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TUNBRIDGE WELLS
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T H E R O YA L WAY TO C H R I S T M A S 1
T H E WAY TO ENJOY A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS
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ooking for the perfect destination for Christmas shopping or a memorable day out with your family or friends? Royal Tunbridge Wells with its 300+ shops, ice rink, theatres, restaurants and heritage steam railway is the perfect town to visit, explore and enjoy. Whether you’re taking in a theatre matinee, celebrating a special occasion or simply browsing in markets, boutiques, galleries, independent or big brand shops, you’ll find a very warm welcome in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The special thing about Royal Tunbridge Wells is that most of our businesses are unique, you simply won’t find them on any other high street. Yet another reason to make Royal Tunbridge Wells the way to enjoy Christmas this year.
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T H E WAY TO S TAY F O R A W E E K E N D There’s a lot to do and see in Royal Tunbridge Wells so why not stay over? Enjoy an afternoon browsing gorgeous shops, an evening at the theatre, or a wonderful meal without needing to rush or worry about getting home. There’s a range of hotels in Royal Tunbridge Wells to suit every taste and budget. Go to visittunbridgewells.com for more information on where to stay.
... AND SHOP FOR SPECIAL GIFTS Royal Tunbridge Wells offers visitors a truly unique retail experience, especially at Christmas time! With 300+ retailers to choose from and over 100 independently owned boutiques that are ‘not on the high street’ anywhere else, that special and unique gift you’ve been searching for is right around the corner. From exquisite jewellery and beautifully crafted homeware, to one-of-a-kind artworks and exclusive items of clothing, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a treasure trove of unique items. Shop luxury on the High Street and Chapel Place, big brands in Royal Victoria Place, specialist items on The Pantiles and Monson Road and quirky wares on Camden Road – you’re quite literally spoilt for choice. 4
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T H E WAY TO HER HEART
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We all love a little luxury in our lives, being treated to something you would never treat yourself to is one of the wonders of Christmas! Faux furs, fashion and frivolous things, perfect!
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1. Sapphire flower pendant (£1,750, Walsh Bros) 2. Headbands (£28, Anthropologie) 3. Suede handbag (£14.99, Italian Wardrobe) 4. Decorative letters (£19 each, Oliver Bonas) 5. Pink faux fur scarf (£29, Kitch) 6. Pink champagne (£27, M&S) 7. Faux Fur coat (£199, Hobbs) 8. Aluminium cube necklace (£55.00, Sahara London) 9. Chocolate box (£22.95, Hotel Chocolat) 10. Snowflake earrings (£49, Silver Sheep) 11. Star necklace (£165, Silver Sheep 12. Yellow earrings (£30, Jigsaw) 13. Animal print boots (£110, Jones the Bootmaker) 14. Black headband (£16, Monsoon) 15. Selena chemise (£19, Ann Summers) 16. Eye mask (£14, Oliver Bonas) 17. Sparkly knit (£65, Phase Eight) 18. Golden cardholder (£18.50, Oliver Bonas) 19. Golden pouch (£18.50, Oliver Bonas) 20. Lime hensy leather clutch (£39, Jigsaw) 21. Berry clutch (£59, Hobbs) 22. Rug (£75) and cushion (£24, both Indigo) 23. Royal Victoria Place Gift Card (available to buy at Concierge, T&Cs apply)
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T H E WAY TO DIVINE FOOD & DRINK
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Artisan foods, fine dining, craft ales, small batch gins, organic and sustainable, whether it’s for your Christmas table or a gift for a foodie friend, there’s something in Royal Tunbridge Wells to whet your appetite.
