News

8 of the best ways to enjoy a trip to Royal Victoria Place

Looking for things to do near Tunbridge Wells? Whether it’s enjoying a family day out, catching up with friends over dinner and cocktails, indulging in a bit of retail therapy or having a pamper day, it’s time to seize the moment and enjoy a trip to Royal Victoria Place.

To help with your planning, we’ve created our guide to making the most of your time.

1. Feast on street food at Central Market

Whatever you’re in the mood for, head to Central Market and eat your way around the world. Whether you’re planning a lunch out with the family, looking for a relaxed environment to dine and drink with friends or simply need a break from shopping, our street food venue has you covered. With an amazing selection of international cuisines all under one roof including Bubble Waffle and Crêpes – there’s something for everyone.

2. Take a trip to The Terrace Tunbridge Wells

If it’s more of a restaurant vibe that you’re looking for, The Terrace Restaurant is for you. You’ll find a beautiful outdoor terrace for alfresco dining and a stylish bar with a specially selected wine list and display counter filled with delicious homemade treats. From delicious breakfasts and lunches to afternoon tea and coffees throughout the day, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening spent with friends and family.

3. Make room for a sweet treat at Hotel Chocolat or Krispy Kreme

Satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy a treat after your meal or to round off your shopping trip. Hotel Chocolat offers luxury chocolates made on its own organic, eco conscious cacao farms. The boutique store serves its own speciality ‘Ice Cream of the Gods’, made with Jersey milk and cream infused with cacao nibs. It takes its name from the cocoa plant itself: Theobroma cacao, which translates literally as ‘cocoa, food of the gods’. If doughnuts are more your thing, head to Krispy Kreme where they’re made fresh every day. With 16 varieties to choose from – from the Original Glazed and Strawberries & Kreme, to Chocolate Dreamcake and Glazed Raspberry.

Image provided by Hotel Chocolat

4. Watch your little ones thrive

Looking for fun-filled developmental classes for your baby, toddler or pre-schooler? Enter the world of play and imagination with your little ones while they learn, thrive and – most importantly – have fun at one of the many Gymboree Play & Music classes. Combining music, movement, props, imaginary play and custom-designed and patented apparatus, it’s one of the best places to visit in Tunbridge Wells with kids. If it’s you’re first time, book a tree trial on their website.

Image provided by Gymboree Play & Music

5. Stock up on your new essentials

Whether you’re looking for a new season wardrobe, toys to keep the kids entertained, or accessories to give your home a glow up, you can shop ‘til you drop at Royal Victoria Place. From Accessorize, Fenwick, Lush, Sports Direct, Trespass and Oliver Bonas to Pandora, Hobbs and French Connection, you’re never far from your favourite stores. Why not make a trip out of it and bring a friend along? They can help you pick the perfect outfits, encourage you to try on new styles and after the shopping is done, you can grab a bite to eat.

^{Image provided by Hobbs}

6. Change up your hairstyle

Fancy a new hairstyle to go with your new wardrobe? Whether you’re looking for a simple cut or a completely new hairstyle, LA Hair can give you a chic new do. A friendly and professional hair salon with a relaxed atmosphere, you can book in advance but walk ins are welcome too. Also at Royal Victoria Place is Buzz Barbers, a traditional and modern barbers specialising in all aspects of grooming and children’s hairdressing. Offering a walk-in service seven days a week, you’ll always be greeted with a smile by one of their friendly team.

7. Make it a fuss-free journey

Whether you’re arriving by car, train or bus, it is super easy to get here and find directions. There are plenty of car parking spaces available at the Royal Victoria Place car park – located between Fenwick and WH Smith – including extra-wide Parent and Child parking bays to help make shopping with children easier. If you’re travelling by bus or train, there are plenty of buses that stop just a three-to-five-minute walk away from Royal Victoria Place, and Tunbridge Wells train station is less than ten minutes’ walk away.

8. Check out our family facilities

To take away some of the stress around visiting with little ones, Royal Victoria Place has a host of family-friendly facilities, so it’s worth checking them out before you set off. We are a Child Safe Zone, offering free wristbands for children, and also have push along Kiddy Cars to make shopping trips with young ones easier. Both are available at customer services on the Lower Mall, so just pop by and the team will be happy to help you. We also have a Parent and Baby room with baby changing facilities. We’re open until 6pm Monday-Saturday and 4.30pm on Sundays, with Central Market open until 9pm Monday to Friday, 10pm Saturday and 6pm on Sunday, however we’d always recommend checking with individual retailers before setting off to be sure.

Find a full list of our stores, restaurants and leisure operators as well as Royal Victoria Place opening times on our Eat, Drink & Shop page.

Last updated Thursday 21 September, 2023