The Best Places to Visit While Driving from Ashford to Tunbridge Wells

Are you planning a road trip from Ashford, England to Tunbridge Wells, England? This scenic drive will take you through the beautiful Kent countryside, passing charming villages and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a fan of quaint towns, there's something for everyone along this route. Here are some of the top places to see when driving from Ashford to Tunbridge Wells.

Historic Canterbury

Just 30 minutes away from Ashford, Canterbury is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history. This ancient city was first inhabited by the Romans and became an important religious center during the Middle Ages. The Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true masterpiece of medieval architecture and houses the shrine of St. Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred in 1170.

In addition to the cathedral, Canterbury has many other historic sites worth visiting, such as the ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey, which dates back to the 6th century, and the Westgate Towers, a medieval gatehouse that now houses a museum.

Charming Tenterden

Located about halfway between Ashford and Tunbridge Wells, Tenterden is a picturesque town that will charm you with its cozy atmosphere and historic buildings. This market town has a rich history dating back to the 14th century and is known for its quaint high street, lined with unique independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.

One of the town's main attractions is the Kent & East Sussex Railway, a heritage railway that takes you on a scenic journey through the beautiful countryside. The town also has several historic buildings, such as St. Mildred's Church, a Norman church with a beautiful stained glass window, and the Tenterden Museum, which tells the story of the town's past.

Breathtaking Bedgebury Pinetum

If you're a nature lover, make sure to stop at Bedgebury Pinetum, a stunning 320-acre arboretum in Goudhurst, about 20 minutes away from Tunbridge Wells. The pinetum boasts one of the world's finest collections of conifers, with over 12,000 trees and shrubs from around the world.

At Bedgebury, you can take a leisurely stroll along the many walking trails, enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings, or try your hand at mountain biking on the challenging trails. The pinetum also has several playgrounds for children and a Go Ape treetop adventure course for the more adventurous.

Beautiful Bewl Water

Another must-see natural attraction on this route is Bewl Water, a large reservoir located near Lamberhurst, just a few minutes away from Bedgebury Pinetum. This stunning body of water is surrounded by wooded hills and offers a range of activities for visitors.

You can take a leisurely walk or cycle around the 13-mile perimeter of the reservoir, enjoy a picnic on one of the many scenic spots, or try your hand at some water sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, or kayaking. Bewl Water also has a fishing area, a nature reserve, and several cafes and restaurants.

Historic Royal Tunbridge Wells

Last but not least, make sure to save some time for Tunbridge Wells, a historic town located in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This elegant town dates back to the 17th century, when it became a popular spa town visited by royalty and the wealthy.

One of the must-see sights in Tunbridge Wells is the Chalybeate Spring, a natural spring whose iron-rich water was believed to have healing properties. The spring is now covered by a beautiful pavilion and can be visited all year round. Tunbridge Wells also has many other historic buildings, such as the Pantiles, a colonnaded shopping street lined with Georgian buildings, and the Tunbridge Wells Museum, which tells the story of the town's past.

In Conclusion

Driving from Ashford to Tunbridge Wells offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and history of Kent. From the ancient city of Canterbury to the charming market town of Tenterden, from the stunning Bedgebury Pinetum to the picturesque Bewl Water, and from the elegant spa town of Tunbridge Wells to the beautiful Kent countryside, this route has something for everyone. Don't forget to pack your camera and enjoy the ride!