Kokova Magazine

A forced rest from driving means we have been exploring our 'local' area by rail this month, and making use of a Network railcard. Kent is within easy reach and on our direct line so we headed Out & About to Tonbridge.

We are lucky to live somewhere that is bordering Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and London. It is a nice area of the South East, and has some good transport links, and some that are pretty quiet. Sadly these are often the first to be hit by cancellations, delays, or strikes. However, when they are running, we can escape by train to bigger destinations. We live on a quiet line running between Tonbridge to Redhill, with further links to the Kent Coast, and up into Victoria for more extensive travel routes.

A bunion operation and a car in the garage means the trains and buses have been a lifesaver for getting out since the end of August. Sadly with only hourly trains for a good chunk of the day, we have been limited to where we can go so we opted to spend some time in Tonbridge, Kent. As we are also currently house hunting in that area, and with a newly purchased Railcard in hand, we set off for the day.

Tonbridge is an historic market town situated along the picturesque River Medway in Kent. The town offers residents a blend of rich heritage and modern convenience. Its strategic location provides excellent transport links to London while maintaining proximity to the verdant countryside of the 'Garden of England'.

Walking down from the station you will pass Basil - wholefoods cafe. Basil make a mean frittata which has no gluten-containing ingredients, and their coffee definitely passes our taste test. The cafe is close to both the station and parking.

However if you need a coffee straight off the train we would recommend popping into FCB Coffee, who are right beside the station exit, and make really good coffee. They showcase some of the best coffees from around the world, changing with the seasons to ensure you can explore new flavour profiles.

Tonbridge High Street is a complete mixture of shops and cafes, so there should be something to suit everyone's taste, and budget. We like to walk along to the castle, as there are always pigeons and squirrels waiting to greet you. On the way we stop and buy some peanuts and monkey nuts for them all to enjoy. If you take the River Walk down past Tonbridge Castle it won't be long before you are seeing a plethora of fluffy grey tails, as the squirrels practically come running for food.

The pigeons will land all around you, and on your hands, so if you are slightly averse to being mobbed by birds I would suggest caution with food. If you want to just enjoy a walk by the river, the birds are happy to leave you alone and give you their space to wander.

Just down from the castle is Tonbridge Swimming Pool which is very popular, due to also having an outside pool. Beside the swimming pool, the Tonbridge Model Engineering Society run a mini railway. The railway is 1360ft long and with the average ride lasting 3 minutes, you will weave your way around, passing by the Carriage, Chicken Shed, The River Medway and back towards the Engine Shed, and the squirrels that like to relax on the track.

We like to end our day out with a quick drink and bite to eat in Verdigris, a restaurant, wine, and cocktail bar. Sitting outside on their veranda, watching paddleboarders, ducks, and the world pass by, is the perfect end to our day out in Kent.

Tonbridge has a lot to offer and with good rail links into the town, it is certainly worth a days visit. With our Network Railcard we will now be saving 1/3 off travel around London and the South East so even when the car is back, and my foot is better, we will still have days where we let the train take the strain.