From drinking in the sun to getting fit in the park, here are five ways to enjoy the warmer weather in Tunbridge Wells
1. See a film under the stars
During the summer months, locations such as The Spa Hotel and Bewl Water show films in the great outdoors, or why not head to The Moonlight Drive-In Cinema at Paddock Wood, where you can enjoy your favourite films from the comfort of your car? Perfect for warm evenings and no need for a picnic blanket.
2. Visit a park
Rose Bainbridge
This town has a wealth of green spaces where you can head with the family or take a book and relax on your lunch break. Right in the heart of the town you’ll find Calverley Grounds with lawns, ornamental gardens and a children’s activity area, while a little further out you’ll find the stunning Dunorlan Park, complete with boating lake and views across the Weald. Tucked away in one of the more residential areas of the town, Grosvenor & Hilbert park – which is the oldest public park in the Tunbridge Wells provides lots of family fun, from regular events to a children’s play area.
3. Dine and drink alfresco
Summer is when the town really comes alive, with many restaurants opening up their terraces and gardens to allow long, lazy lunches and sunset dinners. The Pantiles is a great place to head on warm evenings to enjoy a drink or food outside and soak up the atmosphere – especially when the Thursday jazz nights happen.
4. Shop outdoors
Tunbridge Wells is known for its fantastic shops, but when the sun’s shining there’s no better way to get your retail therapy fix than by heading to one of the town’s popular markets. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month you’ll find the Tunbridge Wells Farmers Market located outside of the Town Hall, while on the first and third Saturdays a market takes place on The Pantiles. Throughout the year there are plenty of other shopping opportunities too, including vintage fairs and food and drink festivals.
5. Get fit
As tempting as it might be to embrace the warmer weather by consuming nothing but ice cream, you could also use the sun as motivation to exercise outside.
In Sherwood’s Colebrook Rec there’s an outdoor gym equipped with the likes of a stepper, Tai Chi wheel and skier machine to help you get fit without an expensive gym membership, while in Southborough’s Pennington Grounds you can work out on their equipment or play tennis, basketball or volleyball.
On Saturdays in Dunorlan Park you can participate in a weekly 5km park run, or if you’re feeling really motivated, book a session with one of the town’s personal trainers.
