Over the past few years, I've made it my mission to explore towns and villages on my doorstep. I'm fortunate enough to live in Kent, also known as the Garden of England, which means I'm spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful towns and villages. One town I'm always drawn back to is Royal Tunbridge Wells. My latest visit marked my third time to the town - and it did not disappoint.

Just 30 miles from London, this spa town is a popular spot for commuters and is steeped in history, dating back to the Iron Age. Its renowned chalybeate spring made it a fashionable destination in the Restoration era, drawing visitors eager for its therapeutic waters and the iconic Pantiles. Today, tourists continue to flock there, drawn by the Pantiles - a beautiful Georgian colonnade at the town's heart - along with its boutiques, quirky cafes, restaurants, bars, and the unique chalybeate spring.

What truly sets the town apart is its rare 'Royal' title, an honour shared by only three towns in England. King Edward VII bestowed the prefix in 1909 to recognise its longstanding popularity with the Royal Family.

Given all this, it's no wonder Tunbridge Wells was named one of the best places to live in the UK for 2026 by Muddy Stilettos. The town was praised for its vibrant art galleries, yoga studios, variety of shops, convenient access to London, and, of course, the iconic Pantiles.

The publication said: "Forget those letter-writing retired colonels: this spa town now pulls in well-families chasing a best-of-both-worlds commuter lifestyle. With yoga studios, art galleries galore and the Garden of England's apple orchards on the doorstep, this town has it all."

The town was also ranked 10th in the UK in the Better Lives Index last year.

Published by the International Longevity Centre, the index examined 359 UK districts using nine criteria: gross domestic household income, life expectancy at birth and at 65, economic activity for over-16s, inactivity among 50 to 64-year-olds, pollution density, child poverty rate, avoidable mortality, and the ratio of house prices to earnings.

Although the weather was a bit unpredictable during my visit, I took advantage of the driest day to explore the town centre and take in the sights.

For the remainder of my stay, I relaxed at The Spa Hotel - a historic retreat set amid 14 acres of picturesque grounds just outside the town centre.

It was our third time at the hotel, which has become somewhat of a favourite of mine, thanks to its relaxing spa facilities, delicious food options, friendly staff and opulent rooms. This time around, I was lucky enough to explore the grounds and discovered beautiful countryside views, a pond and spring flowers on the cusp of bursting into bloom. It's hardly surprising that the hotel has become a popular venue for weddings, which we witnessed for ourselves on the second day of our stay.

The impressive hotel offers a restaurant and bar, a heated indoor pool, a gym, steam room, sauna, and a brand-new Wellness Suite. So, if the weather isn't suitable for exploring the town centre, there's still plenty to enjoy within the hotel. On previous visits, snow and thunderstorms kept us indoors all weekend, but with room service, excellent spa amenities, and a cosy bar, I wasn't too disappointed to be stuck inside.

Although the hotel feels tucked away in the countryside, it's only minutes from the town centre. Driving into town takes just five minutes, with plenty of parking available. You can also stroll down the hill for 20 minutes, or, as we did, hop on a local bus from right outside the hotel.

The town is easily among the most beautiful I've visited. The Pantiles stand out - a collonaded walkway that feels like stepping back in time, with most of its buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Many of the shops and cafes in the Pantiles are independent, with Collared, a dog accessory and gift shop; Trevor Mottram, a kitchenware shop; and the cosy cafe Eggs Eleven among my favourites.

On this visit, we finally tried the famous water from the chalybeate spring. At the end of the Pantiles, a vending machine dispenses glass bottles of this distinctive, iron-rich mineral water, known for its unique taste.

Discovered by Lord North in 1606, the mineral spring quickly gained a reputation for its remarkable healing qualities, believed to cure everything from illnesses and infertility to hangovers and obesity. In 1629, the Queen of England drank the spring water and soon after gave birth to Charles II, who was said to owe his life to the famous waters. The spring also attracted other royals, including James I, Queen Anne, and Queen Victoria.

The water itself tasted exceptionally pure - far better than tap or many bottled waters, with none of the usual chemical aftertaste. The glass bottles are also charming keepsakes, perfect for repurposing as vases or candleholders.

The rest of the day I spent meandering around the town, browsing shops and soaking up the sun. If you're keen to shop, Tunbridge Wells has plenty, from independent boutiques to well-known brands like Anthropologie, Space NK, LUSH and Fenwick, many of which can be found in the town's shopping centre, Royal Victoria Place.

After browsing shops all day, we made our way to Roddy Burger, a local independent restaurant known for its freshly made fare. Being among the first diners, we ordered a juicy chicken burger, a halloumi burger, fries, and beer-battered pickles. Both burgers were outstanding, paired with a non-alcoholic lager for me and an ale for my husband. It was my first time trying battered pickles, and I was surprised by how tasty they were - the salty, tangy pickle complemented the crisp batter perfectly.

The staff were genuinely friendly, and the restaurant's quirky decor and upbeat music created a relaxed, inviting vibe. If you're looking for a casual dinner spot, I'd definitely recommend giving it a try.

Although I didn't make it to Halstead Bakery on this trip, I've only ever heard positive things about it. Located on the same street as Roddy Burger, this independent bakery is known for its handmade bread, pastries, and baked goods made with local, seasonal ingredients. It boasts an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google, with reviewers praising its "incredible pastries and great coffee."

One review reads: "Delicious fresh bakes with innovative and vibrant flavour combinations. We've had so many different things from this bakery - the croissants are crispy, puffy and cooked to perfection; their speciality scones are not to be missed; and the cardamom buns are fragrant and moist. Friendly atmosphere and helpful staff. Highly recommend!"

I've also visited Fine Grind on the High Street on a previous visit, a charming coffee shop that proudly claims to have served "the best brews in town for 13 years," according to its Instagram. The coffee is genuinely exceptional, especially when paired with one of their cakes or pastries. Just a tip: it gets very busy on weekends!

One of the best things about visiting Tunbridge Wells is how easy it is to get around. Regular buses run in and out of town, and trains reach London in about 45 minutes. While it takes me over two hours to get there from the Kent coast, those in Canterbury, Ashford, or Maidstone can arrive in just 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the route.

The local taxi services in Tunbridge Wells are brilliant, but Uber is also available in the area if you have the app.

As much as I enjoy visiting Tunbridge Wells, one thing consistently disappoints me: the general attitude of the residents. While the hotel and hospitality staff are always friendly and welcoming, I found the atmosphere in town less inviting. People often pushed past without apology or saying 'thank you' when I held the door open, leaving me feeling a bit out of place.

Coming from a small town, I'm used to a friendly atmosphere; people smile as they pass and strike up conversations at the checkout. Perhaps I'm just not accustomed to the more reserved nature of larger towns, where people are less familiar with one another.

If you're considering a relaxed staycation this summer, Royal Tunbridge Wells is an excellent choice - perfect for shopping, sightseeing, or simply unwinding close to home. Just keep in mind, you might get a frosty reception from the locals...