Tunbridge Wells

Steam trains still chuff through this elegant spa town twice daily, carrying day-trippers past the Georgian terraces that made Tunbridge Wells famous. The Pantiles, with their colonnaded walkways, remain the town's beating heart - though you'll find fewer Bath chair operators these days.

The Amelia Scott stands as the cultural centrepiece, housing both museum collections and contemporary exhibitions in a striking modern building. It's a proper contrast to the town's Georgian heritage, which you'll spot everywhere from the grand terraces near Calverden Down to the quieter residential streets around Hawkenbury.

Dunorlan Park offers the best escape from the high street bustle. The Victorian landscaping feels wonderfully preserved, with the ornate fountain as its crowning glory. Walk further into the Weald and you'll reach Eridge Rocks - a collection of sandstone outcrops that feels surprisingly wild for somewhere so close to suburbia.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Direct trains run from London Charing Cross in under an hour, while the A21 brings drivers straight from the M25. The town sits perfectly for exploring the wider Kent Weald, with its network of ancient lanes and hop gardens.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes brilliant sense for exploring both the town and surrounding countryside. You're close enough for evening strolls along The Pantiles, yet positioned to discover the proper Kent landscape - rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and those distinctive oast houses that dot the horizon. The variety of glamping options means you can enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort after a day wandering the elegant streets.