well for its healing waters.
In 1698, Princess Anne funded the paving of the upper walks after her son, the Duke of Gloucester slipped and fell while playing there. When she returned a year later, the work had not taken place. Eventually, the Walks did get paved with “pantiles,” – clay tiles baked in a pan – though Princess Anne never returned to see it.
Today, the Pantiles retains its iconic Georgian columns and buildings, and although you can still visit the healing Chalybeate Spring and even sample the water for yourself, it’s now a bustling promenade lined with charming independent and boutique shops, cafés, and galleries.
Shopping in The Pantiles
The Pantiles is home to a wonderful mix of independent shops, ranging from vintage boutiques to artisan shops offering handmade goods, jewellery, homewares, antiques and more.
Pantiles Shops
- Catherine Hills Jewellery
- Peter Jenner Jewellery
- The Diamond Setter Jewellery
- Thurlwell’s Jewellery
- HG Vintage Collectables Antiques
- Jeroen Markies Art Deco Furniture
The Pantiles Market
Throughout the year, the Pantiles hosts seasonal markets, including craft fairs and a beautiful Christmas market, filled with local goods, handmade treasures, and festive cheer.
The Pantiles market is open from 10am to 4pm every other weekend, though it’s always best to check the official Pantiles website before making a trip.
From mid-November, the Pantiles Christmas market is open every weekend until Christmas Eve. Scroll down to learn more about Christmas at the Pantiles, including opening times and special seasonal events!
Cafés and Restaurants in the Pantiles: The Best Places to Eat and Drink
If al fresco dining is up your street, you’ll love the wide range of restaurants, bars, and cafes in the Pantiles. Whether you’re in the mood for coffee and pastries, a casual lunch, or fine dining, there’s a perfect spot in the Pantiles for you.
Pantiles Restaurants
Sample flavours from around the world with restaurants offering cuisines ranging from Indian and Mediterranean to traditional British fare. Each eatery has its own charm, often with outdoor seating that lets you enjoy the charming atmosphere of The Pantiles.
Here at The Ragged Trousers, our weekend menu consists of a mix of French brasserie dishes and traditional British pub food. Our Sunday roasts and specials boards are a firm favourite!
For an in-depth guide on places to eat in the Pantiles, check out our Pantiles restaurants guide.
Cafes in The Pantiles
From breakfast cafes serving hearty traditional fry-ups to charming coffee shops offering a selection of scrumptious pastries and handmade cakes, check out our guide to the best cafes in the Pantiles.
Over at The Philanthropist café in the heart of the Pantiles, we serve a selection of teas, smoothies, and freshly brewed coffee. You can also take your pick from an irresistible range of locally made cakes, artisan bread, and pastries.
If you fancy a larger café meal, we also serve sandwiches, soups, and more. For more information, take a look at the Philanthropist menu.
Pubs and Bars in the Pantiles
Whether you fancy spending a couple of hours in a traditional pub, sampling local craft beer, celebrating with cocktails, or something else, the Pantiles is a fantastic destination to grab a few drinks and catch up with friends.
The Ragged Trousers
Here at our bar in the Pantiles, you’re free to explore twenty-two draught lines – a wide selection of craft beer and global brands, real ale, a carefully curated selection of wines, cocktails, and more.
We serve café food from Monday to Thursday and a restaurant menu from Thursday to Sunday.
Our fiercely independent pub in Tunbridge Wells has been in the Pantiles for almost two decades! Come along and enjoy one of the friendliest places to eat and drink in town.
The Sussex Arms
Looking for a traditional pub, quiz nights, live music, comedy, and entertainment? Our sister pub, The Sussex Arms, has got you covered.
The Sussex is a traditional pub in the Pantiles. Here, you can expect comfy sofas, real fires, and a warm welcome. The Sussex is also home to the Forum Basement, a live music venue in Tunbridge Wells. The basement hosts stand-up comedy, open mic nights, live music, and more.
Charlotte’s On the Pantiles
Charlotte’s is an elegant café and bar on the Pantiles. They serve everything from coffee to wine, champagne, and cocktails. Charlotte’s is open Wednesday to Sunday, and they serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
Lemons Bar
Based at 40, The Pantiles, Lemons Bar is a craft cocktail bar open from Wednesday to Sunday. Stop by for cocktails, prosecco, and beer.
The Pantiles Events and Live Music
One of the best things about The Pantiles is its year-round calendar of events that bring the community together, from food festivals and events on the bandstand to live music and seasonal, themed events.
Live at The Pantiles (formerly Jazz on The Pantiles)
Every Thursday evening from May to September, the Pantiles bandstand hosts live bands playing smooth jazz, swing, and more. Visitors can sit and dine (and drink) out in the warm evening and enjoy the celebratory mood.
Gin & Jazz Festival
The annual Gin & Jazz festival is a fun-filled weekend of music and gin tasting. Every year, the Pantiles fills up with stalls serving street food, a wide variety of gin, a selection of champagnes, and more.
