Tonbridge Area Guide

Tonbridge Area Guide

Living in Tonbridge

Tonbridge is perfectly situated for London commutes.

Roughly 45 minutes by train will get you to London Bridge, Charing Cross or Waterloo East. Drivers should allow around 15 minutes to reach the M25, and for flights it can be a mere 20 minutes to Gatwick. Fancy a weekend trip to the seaside? Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings are within reach – or check out historic Canterbury. Bluewater for easy family shopping is close by, but whichever way Tonbridge residents leave their town, they can admire the stunning High Weald and Kent Downs Areas of Natural Beauty.

History and architecture

Tonbridge has over 150 listed buildings and oozes history. The Romans crossed The Medway here, the Normans recorded it in the Domesday book (and built the magnificent motte-and-bailey castle) and it was once a thriving Mediaeval market town. Its oldest dwelling is the 15th century Port Reeve’s House in East Street, but the town boasts buildings right through the centuries from Georgian townhouses and Victorian terraces through to Edwardian villas, 1920’s detached and right up to the present day. Whatever property you’re looking to buy, you’ll love living amongst the splendid variety.

OUR OFFICE

Living in Tonbridge

Branch

Riverside House, River Lawn Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1EP

Cafés and shops

Cafés and shops

Tonbridge has no shortage of lovely cafés, restaurants and coffee shops where you can take the family for a treat or relax and meet friends. You may have a firm favourite from Costa, Café Nero and Starbucks, but do check out the ‘one of a kind’ coffee shops such as The Finch House (café and fine foods), The Old Tonbridge Fire Station and Basil. If a good restaurant tickles your tastebuds, experiment with Verdigris, Havet, Ella Bella, Gaab Kao, Pizza Olivia and Pizza Express. Everything you need on a day to day basis is in Tonbridge, with a Morrisons supermarket and a long high-street including a clutch of independents, banks, useful chains such as Boots and charity shops. It’s just a hop and a skip to neighbouring Tunbridge Wells, where the precinct includes popular stores like Lush and Marks & Spencer’s, and the historic Shambles houses a selection of interesting independents.

Tonbridge schools

Tonbridge schools

Tonbridge has wide range of education choices, with plenty of good and outstanding schools at both primary and secondary level. At the beginning of year 6, primary school pupils take the 11+ for entry into grammar schools, which include Tonbridge Grammar School (girls only up to 6th form), Weald of Kent Grammar School and The Judd School. Hillview School for Girls is a non-selective girls’ school with a mixed sixth form that specialises in performing and visual arts. There are also several options for private education, with Battle Abbey School and Sackville School (senior) and Solefield (primary).

Arts & Family activities

Arts & Family activities

Artspring gallery is an artist-run cooperative art gallery with regular events, and the library is a focal point with good facilities and active groups. The popular EM Forster Theatre and Cinema has a brilliant ‘sell-out’ annual pantomime, as well as regular comedy and access to National Theatre Live. The Oast Theatre is home to the Tonbridge Theatre and Arts Club.

Family activities

Events like the switching on of the Christmas lights and the annual fireworks display do a superb job of bringing the town together. Outdoor spaces include Tonbridge Park’s play area, and Haysden Country Park is great for walking, playing, fishing or simply admiring the ducks. Tonbridge Castle witnessed many a battle, but today its busy summer schedule includes Tonbridge Music Weekend and Tonbridge Pride. If exercise and fun are required, you’ll find both at Clip ‘n Climb and Mr Mulligans Dino Golf, and you can get close to wildlife on a leisurely Tonbridge River Trip.

Tonbridge sports and exercise

Tonbridge sports and exercise

Right in the heart of Tonbridge is the Racecourse Sportsground, with country walks and sports facilities (football, rugby, baseball, bowls, tennis, squash and cricket) and also home to several sports clubs. Nearby Tonbridge swimming Pool has both indoor and outdoor pools, and a packed schedule for lessons and optimum fun. The Angel Centre also offers several popular indoor sporting options. Take a short trip to Bewl Water, it’s brilliant for water sports, cycling, fishing and adventure. For general all-year gym needs there’s Snap Fitness, Anatomy 37 and Tonbridge School Sports Centre. If you like football, Tonbridge Angels FC is a fan-owned community based club. Playing in National League South, over 1,000 proud supporters regularly attend home games.