Tunbridge Wells Heritage Open Days 2025 was from Friday 12th September to Sunday 21st September 2025 inclusive.

Heritage Open Days celebrate England's architectural, social and cultural heritage by offering visitors of all ages free access to a range of events that include interesting properties, guided walks, tours and talks. There are often art, craft and music events as well as displays of traditional skills. The Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society, in conjunction with the National Trust, helps to co-ordinate the events across the Borough of Tunbridge Wells.



Many activities will adopt this year's theme, Architecture. From the ancient wonder of Stonehenge to the modern marvel of UEA's Sainsbury Centre. Grand follies to garden greenhouses and the wonders of nature's builders, crafting bird nests and spiderwebs. There are so many stories to tell of the structures that surround us, including the makers, the menders, the materials and more!

Tunbridge Wells Heritage Open Days 2025 Programme

Events are listed below so you can see what you may have missed and you can also view our 2025 programme on the national website for Heritage Open Days. Click on the link below and then enter Tunbridge Wells in the search by location box and then click on the search icon:

http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on

Tunbridge Wells Events with Opening Times

1. Eridge Park Estate Archive
Nevill Estate Co Ltd, Estate Office, Eridge Park, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 9JT
Visitors will have the opportunity to view examples of the following in the estate office at Eridge Park;
The John Robinson papers (1770 - 1782), The Abergavenny Family Plate (17th Century) along with a longcase clock and a 16th Century Psalter.
The Robinson Papers cover the career of John Robinson, joint but Senior Secretary to the Treasury from 1770 - 1782. Acting also as a parliamentary whip, Robinson wielded great political influence and insight, further aided by the favour of George III.
The pieces of Nevill family plate on show includes work by Paul de Lamerie (1688 - 1751) and David Willaume (1658 - 1740).
The Eridge Clock is a month-going long-case clock circa 1705 by Thomas Tompion.
The Nevill Psalterium Jhesu is an illuminated manuscript dating from the turn of the 16th century. It comprises a Book of Hours (Latin) and the Jesus Psalter and other texts in Middle English.
The Estate Office is a working office rather than an archive and the Nevill family papers are held at one of three County Record Offices: Sussex, Kent and Gwent.
Visitors can park close to the Estate Office and access is generally level with just one or two steps to negotiate. The display is not accessible by wheelchair.
The Estate entrance is opposite the church in Eridge village. Please turn in and over the cattle grid, the drive then passes through fields and over a second cattle grid before reaching the Estate Offices on your right in what was once the stable buildings.
Contact for the day: Julia Foster 07702 302850 or 01892 750766

Wednesday 17 September 1000-1500
Thursday 18 September 1000-1500
Friday 19 September 1000-1500

Pre-booking is required to attend the Estate Office so please email Julia Foster

Booking opens: Tuesday 1 July 2025 0000
Booking closes: Tuesday 16 September 2025 0000
A maximum of 4 people each session which lasts one hour and thirty minutes.

2. Church of Christ - Celebration of 155 years in the Community
Church of Christ, Commercial Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2RR
Come join us for our interactive Celebration of 155 years in the Community. Experience our special heritage exhibition of faith and community, with activities for adults and children and delicious free refreshments including cream teas and cakes.
Commercial Road is one way towards Camden Road. Parking at nearby side roads or car parks.
Contact for the day: Cliff & Lynn Allen 07977 805489

Saturday 13 September 1000-1600

3. Grosvenor and Hilbert Park - The Swimming Pool in the Park
The Hub, Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, Rochdale Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2JB
Learn about the vanished open-air swimming pool that was an important feature of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park from 1869 until 1948, with an illustrated talk on its history by Mary Hughes from the Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park group. From reservoir through water polo, swimming professors & aquatic fetes, to decline & closure.
Contact for the day: Mary Hughes 07972 592799

