Within just a mile of Willicombe Park is Royal Tunbridge Wells, one of the original Spa towns developed in the 18th Century to exploit the health giving properties of the Chalybeate spring. The waters
can still be taken at the Pantiles, probably the best example of a Regency shopping arcade in the country. The town was master planned by Decimus Burton, a pupil of Nash who laid out the new town to make the most of the hills and valleys. Much of his layout can be seen today amidst what has become a thriving, modern town. Theatres, restaurants and good shops are plentiful and fast road and rail links to London have made it a popular commuter town for London which is only 50 minutes away.