Tonbridge

Travel Guide

Tonbridge showing heritage elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Penshurst Place and Gardens which includes heritage architecture, chateau or palace and heritage elements
Tonbridge featuring a house and signage
Hop Farm Family Park showing heritage architecture
Penshurst Place and Gardens featuring heritage architecture, a castle and a pond
This small town southeast of London offers family fun and interesting history amid a pretty rural setting full of wildlife, trees and rolling hills. 

The small town of Tonbridge is a peaceful retreat, with charming traditional British pubs and shops, along the Medway River. There’s also historical landmarks, including a castle and a manor house, and several markets. The town sits just outside London and is a popular spot for tourists looking for a short break from the capital city. Spend a quiet afternoon at a pub by the river or exploring an English country garden.

Start your visit in the center of town at the Tonbridge Castle. Take an audio tour for a small fee to learn about the 900-year-old history of the castle then relax in the surrounding gardens.

Visit one of the markets in town. Buy fresh local produce from the Farmers Market on the second Sunday of every month. The regular Saturday market in the town center has been running since 1259. Today, stall vendors sell everything from clothes and hardware to fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. 

East of the town center is the Church of St. Thomas à Becket, famous for its 13th- and 14th-century wall paintings. It’s said that Becket, who was the archbishop of Canterbury, preached at the church almost 1,000 years ago.

Head further east and you’ll come to the small town of Paddock Wood and The Hop Farm Family Park. At this adventure park you can jump around on Giant Jumping Pillows, watch a 4-D movie about pirates and pet animals such as calves, lambs and goats on the farm.

Drive 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) west of Tonbridge to Penshurst Village, where you’ll come to the majestic Penshurst Place. The manor house dates back to the 14th century and was the ancestral home of an aristocratic family. Stroll through its scenic walled gardens and admire the colorful flowers. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.

Tonbridge is a 1-hour drive southeast of London. Come by train from the capital and train or bus from many towns in the surrounding Kent County. Rent a bike to enjoy the fresh air and pretty English countryside.

The Rose and Crown Hotel – Tonbridge
The Rose and Crown Hotel – Tonbridge
3 out of 5
125 High Street, Rose & Crown Hotel/125, Tonbridge, England
The price is ¥7,779 per night from May 9 to May 10
¥7,779
¥9,335 total
includes taxes & fees
May 9 - May 10
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Tonbridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (468 reviews)
"I stayed here whilst attending an event at TOFS Very convenient for Tonbridge and railway station. Always staff available to help. Comfortable rooms, i would stay again if visiting Tonbridge."

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025

The Rose and Crown Hotel – Tonbridge
Bloc Hotel London Gatwick Airport
Bloc Hotel London Gatwick Airport
3 out of 5
South Terminal, Gatwick Airport, Gatwick, England
The price is ¥18,418 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥18,418
¥22,102 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Gatwick. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,121 reviews)
"The perfect way to start a holiday with an early flight from LGW, clean rooms, straight to departures"

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2025

Bloc Hotel London Gatwick Airport
Hilton London Gatwick Airport
Hilton London Gatwick Airport
4 out of 5
South Terminal Gatwick Airport, Gatwick, England
The price is ¥19,640 per night from May 18 to May 19
¥19,640
¥23,568 total
includes taxes & fees
May 18 - May 19
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gatwick. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,593 reviews)
"A lovely stay prior to our flight . Super convenient next to the airport"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

Hilton London Gatwick Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A pretty 4* detached rural holiday cottage in the heart of the Kent countryside
A pretty 4* detached rural holiday cottage in the heart of the Kent countryside
Tonbridge
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Tonbridge. Enjoy patios, Netflix, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Leeds Castle and Weald of ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
Wonderful rural cottage
"Great place for a family seeking a quiet location. We were greeted by our gracious host, who showed us the cottage and gave us recommendations for nearby dining and places of interest - of which there are many. Watching cows and rabbits graze in the pasture was quite relaxing. Highly ..."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2024

A pretty 4* detached rural holiday cottage in the heart of the Kent countryside
Westciti Caroco Aparthotel
Westciti Caroco Aparthotel
3.5 out of 5
35 Morland Avenue, Croydon, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Croydon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attraction ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (355 reviews)
"Great place to stay warm welcome by staff who genuinely couldn't do enough for me."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Westciti Caroco Aparthotel
Amazing London Views and Sunsets, v Peaceful Space
Amazing London Views and Sunsets, v Peaceful Space
London
Stay at this apartment in London. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and a hot tub. Popular attractions Tower Bridge and Big Ben are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Lovely
"It is exactly what we expected."

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

Amazing London Views and Sunsets, v Peaceful Space
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Tonbridge

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