Sunday 14 September 1430

4. St Barnabas Primary School
St. Barnabas C of E Primary School, Quarry Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2EY
Come and join us to explore this Victorian Primary School set in what was the working-class centre of Tunbridge Wells. The Victorian exterior of the school is largely as it was, and inside, although altered to provide suitable classrooms for the children, you can still see much of the original elements and physical structure of the building. In some of the classrooms, there will be albums of old school photos, the original Headteacher's log books stretching back to the opening of the school, old school registers and some other donations from ex-pupils. You can explore the school on your own or join a guided tour of the school.
On the day we will be inviting local artists to come and paint the school with a four-hour deadline so that we can see their different takes on the Victorian architecture of the school, we are hoping to then produce an exhibition at the school with the finished artworks, come along and watch their work as it progresses. Additionally, this year we are hosting the team from Scotney Castle, who will be running a series of workshops based on their conservation work. These workshops are for people of all ages and cover all aspects of their work with objects at Scotney from gilding to textiles no need to book just come along, you can also bring along small objects you value for advice on caring for them. These are new workshops, and your participation and feedback will inform future workshops. Everyone is welcome, COME CURIOUS, LEAVE INSPIRED.
As this is a Victorian School access to the upper classrooms is via four flights of stairs only.
Access to the school is via the school gates on Quarry Road, there is no parking available at the school but there is on street parking (2hrs) or pay and display car parks in nearby Camden Rd and Beech Street.
Contact for the day: Dave Prodrick 07966 190428

Saturday 20 September 1000-1500 Tours last 20 minutes
Max 12 people per tour.

5. Station to Station, Sainsbury's to Sainsbury's
4-5 Great Hall Arcade, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1QQ
A walking tour between the two railway stations in Tunbridge Wells, looking at their history and the history of the town around them.
The railway station came to central Tunbridge Wells in 1846. Then another one came along in 1866 just down the road and they were joined together by a tunnel in 1876. This walk will look at the history of both stations and the route between them, calling at the Old High Street, The Grove, the historic Mt Sion village area, The Pantiles and finally the original Tunbridge Wells West Station by the big Sainsbury's in Linden Park Road where the walk will terminate. The start point is outside the Sainsbury's Local on Mt Pleasant and will last approximately 90 minutes. The walk is step-free but there is one hill to climb at the beginning. Meet outside Sainsbury's Local opposite the station on Mount Pleasant.
Contact for the day: David Woosnam 07950 200031

Tours to be held on
Sunday 14 September 1030-1200 and 1400-1530
Friday 19 September 1400-1530
Saturday 20 September 1400-1530

Pre-booking is required so please use the SignUp booking website link at SignUp.com
You will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp and SignUp does not share your email address with anyone.
If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact David Woosnam on 07950 200031 or email David Woosnam and he can sign you up manually.

6. The Elevated Decimus Burton Walking Tour
Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1JP
Up until the 1820's, Tunbridge Wells was pretty much focussed around the Old High Street and The Pantiles. That all changed when Decimus Burton designed and executed the Calverley Estate at the top of Mount Pleasant. This is the story.
Decimus Burton was the young architect who, in the 1820s and 1830s, planned and realised a new 56 acre residential and retail estate at the top of Mount Pleasant in Tunbridge Wells to rival the delights being enjoyed down the hill in the famous Pantiles. This Walking Tour will look at the substantial legacy of his masterplan as well as taking in other sights along the way.
The walk will last approximately 90 minutes, is all level and will start at the Trinity Theatre in Church Road, Tunbridge Wells and finish a five minute walk away.
Contact for the day: David Woosnam 07950 200031

Tours to be held on
Monday 15 September 1030-1200 and 1400-1530
Saturday 20 September 1030-1200

Pre-booking is required so please use the SignUp booking website link at SignUp.com
You will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp and SignUp does not share your email address with anyone.
If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact David Woosnam on 07950 200031 or email David Woosnam and he can sign you up manually.

7. The Pantiles - Something in the Water!
The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TN
This walking tour will look at the history of the Pantiles where in 1606, the medicinal springs that would put Tunbridge Wells on the map were discovered.
he chance discovery of a medicinal spring in 1606 by a jaded courtier on his way back to London was the start of the story of Tunbridge Wells. From nothing, it rapidly found fame amongst the great and the good (including royalty), who were attracted by the healing waters, the dancing, the shopping and the gambling. It was the out of town rural setting where one had to be seen. Today, the Pantiles retains its Georgian splendour as a retail and leisure destination, still blissfully cocooned from the the outside world.
The walk will start and end outside the chemist at No. 2 The Pantiles (across the road from the Church of King Charles the Martyr).
Contact for the day: David Woosnam 07950 200031

Tours to be held on
Wednesday 17 September 1030-1145 and 1400-1515
Friday 19 September 1030-1145

Pre-booking is required so please use the SignUp booking website link at SignUp.com
You will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp and SignUp does not share your email address with anyone.
If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact David Woosnam on 07950 200031 or email David Woosnam and he can sign you up manually.

