There are also a number of children's
play centres providing both indoor and
outdoor soft-play facilities. There is a
good selection of golf courses of
outstanding quality in the area. Kent
County Cricket Week held every June at
the Nevill Ground in Royal Tunbridge
Wells attracts spectators from across the
country. England's only dedicated ice
curling rink can be found at Frant.
Libraries at key locations across the
borough cater for the whole community,
and often run events for the family.
Evening Economy
There are many excellent, high quality
restaurants, cafe
’
s, bars and pubs in
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook and
the surrounding towns and villages
catering for all types of cuisine and
tastes. A large bowling and multi-screen
cinema complex on the edge of Royal
Tunbridge Wells, and a digital cinema in
Hawkhurst, complete with cafe
’
s and bar,
show all the latest film releases.
Arts and Culture
Royal Tunbridge Wells is home to two
excellent theatres. The varied programme
at the Assembly Hall Theatre includes all
types of music, dance, comedy and
theatrical productions. Trinity, based in a
converted church, shows alternative film,
comedy, music and dance. Both theatres
also provide venues for local business
meetings, conferences and exhibitions.
The Forum in the town centre provides a
music venue for up-and-coming local
and regional bands playing rock and pop
music. The Tunbridge Wells Museum and
The Borough Council is working closely
with Housing Association development
partners and other agencies to provide
new affordable homes in the borough.
Housing Associations provide a number
of affordable housing schemes offering
key-worker living and part-ownership
developments for staff working in local
businesses. There is access to a wider
housing market area close to Royal
Tunbridge Wells that includes Tonbridge,
Crowborough and Uckfield.
Schools, colleges and education
The area is served by some of the best
schools in the region. There are around
75 primary schools in the borough, 17 of
which are located in Royal Tunbridge
Wells, as well as 18 secondary schools.
Many of these schools achieve good or
outstanding OFSTED reports and the
secondary schools in the area consistently
achieve excellent GCSE and A-level results.
There are also many distinguished private
and independent schools in the area.
Leisure Facilities
The area has first-rate private and public
leisure facilities. The Tunbridge Wells
Sports Centre has excellent facilities
including swimming, a diving centre,
basketball, netball, volleyball, indoor
football, a large air-conditioned gym,
badminton, table tennis, and squash
courts. The new indoor tennis centre
with new state-of-the-art LED lighting is
perfect for all abilities and is open to all.
Facilities at the Weald Sports Centre in
Cranbrook include a large pool, dance
studios, a sports hall and a fitness suite.
20
Art Gallery has wonderful collections of
costume, art, dolls and toys, which
recreate and re-tell the story of the
Tunbridge Wells area and its past heritage.
The Museum has an award-winning heritage
education programme throughout the year
that caters for all ages and communities.
There is also a variety of art and cultural
venues in other communities across the
borough. They include an excellent
museum and working windmill in
Cranbrook, a modern art gallery in
Paddock Wood and a digital cinema
in Hawkhurst.
Events
The borough hosts many seasonal events
supported by local businesses throughout
the year. These events include summer
festivals, such as the Mela and Jazz on
the Pantiles. There are an exciting range
of activities leading up to Christmas,
including markets and an ice rink in
Calverley Grounds, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
