Just 29 miles outside London, but with the charm of a traditional market town, Tonbridge offers much for the commuter and plenty more for families.
But away from great transport links and its family-friendly feel, what else makes Tonbridge great? Ellis & Co has the answers in this brilliant area guide.
Living in Tonbridge
Tonbridge attracts both local buyers and those relocating for a quieter, yet commutable life away from London.
A combination of good schools, great properties and a vibrant town centre mean people who move to Tonbridge tend to stay.
Houses for sale in Tonbridge
Thanks to its large detached Edwardian and Victorian properties, Tonbridge is certainly an attractive option for those seeking period properties to buy.
Pockets of 1920s detached homes are also available, while several new developments have also sprung up in recent years.
Property prices in Tonbridge
According to Zoopla, prices in Tonbridge have held up well despite Brexit uncertainty striking the London and South East market.
Average property price: £484,377
Houses for rent in Tonbridge
Tonbridge has a variety of properties to rent from one-bedroom flats to larger, four-bedroom family homes.
Average monthly rent: £1,165
Transport in Tonbridge
One of the best things about living in Tonbridge is the town’s transport links.
Trains to Charing Cross take around 40 minutes and an annual season ticket costs £3,344.
For those using a car as a means for travel, a 10-mile hop up the A21 will get you to the M25 for straightforward access to London and connecting motorways south (M3), west (M4), east (M20) and north (M1).
Employment in Tonbridge
Air Management Systems, an asbestos safety equipment specialist, employs around 85 people at its Tonbridge headquarters, while a host of small and medium businesses also operate in the town.
Tonbridge schools
Tonbridge is known for its excellent schools – part of the reason why families flock to the town from London for a quieter life and great education for their little ones.
Primary schools judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted include Slade, while Penshurst is rated ‘Good’.
For those wishing to go private, Tonbridge School for boys is one of the UK’s top boarding schools, while Somerhill, Derwent Lodge and Yardley Court are among the best prep schools in the town.
Shops in Tonbridge
The majority of Tonbridge’s shopping is done on the town’s High Street where big brands mix with a burgeoning list of popular independent shops.
The Cannon Lane retail park is home to a variety of stores, including the recently-opened Aldi which cut the ribbon on its new premises in November 2018.
Eating out in Tonbridge
Whether you are looking for a latte or searching for something a little more filling, Tonbridge has plenty of cafes and restaurants, offering a variety of different cuisines.
Havet on the high street is a Turkish eatery offering fresh dishes and a vibrant atmosphere for lunch and dinner.
The family-run Nepalese restaurant Kathmandu Valley has rave reviews on TripAdvisor and is best known for its authentic Nepalese curries.
For those looking for something a little more relaxed, The Greyhound and Little Brown Jug are traditional pubs serving quality British food among an array of ales and beers.
Things to do in Tonbridge
Thanks to its proximity to the River Medway, Tonbridge boasts some fantastic outdoor space.
Haysden Country Park is the pick of the bunch, with two lakes and a stretch of the Medway running through it.
Visitors can partake in fishing and sailing on the lakes, or simply stroll around and enjoy the fresh air and views across the nature reserve.
Tonbridge Castle is probably the UK’s best example of a motte and bailey castle and is well worth a visit.
Destroyed by William II, it was rebuilt by the de Clare family and the stunning 13-century gatehouse was added in 1260.
Things to do with the kids
Without doubt, the Spa Valley railway between Tunbridge Wells and Eridge is a must for a day out with the children.
Steam and diesel trains operate throughout the year and also offer the grown-ups dining experiences and ‘Ales on Rails’ local brewery days on the trains.
With deals for the children often running, the railway also offers the chance to meet Thomas the Tank Engine on a children’s character day.
Mr Mulligans Dino Golf is a sprawling 18-hole crazy golf course in Tonbridge, which is brilliant entertainment for the little ones, while Tonbridge Swimming Pool and a host of play centres are also on hand.