8. The Pound
The Pound, Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A Grade II listed building and rare example of an enclosed pound to hold livestock detained for roaming around the town. The structure, saved and restored by the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society, features its original manger, and will have an exhibition for the event showing the history of The Pound.

Saturday 13 September 1400-1600
Sunday 14 September 1400-1600

9. The Writing on the Wall
Tunbridge Wells Town Centre
A self-guided tour of the burgundy plaques and buildings of notable residents of Tunbridge Wells for children, with downloadable activity booklet. Please click below for the downloadable information and activity sheet for children:

Discovering Tunbridge Wells

10. Trinity Theatre - The Trinity Trine
Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1JP
A trilogy of documentaries that delve into the complex relationships between architecture, history and morality. Set in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, this trilogy of documentaries reveals the intricate bonds between built environments and the people who inhabit them, and the profound connections that exist between these spaces.
These documentaries are part of a series of events held in collaboration between Trinity Theatre and the Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery. Since Woodbury Park Cemetery opened in 1849 when Holy Trinity churchyard was considered 'full' and it was originally known as Trinity New Cemetery, we're celebrating the long link between the cemetery and today's Trinity Theatre.

The first film: In the beginning
An introduction to the symbiotic relationship between Trinity Church and Woodbury Park Cemetery.

The second film: Philadelphia Carmen - Jobbing Cook - Every Life Matters
A personal and thought-provoking investigative portrait of Philadelphia Carmen, a Victorian jobbing-cook buried in Woodbury Park Cemetery. Through Carmen's story, the film sheds light on the lives and contributions of often-overlooked working-class individuals, many of whom are women.

The final film: Climb Back Through Time with Trinity Clocktower
A comprehensive history of Trinity Clocktower, tracing its evolution from past to present, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the significance of this iconic landmark.

Wednesday 17 September 1700-1830

Pre-booking is preferred so please book via the Trinity Theatre website Trinity Theatre

11. Trinity Theatre x Woodbury Park Cemetery: the architecture of mortality
Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1JP
An exhibition that considers how Holy Trinity church (today's Trinity Theatre) and Woodbury Park Cemetery are linked and how the architecture of both places considers Victorian attitudes to mortality.
This exhibition is part of a series of events held in collaboration between Trinity Theatre and the Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery. Since Woodbury Park Cemetery opened in 1849 when Holy Trinity churchyard was considered 'full' and it was originally known as Trinity New Cemetery, we're celebrating the long link between the cemetery and today's Trinity Theatre.
We'll be considering how Holy Trinity church (today's Trinity Theatre) and Woodbury Park Cemetery are linked and how the architecture of both places reflects Victorian attitudes to mortality. The history of Holy Trinity church and Woodbury Park cemetery will be explored in terms of the structures and layout but also how Victorian Tunbridge Wells interacted with them.
Please have a look at the listings about our documentary screening ('The Trinity Trine') and a walk around Woodbury Park Cemetery. The documentary screening will be held at Trinity Theatre and the walk will be at Woodbury Park Cemetery.

Friday 12 September 1000-1500
Saturday 13 September 1000-1500
Monday 15 September 1000-1500
Tuesday 16 September 1000-1500
Wednesday 17 September 1000-1500
Thursday 18 September 1000-1500
Friday 19 September 1000-1500
Saturday 20 September 1000-1500

12. Tunbridge Wells Cemetery - Stories of the Stones - Architects and Architecture
Tunbridge Wells Cemetery Victorian Chapel, Benhall Mill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5JJ
Telling the stories of seven of the architects of local and national importance who are buried in Tunbridge Wells Cemetery.
Apart from telling the stories of seven architects buried here, we will be exploring the structures within the cemetery - the twin chapels, the two lodges, our beautiful Mausoleum and the two crosses of remembrance.
Join us in the Cemetery Chapel for a free exhibition featuring some of these architects who are buried in the cemetery. Tea and cake will be available.
Do not take the entrance to the Crematorium. We are the next entrance.
Contact for the day: John de Lucy 07780 7956812

