Tonbridge Mini Guide
Tell Me About Tonbridge
Tonbridge is a medium sized town in the heart of Kent, less than thirty kilometres south of
London it sits cosily on the river Medway. It earned a mention in the famous Domesday Book and was a traditional market town. In recent years however it became most famous as the setting for the biggest cash heist in the history of the United Kingdom with the theft of over 53 million pounds from the Securitas depot on the town's Vale Road.
What To See
The town has a beautifully preserved Castle Gatehouse along with its very own Norman Castle ruins; the Tonbridge Castle grounds are open to the public. There is a very good tourist information office located in the castle grounds where the staff are pleasant and happy to provide you with any suggestions and recommendations you may need during your visit.
If however you prefer a little more action then Carrotts Woods should be marked on your to do list, specialising in outdoor adventure activities for young people, it has a great choice of outdoor pursuits to get the adrenalin pumping and for a quiet evening of cultural entertainment, Tonbridge has a small modern Theatre called the Oast which offers a varied program. Further information is available from the tourist information office.
Shopping in Tonbridge itself is mostly centred on and around the high street but the town is conveniently located for all the nearby major shopping centres including the famous Bluewater Shopping Centre.
Eating Out?
If you’re in the mood for a perfect curry the Chilli Hut is a popular, well established Indian takeaway on the high street and for an even more traditional taste of England it’s got to be the (strangely named) Office wine bar and restaurant. It describes itself as a 16th century wine bar and restaurant and serves a classic English home cooked menu accompanied by your choice of over seventy international wines.
Getting There
The railway station in Tonbridge is the busiest in the area and there are regular rail connections to and from almost all major destinations. When driving, the town is easily accessible via the A21 and A26 roads and is not far off the M25. Regular bus connections are also available.