6. March 2026

Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Common

Healing Landscape at former Spa for Sale

The Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons are hoping for a successful community bid to purchase their local landscape that gave the famous spa its character .

A Fortunate Find

It can be said that the accidental discovery of ‘healing waters’ in a wooded dell in Kent in 1606 was a pivotal moment in the history of health and medicine. A certain Dudley Lord North - who had come across spa culture on his European travels - stumbled across the iron-rich chalybeate waters on a ride home. This laid the foundation for the development of the famed Tunbridge Wells, whose relative proximity to London helped to make this spa the most fashionable place to ‘take the waters’ . 

Agreeable and Healthy

The existence of the Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons - incorporating woodland, ponds, walks and fascinating rock formations - was undoubtedly a contributing factor to the popularity of Tunbridge Wells as a healthful retreat as well as a pleasure resort for fashionable folk from London. Physicians obviously prescribed drinking of the waters, but they also recognised that getting away from urban stench into clean air and outdoor environment was part of the treatment ‘ancillary’ to the cure. A ‘Gentleman at Tunbridge Wells’ wrote in the Kentish Gazette on 07 June 1777,

This place…deserves some little eulogium… The air of the place, and neighbouring hills, is remarkably salubrious; and the rural shady walks and murmuring streams … forms it one of the most agreeable, as well as healthy, Summer retreats.

Exercise, Relaxation and Enjoyment

Provision of suitable walks and promenade opportunities close to the source of the mineral waters was a key element of spa provision. At Tunbridge Wells, the immediate tree-lined ‘well-walk’ was at the Pantiles, but it was generally considered that as the invalid started to feel stronger, they could undertake more walking and take the opportunity to ride or walk further afield in the surrounding countryside. The local Commons were the ideal environment in which to do so, providing an important ‘auxiliary to healing’ ( see p.28 of Spa Parks of Britain).

Even in these more enlightened times when 'taking the waters' is no longer considered the health cure as it was in the past, the Commons have a special role in Tunbridge Wells. For visitors and residents alike, it provides unique natural spaces at the heart of the town that offer what has been termed a ‘therapeutic landscape’. Whilst the Commons are not a public park as such, they offer an environment for exercise, relaxation and enjoyment, supported by an active ‘Friends’ group who undertake work such as maintaining habitats and footpaths.

Community Ownership Bid

Despite there being good local protection from development pressures, there is currently a move to secure community ownership which would help ensure that the Commons continue to thrive for wildlife and remain inspiring places for future generations. You can make a pledge  before 25 March 2026.