The Best Art Galleries in The Pantiles
If you love art, you’ll feel right at home on the Pantiles with its collection of galleries and art shops showcasing both local and international artists.
Fairfax Gallery
23 The Pantiles
The Fairfax Art Gallery exhibits original contemporary paintings and sculptures from established and emerging artists.
The Spa Galleries
24 The Pantiles
Small general dealer representing a number of local contemporary painters. The gallery sometimes accommodates small exhibitions.
Beumée Fine Art Gallery
50 The Upper Pantiles
Original contemporary art, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and prints from prestigious artists from around the globe.
Gray-Webster Art Gallery
4 Neville Street, Near the Pantiles
Visit for high quality paintings and drawings by British artists, full valuation services, museum quality restoration services, and more.
Seasonal Highlights: When to Visit the Pantiles
The Pantiles is a great place to visit all year round, with each season bringing its own unique charm.
Throughout spring and summer, you can enjoy lush greenery and flowers blooming in nearby parks and take in the fresh produce and flowers filling the market stalls. It’s also the perfect season for al fresco dining and lively music events.
During the autumn, the Georgian architecture of the Pantiles makes it look especially picturesque. The charming shops and outdoor benches are surrounded by colourful autumn leaves. Autumn markets and events (such as The Pantiles’ Monster Mash) offer fun seasonal activities.
With twinkling fairy lights, decorations, and seasonal stalls, the Pantiles becomes a winter wonderland from mid-November onwards. Grab a hot drink and explore the Pantiles Christmas market, filled with handcrafted gifts and treats. Christmas here is truly magical, with choirs often taking to the bandstand and filling the night with festive songs.
Christmas at The Pantiles
The Pantiles’ festive Christmas market runs every weekend from mid-November until December 24th, from 10am to 4pm. With festive wooden chalets and decorated stalls selling handmade crafts, treats, and treasures, twinkling festive lights and decorations, the Christmas market makes for a wonderful experience.
Pantiles Big Reveal & Lights Switch On 2024
Every year, the Pantiles Big Reveal and Lights Switch On are the most anticipated events of the season.
The event begins with the dramatic reveal of the Christmas window displays from the shops and businesses lining The Pantiles. Next, the Christmas Lights Switch On takes place from the bandstand, and the town’s Christmas lights come to life. The event also features live music, choirs, and of course, the festive Christmas Market.
This year (2024) the Big Reveal and Lights Switch On will take place on Friday 15th of November.
- 4:00pm: Event Begins
- 5:15pm: Live music on the bandstand
- 5pm: Big Reveal of The Pantiles’ Christmas shop and business window displays
- 6pm: Christmas Lights Switch, along with the choir performance
Getting to The Pantiles: Trains Busses and Parking
Travelling By Train
The closest station is Tunbridge Wells, with frequent train services from London and surrounding areas. From the train station, The Pantiles is just a 10 minute walk downhill.
Direct trains from London Charing Cross, London Cannon Street, and London Blackfriars to Tunbridge Wells take around 55 minutes.
Parking in The Pantiles
If you’re travelling by car, there are several car parks available near the Pantiles:
- The Upper Pantiles Car Park (TN2 5TP)
- The Pantiles Car Park (TH4 8HG)
- Linden Park Road (TN2 5QL)
Travelling by Bus
Tunbridge Wells services 222, 228, 229, 230, 231, 281, and 282 all stop outside the Pantiles.
From Brighton: The Regency Route 28, 29, and 29X travel directly from Briton Royal Pavilion to the Pantiles in around 1 hour 40 minutes.
Where to Stay Near the Pantiles
If you’re planning to stay overnight, there are a range of accommodation options nearby.
- The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, known for its historic charm and comfortable amenities, is located on the Pantiles.
- Premier Inn is an affordable 3-star option, located just a 4 minute walk away from Tunbridge Wells train station.
- One Warick Park Hotel is a luxury hotel that’s just a 3 minute walk away from the Pantiles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells called that?
The Pantiles gets its name from the type of tiles that were first used to pave the walkway – clay tiles baked in a pan, hence, pan tiles.
What is the Pantiles known for?
The Pantiles is famous for its historic Georgian architecture, vibrant arts scene, its independent shops, and community events like Live on The Pantiles and seasonal markets. It’s also one of the most picturesque streets in England, and surrounded by the very picturesque High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty.
When are the best times to visit The Pantiles?
The Pantiles is a wonderful destination year-round. The summer months offer a vibrant experience with live music and outdoor dining. Winter at the Pantiles is magical with festive events, decorations and twinkling lights.
Is The Pantiles family-friendly?
Yes! The Pantiles offers family-friendly dining, open spaces, and seasonal events, making it perfect for visitors of all ages!
Are there any free events at The Pantiles?
Many events at the Pantiles are free to attend, though some, like Live on The Pantiles, do require paid tickets. It’s best to check before making the journey!