Tunbridge Wells

Local information for Royal Tunbridge Wells, Southborough, Paddock Wood, Cranbrook and Hawkhurst

Tunbridge Wells borough sits on Kent's border with East Sussex, covering Royal Tunbridge Wells, Southborough, Paddock Wood and the Wealden towns of Cranbrook and Hawkhurst. The borough has a population of around 115,000 and much of its area lies within the High Weald National Landscape.

Royal Tunbridge Wells itself grew up around the Chalybeate Spring, discovered in 1606, with the Pantiles colonnade forming its historic centre. The borough contains several notable sites including Scotney Castle and Bedgebury National Pinetum.

Council and local democracy

• Tunbridge Wells Borough Council — services, bins, planning and council tax
• Council meetings, agendas and minutes — committee papers and decisions
• Kent County Council — highways, schools, libraries and social care across Kent

Getting around

Railway stations in the area include Tunbridge Wells, High Brooms, Paddock Wood. Tunbridge Wells and High Brooms are on the London Charing Cross–Hastings line; Paddock Wood is on the line towards Ashford.

The main roads serving Tunbridge Wells are the A21, A26 and A264.

• National Rail Enquiries — live trains and timetables
• Kent County Council roads and travel

Health and emergency services

The main hospital is Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury, run by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, which has an emergency department.

• NHS 111 online — urgent medical help and advice
• Kent Police
• Kent Fire and Rescue Service

Neighbouring areas

Tonbridge & Malling · Maidstone · Ashford

News from Tunbridge Wells

Kent News Hub’s local news coverage for Tunbridge Wells is in development. This page will grow to carry Tunbridge Wells reporting alongside the reference information above. See all Kent areas.