Pantiles Tunbridge Wells is a stylish and graceful pedestrian walkway that allows you to relax and forget about any everyday pressures in your life. The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells has probably become one of the most well known sights in Royal Tunbridge Wells. It was once a playground of the gentry and royalty, but today is a pleasant place to wonder around the shops, eat, drink and relax.
The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells History
The Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells itself marked their start to the discovery of the spa water from Chalybeate Spring in the seventeenth century. The popularity of the spa water amongst the gentry and royalty of Georgian England led to the popularity of Tunbridge Wells as a spa resort and so the area surrounding the spring also grew in popularity; eventually leading to the building of the colonnaded walkway in the 18th century, later known as The Pantiles. Most of the buildings date from 18th and 19th Century, with its water is still served in summer by traditional dipper.
In its prime, back in the Georgian times, the 'Walks' were the place to see and be seen for visitors to Tunbridge Wells. A strict procedure was followed. The gentry had to be on the 'Upper Walks', the colonnade, and everyone else on the 'Lower Walks'. Richard Beau Nash, a dandy of the day made it his business to ensure that this protocol was adhered to by acting as a kind of Master of Ceremonies during 'the season' in Tunbridge Wells and in the town's rival, Bath. Today, things are much more relaxed; with the Pantiles being a very attractive and stylish part of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Much of the colonnade has been renewed since its beginnings in the 17th century but Most of the buildings date from 18th and 19th Century, with its water is still served in summer by traditional dipper.
The Chalybeate Spring:
The Spring was discovered by chance by a young nobleman, Dudley Lord North, who noticed the reddish waters of the Spring seeping from the ground. Lord North had spent several days at the Abergavenny Estate at nearby Eridge and was returning on horseback to London. Feeling a bit the worse for wear from heavy drinking and merrymaking, Lord North drank the water to quench his thirst. Feeling much rejuvenated from drinking the cool iron-rich spring water, he declared it to be health-giving to all his friends and acquaintances.
Word of the new spring and its special properties soon spread and visitors from London and elsewhere flocked to the small settlement which developed alongside the Spring and later became known as Tunbridge Wells.
In the eighteenth century the Spring became a central feature of the daily routine for any self-respecting lady or gentleman visiting 'The Wells'. The day started with a glass of spring water, followed by a promenade on 'The Walks' or a visit to the coffee house for the latest gossip, then off to church at the nearby Chapel of Ease, King Charles the Martyr. The afternoon was spent with more promenading, gambling or a friendly match on one of the nearby bowling greens and finished with further gambling, dancing or a musical soiree or grand ball in the evening.
The Chalybeate water was served by a 'Dipper' for a small charge - not for the water but for the service of it being handed to the drinker. This tradition carries on today, as in the summer it is still possible to sample the cool Chalybeate Spring water served by a costumed dipper.
The Chalybeate Spring is a central part of the Pantiles and of Royal Tunbridge Wells today. The spring is situated at the north-eastern end of The Pantiles and is overlooked by the Dipper's Hall. Chalybeate (pronounced Ka-lee-bee-at) means iron-rich, and the waters are rich in iron giving them a unique taste. Back in the eighteenth century, the Spring water was supposed to cure all sorts of illnessess from infertility and hangovers to obesity and 'a moist brain'.
Tourists can sample the Spring water served daily in the traditional manner by a costumed 'Dipper' from Easter to the end of September.
Today At The Pantiles
The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells now has a variety of many charming small shops, antique shops and open-air cafs, restaurants and bars. Visit the relaxed atmosphere, take your time and browse around the most compelling selection of shops. Browse fine art collections. Add style to your home and garden with a fabulous choice of accessories, artisan luxury goods and all the perfect finishing touches. You can even pamper yourself with antique and designer jewellery, day and eveningwear, must-have books and much more. At The Pantiles, there will be something for you. As well as all of that, there is an entertaining and varied programmes of regular events such as, workshops, food festivals, art exhibitions, music events and a fortnightly Farmers' Market, is held on the Pantiles.
Guided Walking Tours in Tunbridge Wells
Experience what we have talked about first hand and learn all about the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells with the help of a Tunbridge Wells guide. A one-hour guided walking tour will take you through the Pantiles Tunbridge Wells and the historic heart of the town. Learn about its 400-year historyand hear about the many famous visitors - from Queen Anne to Samuel Pepys - who made Tunbridge Wells the place it is today.
'Pleasant Promenades' take place every Thursday and Saturday morning (March to December) at 11:30am - regardless of the weather! All tours are conducted by a fully qualified Blue Badge Guide (Tourist Board accredited), and start and finish at the Tourist Information Centre in the Pantiles Tunbridge Wells.
Tickets: 3.50 available from the Royal Tunbridge Wells Tourist Information Centre. Tours last one hour and include a glass of Chalybeate Spring water.
Guided Group Tours in Tunbridge Wells
Arranging a group visit to Royal Tunbridge Wells? You can also arrange a group-guided tour on a day and at a time to suit you.
Want a Piece of The Pantiles or Tunbridge Wells?
At the top of Mount Pleasant, in the Tunbridge Wells Museum you will find more evidence of the town's role and how it was started. If you want a piece of the Pantiles of Tunbridge Wells, there is sure to be a souvenir shop of some kind. This kind of merchandise was first developed in Tunbridge Wells during the late seventeenth century. "Tunbridge Ware" souvenirs were first made in the 1680s, and consisted of scenes of Tunbridge Wells etched onto wooden or metal plaques. Later an ornate style of mosaic work developed, and was used to decorate a wide range of wooden objects, including desks and tables. A range of Tunbridge Ware is on display at the town's museum. Should you want a souvenir of your visit, you can even buy a few pieces of Tunbridge Ware.
Directions: The Pantiles, in Tunbridge Wells Kent, is just off the Eridge Road A26. There is a car park just behind the Pantiles off the A26 in Major Yorks Road.