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1. Pinot noir 2014 (£33, Secret Cellar) 2. Chablis premier cru 2017 (£34, Secret Cellar) 3. Coffee bags (£9.75, SuperFood) 4. Selection boxes (£22.95, Hotel Chocolat) 5. Pasta roller (£29.99, Lakeland) 6. Velvetiser (£99, Hotel Chocolat) 7. Pate set, (£10.99, Lakeland) 8. Balsamic (£14.95, Arte Bianca) 9. Garlic ketchup, (£4.99, Lakeland) 10. Vegan food wraps (£25, Trevor Mottram) 11. Angel ornament (£49, Silver Sheep) 12. Hollies Little Cakery gingerbread house (POA) 13. Tea box (£12, Bird & Blend) 14. Champagne (£25, M&S) 15. Champagne flutes (£32, Hoopers) 16. Beer (£13.45, Fuggles) 17. Gin botanicals tin (£29, Trevor Mottram) 18. Candle (£3.95, Susie Watson) 19. Candlestick (£32, Susie Watson) 20. Audrey ornament (£85, Silver Sheep) 21. Green vase (£25, Mink Interiors) 22. Crockery (selection at Biggie Best) 23. Champagne (£25, M&S) 24. Glass tumbler (£15.50, Biggie Best) 25. Cutlery (Biggie Best) 26. Oysters (£1 each, Sankeys) 27. Whole crab (£12.50/kg, Sankeys) 28. Lobster (£23, Sankeys)
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T H E WAY TO WINE & DINE
Taste your way around Royal Tunbridge Wells this Christmas for a gastronomical experience you won’t forget in a hurry. From fine dining through to local game, seafood and old-world Italian to fresh, modern European cuisine and vibrant Asian flavours too, there’s a varied and thriving choice of restaurants to delight and inspire you. A busy farmers’ market takes place in Market Square on every 2nd and 4th Saturday, with plenty of locally sourced, fresh food to sample, and The Pantiles also hosts a market every 1st and 3rd weekend where you can find all manner of food, drink and wares. Whether you’re here for the afternoon or for the whole weekend, there’s so much to explore, taste and experience in Royal Tunbridge Wells. 10
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T H E WAY TO FIND YOUR GLOW
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You’d expect a Spa town to offer the very best in health, beauty and wellbeing and that’s exactly what you’ll find. Treat your loved one (or yourself!) to experiences, sumptuous skincare and fragrances. 12
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1. Luxury gift box (£70.50, L’Occitane) 2. Hot water bottle (£10, Futon Company) 3. Evolve glow mask (£24, Hoopers) 4. Evolve skincare (£30, Hoopers) 5. Mojito candle (£15.50, Biggie Best) 6. Wellbeing book (£16.99, Oliver Bonas) 7. Diffuser (£18, Oliver Bonas) 8. Heart dishes (£2.50-£4.50, Biggie Best) 9. Pineapple storage pot (£38, Oliver Bonas) 10. Candles (£16 each, Anthropologie) 11. Icelandic rug (£110, Feather & Black) 12. Luxury soaps (£5 each, Biggie Best) 13. Heathcote & Ivory seasalt hand wash (£15, Hoopers) 14. Baskets (Jeremy’s Home Store) 15. Water bottle (£15, Accessorize) 16. Ancient+ brave true collagen (£27, SPN studio) 17. Lamp (from £256, Lime Studio) 18. Decorations can be bought at Fenwick and The Range
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T H E WAY TO LUXE LIVING Diamond jewellery with Royal connections, luxury handbags, designer clothing, elegant beauty products, opulent fragrances and vintage accessories – if you’re spoiling someone special this year, let your imagination run wild with indulgent ideas.
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T H E WAY TO HIS HEART You might think he has everything but could you possibly be wrong? There’s always a belt sized gap in the wardrobe, a new age gadget or hobby to occupy his time. 16
1. Italian leather backpack (£199, S Simmonds & Son) 2. Beoplay e8 2.0 earphones (£300, Bang & Olufsen) 3. Tweed jacket (£285, Gray & Co) 4. Italian lambswool scarf (£60, S Simmonds & Son) 5. Zeiss Conquest HD binocular (POA, Pantiles Cameras) 6. Beoplay h9 3rd gen headphones (£450, Bang & Olufsen) 7. Robert Charles Italian leather belts (£70-£85) 8. Beosound 1 speaker (£1,250, Bang & Olufsen) 9. Tweed cap (£39.95, S Simmonds & Sons) 10. Molton Brown gift set (£51, Hoopers) 11. Olverum bath oil (£22, Hoopers) 12. Dumbells (£399, The Fitness Superstore) 13. Heathcote & Ivory travel duo (£15, Hoopers) 14. Heathcote & Ivory grooming set (£20, Hoopers) 15. Roberts Revivial DAB radio (POA, Pantiles Cameras) 16. Fine art pencil set (£175, M Saltmarsh) 17. Floris fragrance (£80 each, Gray & Co) 18. Chequers Board (£20, Adrian Harrington Rare Books) 19. The Man with the Golden Gun First Edition (£395, Adrian Harrington Rare Books) 20. Men’s Rolex Datejust (£9,300 Mappin & Webb)
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...OR A G R A N D DAY O U T The Spa Valley Railway runs through the stunning High Weald Countryside between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge, with a destination at every station. There’s a year-round calendar of events to enjoy but the most magical must be the Santa Special services that run from the 23rd November on selected dates until Christmas. Santa rides on every train and every child is given a Christmas gift to put beneath the tree. These are popular events so book early to secure your tickets. Check www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk for full listings of Murder Mystery Nights, Kids for a Quid, Santa Specials and special High Weald Belle dining services.
