Royal Tunbridge Wells

Saturday, Connor drove us to Tunbridge Wells, an important Georgian resort town. An iron-rich spring there was discovered to be an important health benefit during the reign of Charles I. A century or so later during the Georgian Era, Beau Nash, an important social figure from Bath, made Tunbridge Wells a social center as well. The springs are still there, although nobody comes to "dip" the water anymore except out of curiosity.  An area near the springs, originally called "the walk," is now known as the Pantiles. It consists of rows of shops and restaurants along raised walkways. It is a quaint and attractive place that I had never visited. Tunbridge Wells was given the title "Royal" by Edward VII in 1909 because of it history and association with royalty.

In the town center there is a large shopping mall, that like so many others, is so much less attractive than a place like the Pantiles, but it has a M&S that we needed to check out (and their stellar shortbread squares with chocolate chunks are still on offer).

 Opera House on Mt. Pleasant Road

 Theatre and Arts Center (I believe)

 Headed to Holland and Barrett on Calverly Road

 Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre

 Interior of the Royal Victoria Place

 Hooray for Marks and Sparks

 A bite of lunch

 The Pantiles have more chi than a mall

 Raised walkways add character

 Lots of food available

 Connor and Kris on the move

 The springs are still housed in the cream-colored building

 Streetscape on the upper portion of the Pantiles

 Dickie and Connor "shopping"

 This stuff seems very popular

 Local Cartier dealer

 One more thing I am a sucker for

A lovely row of houses off the Pantiles

Visiting someplace new is always a treat. One of the most interesting things about Tunbridge Wells was that it was very busy, but we saw not a single tourist, Italian, French, German, or American. Everyone was British. We had a great day. We came home and made Millie's carbonara for supper.

That's all for now.

OXO

D.