Saturday 13 September 1400-1600
Sunday 14 September 1400-1600

13. Woodbury Park Cemetery - How do you make a cemetery? - An introduction to a Victorian gem
Woodbury Park Cemetery, Woodbury Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9NH
Join us for this walk around Woodbury Park Cemetery where you'll hear about the history of the cemetery, how it came to be and who was involved with its creation.
Woodbury Park Cemetery opened in October 1849 when space in the town's first parish churchyard, Holy Trinity in Church Road, began to run out. Today, the cemetery is Grade II and listed as an early example of a garden cemetery for the local Anglican congregation. Woodbury Park Cemetery is the final resting place of nearly 6,000 people from all classes and backgrounds of Victorian society; from paupers to priests and servants to shopkeepers. You'll learn about the physical architecture of the buildings as well as the social architecture of those who rest in the cemetery.
This walk is the last in a series of events held in collaboration between Trinity Theatre and the Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery. Since Woodbury Park Cemetery opened in 1849 when Trinity churchyard was considered 'full' and it was originally known as Trinity New Cemetery, we're celebrating the long link between the cemetery and today's Trinity Theatre.
Please have a look at the listings about our exhibition and an afternoon screening of three interconnected documentaries focusing on the past, present and future of Woodbury Park Cemetery and Trinity Theatre. These events will be held at Trinity Theatre.
The peaceful burial ground is hidden away just off St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells. If you walk 100 yards or so down Woodbury Park Road, you will find the entrance at the end of a cul de sac to your right. No parking at the cemetery but there is on road parking in the roads nearby.
The cemetery is built on a slope and is unfortunately not entirely suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. No onsite toilets. Please wear sensible shoes - some of the paths are uneven.

Sunday 21 September 1000-1100

Southborough Events with Opening Times

14. Doctor's Meadow Southborough Site Opening for Public Visits
Doctor's Meadow, Southborough, Kent, TN4 0RU
This site is not normally open to the public and is an archaeological investigation into local history, potentially spanning from the English Civil War to World War 2. Doctor's Meadow is located in Southborough between Southborough Common and Camp Field and enjoyed a long history based on artefacts located on the sites. During World War 2 Canadian and English infantry regiments were billeted nearby.
The site is steeply sloped from a high ridge to the North-West down to a stream forming the South-East border of Doctor's Meadow. We have explored several features, including pits, pathways and a potential World War 2 lookout post. We will be able to show the public the pits we have dug plus the pathway and lookout post, supported by a wide range of artefacts, including musket balls, horse shoes/stirrup, used bullets and a World War 2, RAF Sweetheart Brooch. The site is still under active investigation to locate new features currently covered by vegetation and brambles.
If you are driving we suggest parking in St Peter's Church Car Park (Post Code TN4 0RU) and walking west through the woods to the site. We will have signs to show where we are located as the site is long and thin and typically is sloping. There is a public footpath forming the eastern edge of the site, and we will be located across a very small stream in the Meadow. The ground is uneven, though there are paths through the site, so trainers rather than sandals are advised. People walking their dogs regularly cross the meadow, so there are well used paths. The site is not suitable for push chairs or for walking toddlers as there are trip hazards.

Contact for the day: Anthony (Tony) Palmer 07766 963400

Sunday 21 September 1100-1400.

A maximum of 10 people per tour which takes about 20 minutes.

15. Salomons Museum Talk, Southborough
Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Southborough, Kent, TN3 0TG
Salomons (Broomhill) was the country home of the Salomons family from 1829 to the mid 1930s. Designed by Decimus Burton between 1830 and 1850, and extended by the Salomons family later in the century, it sits on 36 acres of picturesque grounds.
When Vera Salomons donated the family estate to Kent County Council in 1937, she specified that two rooms be kept apart as a permanent memorial to her brother, who was killed at Gallipoli; her father, a noted amateur scientist and technologist; and her great uncle, a leader in the struggle for Jewish civil rights. (All three were named David Salomons.) These rooms form the 'Salomons Museum' which has remained open to the public through subsequent changes of ownership.
On Sunday 14th September, the museum will be presenting a talk looking back at the three generations; including a look at other parts of the house not usually open to the public (provided these have not been booked for other uses - the house now operates as an events and conference venue).

Contact for the day: Reception - 01892 515152

Sunday 14 September Talk/tour at 1400.