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1. First edition Mansfield Park books (£13,500, Adrian Harrington Rare Books) 2. & 3. Paintings by Nigel Greaves (POA, Hoopers) 4. Painting (POA, Beumee Fine Art)
T H E WAY TO ART & CULTURE What do you get the person who has everything? A bespoke painting from one of several galleries in town, or a first edition mint condition book? Or specialist literature from one of our many independent shops peppering our eclectic mix of thoroughfares? Find something unique, something special, something inherently Royal Tunbridge Wells. 18
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T H E WAY TO T R E AT T H E C H I L D R E N
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Classic picture books (to read over and over and over), puzzles, toys, games and fun clothes, endless imaginative options for curious and creative minds and mini footsteps this Christmas. 20
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1. Miffy (£17.95, Hoopers) 2. Cash till (£49.95, Hoopers) 3. & 4. Sailor socks (£25 a box, Seasalt Cornwall) 5. Classic brown brogues (£62, Childrensalon) 6. Blue leather robin shoes (£29, Childrensalon) 7. Orpheus music box (£24.99, Whirligig) 8. Drummer boy (£41, Hoopers) 9. Timber truck (£28, Indigo) 10. Red patent Mary Janes (£46, Childrensalon) 11. Le toy van London bus (£49.95, Hoopers) 12. Steiff teddy bear (£44.90, Hoopers) 13. Juggling balls (£3.99) & 14. inflatable world globe (£2.99), & 15. Heads and tails game (£3.99), & 16. Wooden pull toy (£6.99) all from Jeremy’s Home Store 17. Fabric (C&H Fabrics) 18. Classic navy leather t-bar shoes (£53, Childrensalon) 19. Red leather robin shoes (£29, Childrensalon) 20. Glow stars (£3.99) & 21. magic rainbow art scratch paper (£4.99, both Hoopers) 22. Wooden music boxes (£19.99, Whirligig) 23. Maholo ukulele (£45, Brittens)
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T H E WAY TO F I L L Y O U R S TO C K I N G S
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Size most definitely isn’t everything, it’s always the thought that counts. Little things to tuck into the toe of a stocking are sometimes the best presents, just take your pick!
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1. Josie Bambi belt (£49, Kitch) 2. Red celia necklace (£29, Phase Eight) 3. Catapault (£2.99, Jeremys Home Store) 4. Luxe advent calendar (£89, L’Occitane) 5. Christmas stockings (£6.25 each, Hoopers) 6. Winter Garden set (£45, Lush) 7. Animal warmie seal (£13, C&H Fabrics) 8. Once upon a time set (£38, Lush) 9. Christmas Tree (£395, The White Company) 10. Beaded bee pot (£16.50, Oliver Bonas) 11. Mojito candle (£15.50, Biggie Best) 12. Hummingbird decoration (£14) & 13. Octopus decoration (£16, Anthropologie) 14. Animal hooks (£3.50 each, Futon Company) 15. Robin mug (£15.50, Susie Watson) 16. Kids sailor socks (£14, Seasalt Cornwall) 17. Ring box (£2.50, Oliver Bonas) and fringe earrings (£39, Sahara London) 18. Capri candle (£16.00, Anthropologie) 19. Mini mice (£3.80, Wolfit) 20. Elephant rattle (£6, Jojo Maman Bebe) 21. Yog Nog shower gel (£6.99, Lush) 22. Frank Green cup (£20.99, SPN Studio) 23. Hair slides (£4.50, Claire’s Accessories) 24. Prawn decoration (£16, all Anthropologie) 25. Gold Bow Tie (£10, Moss Bros) 26. Fishermans Feet socks (£19.95, Seasalt Cornwall) 27. Jacquard Bow Tie (£29.99, Moss Bros) 28. Shakespeare book (£18.99, Waterstones)
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T H E WAY TO
. . . O R E S C A P I N G TO T H E
H O L I N G U P AT H O M E
G R E AT O U T D O O R S
When socks and vouchers aren’t an option, lavish lighting, huggable throws, comfy cushions, diffusers and cocktails will see you safely through the winter months.
