I don’t know about you, but this recent weather and seemingly endless rain has got me feeling a bit down. I am MORE than ready to see some brighter skies in Tonbridge. Grey days, muddy paths and permanently damp coats are starting to lose their charm, and I’m officially craving sunshine.
It got me thinking that here in Tonbridge, we actually have so much to look forward to once spring and summer arrive. We’re incredibly lucky with what’s on our doorstep, even if we sometimes forget it in the depths of winter.
In fact, I met a friend recently (I name no names, but she lives in Tunbridge Wells) who reminded me that in Tonbridge, there’s always something fun going on in the summer. And she’s right – once the sun comes out, this town really comes into its own.
If you also need a reminder of the glorious things to come, here’s my rundown.
1/ Wild Swimming
Wild swimming might sound a bit intimidating, but in Tonbridge it’s actually very accessible. TriSwim host wild swimming sessions (complete with marked swimming circuits and lifeguards) throughout summer months at Haysden Water, Penshurst Place and Chipsted Lake.
2/ And outdoor pool action
Although the outdoor pool at Tonbridge has been open throughout winter, we look forward to summer months when the pool will be lovely and warm and we can sunbathe alongside it.
Sun cream, wet hair, kids running around, and that unmistakable smell of chlorine.
3/ Dry Park Runs
Park runs in Tonbridge are a completely different experience once the ground is dry. No more slipping around, no more soaked trainers, no more battling the elements. And we can get the running shorts out!
4/ Alfresco drinks and dinners
Summer evenings in Tonbridge are made for eating outside. Whether it’s dinner in the garden, takeaway eaten on a bench by the river, a few bits on the terrace of Verdigris or a pizza on the balcony at Pizza Express.
5/ Walks on summer nights
Those long, light evenings where you can head out after dinner without needing a coat or torch. Whether walking the dog, just getting some air, or following a trail. It’s calm, peaceful and feels like a little reset button.
6/ Beer gardens
Winter pubs are cosy, but summer pubs are joyful. There’s nothing quite like a pub garden in the sunshine – we look forward to time spent at the Poacher in Tudeley, the Plough in Leigh and even the Humphrey Bean garden.
7/ Camping
Whether it’s a proper family camping trip or just a night away in a nearby campsite, camping season is something I always look forward to. There’s something about sleeping outside, cooking on a little stove and waking up to birds that makes everything feel simpler.
8/ Paddle boarding
Once the river calms down a bit, the paddle boards come out and suddenly the Medway looks like a lifestyle advert. It’s peaceful, active and makes you feel far more outdoorsy than you probably are in real life. You can get lessons and join socials on the river with Epic Life or Paddle with Ana.
9/ Food Festivals
Summer is always marked by the May bank holiday Tonbridge Food & Drink Festival. Last year there were two – one in May and one in September. It’s always such a highlight of the year. I can already taste the cider!
10/ Blossom season
Blossom season in Tonbridge is genuinely beautiful. For me, it’s an annual pilgrimage to find the best blossom in town (normally on the gorgeous tree outside Tonbridge School.) You can find our guide to blossom spotting here.
11/ Music events
Summer in Tonbridge means music everywhere. If last year is anything to go by, we can expect the annual Tonbridge Music Festival in July and the River Walk weekly music event on Friday nights throughout summer. And, of course, there’s usually a 90s or noughties two day music festival in the park.
This year, we’ve spotted a new and exciting addition – a Silent Disco at the Castle in June.
12/ Tonbridge Pride
Tonbridge Pride last year was an absolutely glorious day. The sun was shining, the parade was popping and there were so many fantastic performers at the castle. Look out for this year’s event in August.
13/ Tennis
Summer is finally tennis season. No frozen hands! It’s one of those sports that suddenly becomes very appealing when the weather improves. And we are very lucky in Tonbridge to have the refurbished tennis courts in the park, as well as a few tennis clubs.
14/ Pick your own fruit
Kent is famous for it, and Tonbridge is perfectly placed for pick-your-own farms. Strawberries, raspberries and apples later in the season make for perfect summer days out, especially with kids.
15/ Vineyards
We’re surrounded by vineyards, and summer is the best time to enjoy them. Local Kent vineyards offer tastings, tours and outdoor seating, and it honestly feels a bit surreal that this is all so close to home. A very grown-up summer activity.
Find our guide to the best vineyards, breweries and distilleries near Tonbridge here.
16/ Nearby Festivals
From small local festivals to bigger Kent events, Tonbridge is brilliantly located for summer days out. You’re never far from something happening – food, music, arts, family festivals – there’s always something to stick in the diary.
17/ Picnics
Possibly the most underrated joy of summer in Tonbridge. Haysden, Tonbridge Castle grounds, the park- just a blanket, some good food and a few hours with nowhere to be.
18/ Outdoor sports
Whether it’s a running club or an outdoor bootcamp – it’s always more fun when the ground is dry and the sun is shining. There are also organised events to look forward to, like the Tonbridge Triathlon (May), Ride Castle (May) and the Tonbridge Half Marathon (October.)
19/ River Trips
We love seeing the Enid May from Tonbridge River Trips pootling down the river. River Trips aren’t just for visitors – there are also bird watching trips that might give you a chance to see a different side to Tonbridge, even as a local.
20/ Castle Lawn
Finally, our wonderful Castle Lawn. It’s a joyful space to spend a few hours in the summer. Whether it’s quietly reading a book on a Saturday afternoon, enjoying one of the many wonderful events like outdoor cinema, or listening to live music on a Sunday afternoon.
Do you have something you want to tell the Tonbridge Bean about our town? Write to us at tonbridgebean@gmail.com with your thoughts and photos!
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