The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's Wind Section is visiting Tunbridge Wells' Assembly Hall Theatre on Sunday 27 June for a magnificent afternoon concert of music by Mozart, Dvořák and Gounod. Our resident local of the area, Friends' and Groups' Manager Jo, shares some tips on how you can make the best of your day in the beautiful town before and after seeing us in concert!
Spotlight on Wind
Sunday 27 June, 3pm
My top tips for a relaxing Sunday afternoon exploring Tunbridge Wells before taking in an RPO concert at the Assembly Hall Theatre would be...
To begin: coffee and cakes
I’d start at the top of town and, if I’d not already got my coffee (and vinyl!) fix within the relaxing and surroundings of even flow along St. John’s Road, I’d make a beeline for Camden Road, which has plenty of quirky shops, bars and restaurants, including a whole new undercover market section with lots of yummy food on offer; from Argentinian to Vietnamese. I particularly like The Black Dog, which does great coffee and even greater cakes.
Alternatively, local company Basil, at the other end of the High Street – on the corner of the pretty pastel townhouse lined Lime Hill Road – does the most incredible (and generously portioned!) homemade salads and cakes.
Picturesque scenes
I’d then make my way down through the carefully landscaped Calverley Grounds, taking in the picturesque views of the town, before heading down the cobbled streets of The Pantiles for a browse of its myriad high-end and independent shops and a spot of people-watching. Here, you can take a peek at the Chalybeate Spring, which has been attracting visitors for hundreds of years for its supposed health-giving properties.
Locomotive history and views
If you have the time, the Spa Valley railway begins just by here at the bottom of town, by the big Sainsbury’s, at its original Tunbridge Wells West station.
Before making your way back up Mount Pleasant Road to the Assembly Halls, why not pop over the road to the Common and take a look at (or even a clamber over, if you’re feeling adventurous!) the neolithic Wellington Rocks. Again, more great views of the town.
Unwinding post concert
After the concert, why not enjoy a casual drink in either the spacious pub garden of The Guinea, near Calverley Grounds, or back along the Pantiles, watching the world go by, sat outside the front of The Ragged Trousers. For something a bit special, there’s plenty to choose from, including local favourite Framptons, Hotel du Vin, The Vittle and Swing, or one of two Sankey’s fish cafes.