Tunbridge Wells

[Sarahljones]

We are planning to move to TW in the next year. Can anyone give me an honest assessment of what the area is like? We are currently living in an area that is great for many reasons, but a major drawback is that it lacks spark: not much going on and difficult to find like-minded people (arty, enjoy conversation and debate).

I have heard that TW is conservative politically, but how homogenous is it in terms of outlook on life? Is there much going on in the way of culture? My DH is getting a job there, so the area is pretty non-negotiable, but we could choose a different area nearby if we had to!

I lived there for 40 years, moved away 2 years ago but still visit my parents there. Nice place to live, not a massive amount going on in terms of culture...there's the assembly hall which has shows/plays etc. There's an industrial park which has a couple of restaurants, bowling and a cinema several bars/restaurants in town. It has a shopping centre and high street but when I was there have to say it was dying a bit like most high streets. Always felt safe there of an evening. It is in easy reach of London though as it has two train stations and you're in CharingX in less than an hour and you've got Tonbridge and Sevenoaks a short drive away.

Not sure about the whole political thing but it was always massively Conservative when I was there.

Couple of dodgy areas though like most places, feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

This is really helpful thanks @jiskoot. I know it's relatively well-connected to London, but I really don't want to have to go into London for everything.

Any other views?

It always seems to involve sitting in traffic if you drive through it - looks quite nice apart from that.

It's fine, good shopping, variety of attractive properties from different periods.Only place in Kent to vote remain. Traffic can be quite bad because bypass/ road through common rejected.
Tonbridge has faster trains to London and more frequent. Property there a bit cheaper and shopping in terms of supermarkets slightly better.

Decent shopping, although we have lost a few shops lately including Smiggle and Gap. We have White Company and Fenwicks etc.

It’s a nice place to live. An hour from the sea and an hour from the city. You can be in the countryside in 5 mins and there are all sorts of woods and country walks to do. Tons of pretty surrounding villages for pub lunches. Very nice parks. Majority of the schools are very good.

Thanks everyone. Sounding positive so far, although I’m not hearing that there’s much in the way of culture

Positive apart from the traffic! Sounds like I’ll need a bike

Anyone else know anything about TW?

The Pantiles is nice. They often have jazz in the summer and lots of places to eat and drink outside in the sun. There's been a few "pub in the park" events with good food and wine over the last few summers. Obviously covid has impacted all of this.

There's three theatres, a few art galleries, cinema, some newer nice shops like anthropolgie. Although the high street is looking quite awful recently, and there's the old cinema site which continues to be a blight on the landscape. The nicer area if you want to be near the centre is the village area, down the end near the Pantiles. Some nice new parks have opened, such as the all wooden Calverley Park if you have kids. There are lots of great parks and playgrounds to choose from.

Its not London but for a town, I don't think it's bad for culture. What sort of things are you looking for?

There's quite a community spirit. Popular with families - lots of baby groups and places to meet other parents. Good schools, but consider the grammar implications. Quick to London but Tonbridge is faster.

I've also lived in Tonbridge which has better connections to London and is improving over time. The high street isn't as nice but the castle and parks are pretty. It's not considered as "posh" and there's less "culture"

I think politically there are all kinds in TW. Just like most towns. Although a pretty safe conservative seat.

Thanks @cloudchaos. I don’t need huge amounts of culture, but it would be nice to meet people who are interested in similar things to me

I'm sure you'll find some people who have similar tastes/hobbies. What sort of things are you interested in?

I like art and philosophy. Not niche interests really but I have found it difficult to find people into these things where I am now!