Whether you’re coasting down a ski slope, heading out for a winter walk or excelling at extreme sports, you’ll want the right attire.
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1. Wreaths (available from Mrs Florist, Royal Victoria Place) 2. Shelving (From £50, Futon Company) 3. Capri candle (£16, Anthropologie) 4. Cashmere scarfs (£45-£49.50, M&S) 5. The Testaments book (£20, Waterstones) 6. Fabrics (C&H Fabrics) 7. Pearl garden faux plant (£14, Futon Company) 8. Chequers Board (£20, Adrian Harrington Rare Books) 9. Faux fur grey throw (£74, Indigo) 10. Lazy cow doorstop (£65, Indigo) 11. Stripy scarf (£29.50, Fat Face) 12. Advent calendar (£40, C&H Fabrics) 13. Jacquard scarf (£29.50, Fat Face) 14. Range of velvet cushions (from £32-£48, Feather & Black) 15. Mojito diffuser (£15.50 Biggie Best) 16. Seagrass oval basket (£95, The White Company) 17. Faux fur gloves (£19, Kitch) 18. Vintage afghan rug (£209, The Oriental Rug Company) 19. Hamper ( Jeremy’s Home Store) 20. Christmas tree (£395, The White Company)
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1. Barbour jacket (£199.99) & 2. Feather ladies hat (£49.99 both Chris Potter Country Sports) 3. Walking Stick (£27.99, Clearwell Mobility) 4. Bolle navada goggles (£109, both Snowear) 5. Bolle instinct helmet boa system (£129) 6. The North Face gilet (£140) and Berghaus fleece (£60, both Millets) 7. Columbia bangor mens black boots and ladies tan boots (both £155, Snowear) 8. Children’s wellies (£32, Stampede) 9. Mens Rab electron jacket (£250, Cotswolds Outdoor) 10. Giant Jellycat polar bear (£94.50, Jeremy’s Home Store) 11. Littlelife ranger hiking carrier (£79.99, Millets) 12. Animal warmie penguin (£13, C&H Fabrics) 13. Frog kids’ hybrid 55 bicycle (£330, Wildside Cycles) Bicycles available from Wildside and Velocipede, Camden Road
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. . . O R C AT C H A CHRISTMAS SHOW With two theatres to choose from, opt for the traditional swashbuckling panto at The Assembly Hall Theatre, or Trinity Theatre has a range of seasonal themed events and shows this year. THE SNOW QUEEN A classic children’s favourite, reimagined for the stage, a magical performance full of enchanting characters, original music, and breathtaking onstage magic.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL A delightful recreation of Dickens’ best loved ghost story.
PETER PAN Meet Peter and the lost boys, Tiger Lily and Tinker Bell and get ready for a family show full of fun, fairy dust and pirates galore. Set sail for Neverland and take on Captain Hook and prepare for out-of-this-world flying effects, galleons of laughter and the hungriest of crocodiles. Suitable for young ones (and those who never want to grow up), this festive extravaganza is on sale now so hook your seats today for Tunbridge Wells’ must-see Christmas show in 2019.
www.trinitytheatre.net
www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
SANTA’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN The show where every child gets a present from Santa! There’s nothing Santa loves more than opening the windows of his Christmas calendar. When he begins the countdown, disaster! The magical goodies are missing!
T H E WAY TO GLIDE Every year, Calverley Grounds, the beautiful landscaped park in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells plays host to a full sized ice rink – this year, the ice rink opens on the 15th November and stays until the 5th January. A fantastic way to let off some steam, end a special day out or to spend time with family and friends. Suitable even for youngsters (or any wobbly skaters!) with parent and toddler sessions and even Bavarian Curling in the evenings when the park and ice rink look truly beautiful. With rink side refreshments, stalls and catering, and floodlit for night time skating, come and glide your way around the ice rink this Christmas. Book your tickets 24/7 online at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01892 530613 26
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T H E WAY TO TUNBRIDGE WELLS The Way to Royal Tunbridge Wells: 42 minutes from London, 45 minutes to the Coast, 50 minutes from Gatwick Airport. By Train. By Car. Sunday Parking £2 all day. Merry Christmas. See you soon. Produced by Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, funded by local businesses, photography by David Hodgkinson, creative & styling by Calvermont, design by Rowena Cremer-Price. With special thanks to C&H Fabrics, David Bartholomew, Craig Matthews.
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