Pre-booking required. Please book by phoning Salomons Reception on 01892 515152 between 0900 Friday 1 August 2025 and 1700 Sunday 31 August 2025. Please leave contact details in case we need to advise you of changes.
A maximum of 18 people per tour/session. Talk/tour takes about an hour and a half.

The museum is also open to the public, as usual, every day from 0900 until 1700, but please be aware that other events at Salomons, e.g. weddings, may restrict access.

Capel Events with Opening Times

16. St Thomas à Becket Church - 150 years of Capel School
St Thomas à Becket Church, Church Lane, Capel, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6SX
Inside of this Grade I, listed 12th century church with 13th century wall painting, we will be hosting an exhibition of photos and archive material by the Capel History Group celebrating 150 years of Capel School.
Contact for the day: Christine Langridge 01892 832265

Saturday 13 September 1000-1600
Sunday 14 September 1000-1600
Saturday 20 September 1000-1600
Sunday 21 September 1000-1600

Cranbrook Events with Opening Times

17. Union Windmill
The Mill, The Hill, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3AH
Union Mill is one of England's tallest Windmills, with public access to 7 floors of machinery, equipment and displays. A working windmill relies solely on the wind to power the millstones. Guided tours will be available.
What to expect:
Be amazed how our ancestors got their Daily Bread.
Fantastic panoramic views of the Medieval Town of Cranbrook.
Ground level access to video room Miller's Workshop and demonstration area.
Conditions permitting we endeavour to turn the mighty "Sweeps" (Sails).
Bring your children:
Let them try making some flour the old fashioned way.
Climb to the top floor of the Mill for a view of the "engine".
Have a go at the fun family quiz. We are a "Wheels of Time" destination.
Learn:
Science, Design Technology, History, Geography, Art, PE, all in one afternoon.
Contribute:
Mill Shop for Souvenirs, buy some Wholemeal Flour (subject to availability) and try out some of our recipes, when they get home.
Consider how you might want to get involved as a Volunteer at this iconic building.
Limited disabled access to the upper floors of the mill. Disabled accessible exhibition space at ground floor in adjacent building.
There is no parking on site, however free parking is available at the bottom of the hill.
Contact for the day: 01580 714557

Saturday 13 September 1430-1700
Sunday 14 September 1430-1700

Hawkhurst Events with Opening Times

18. Hawkhurst Heritage Day
King George V Pavilion, The Moor, Hawkhurst, Kent, TN18 4QB
Discover more about historic Hawkhurst through a variety of activities; heritage walks, heritage displays, craft activities, artist sessions and lots more!.
This event celebrates the rich history of Hawkhurst village in Kent, and is an opportunity to showcase some of the community projects which have been delivered over the past two years as part of the Rural Heritage Project, supported by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the UK Government.
Each day there will be a heritage walk, heritage displays from Hawkhurst Local History Society, plus arts and crafts activities for younger children.
Learn about the new heritage plaques, map and trail
Listen to the listed buildings audio app
Sketch historic buildings with artist Imogen Partridge
Have a go at lino printing with local artist Neil Ashton
Find out about our new project and how you might be able to get involved!
There is a small car park park for disabled users or for drop off. Roadside parking is available in the local area.
Contact for the day: Linda Redden 07748 737214

Saturday 20 September Activities from 1100-1500, Heritage Walk 1200
Sunday 21 September Activities from 1100-1500, Heritage Walk 1200

The event is based at King George V Pavilion. The art & craft activities at the Pavilion are drop-in and there is no-need to book. The heritage walk/tour will start and finish at King George V Pavilion and must be booked on the day and will be limited to 15 people per tour. Please book by emailing Linda Redden.

Paddock Wood Events with Opening Times

19. Paddock Wood Masonic Hall - A Promising Future!
57 Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6DJ
Paddock Wood Masonic Hall will open its doors to the public to come and view the building and its hundred years of history. Find out what really goes on and what local charities are supported.
Come and see the hall and learn about the connections with the community and surrounding area. The Lady masons will be in to talk about freemasonry for women and giving tours and talks in the temple. Goody bags and tours for the kids as well as different activities.
Hall bar and kitchen will be open on the day for refreshments.
Contact for the day: Guy Coggles 07932 139039

Saturday 13 September 0900-1600

You can contact us at twellsheritage@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting Tunbridge Wells Heritage Open Days and we hope to see you in person at one of our many events in 2026.

This website is copyright The Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society 2025 - Registered Charity No. 276545