Tonbridge
Tonbridge
Tonbridge is a market town on the River Medway in Kent, 4 miles north of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The town is served by Tonbridge station on the Southeastern rail network. It is the administrative headquarters of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.
The name Tonbridge is derived from the Old English Tunn & Brycg, meaning ‘town bridge’. The town’s history can be traced back over 1,000 years. It was an important stopping point for travellers in medieval times, as it was the only bridge over the River Medway between Maidstone and Rochester
Today tonbridge remains a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike. With its beautiful river setting, quaint shops and historic buildings, there is much to see and do in this lovely town.
Why not start your visit by exploring the Tonbridge Castle, built in 1260 by Richard de Clare, third Earl of Hertford or his son Gilbert. Or take a stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the stunning views. If you’re feeling active, there are plenty of walks and cycle routes to explore in the surrounding area. And when you need to refuel, there are plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants to choose from.
So whatever you’re looking for, Tonbridge is sure to have something for you. Come and see for yourself what this lovely town has to offer.
Created: 10 August 2022 Edited: 29 November 2023
Tonbridge
Local History around Tonbridge
There are some historic monuments around including:
Tonbridge CastleRoughway BridgeMedieval moated site, Great Barnett'sPrehistoric rock shelters and a multivallate hillfort at High Rocks, 309m ESE of High Rocks InnCastle Hill earthworks, TonbridgeMedieval hall at No 186 High StreetPrehistoric rock shelters and a multivallate hillfort at High Rocks, 309m ESE of High Rocks InnTown banksIghtham Mote Medieval moated site.Wildlife in and Around Tonbridge
Mammals found in Tonbridge
There have been 36 species of mammals recorded in the tonbridge area.
| (Nyctalus/Eptesicus agg.) |
| 55 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) |
| Badger (Meles meles) |
| Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) |
| Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) |
| 45 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) |
| American Mink (Neovison vison) |
| Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) |
| Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) |
| Common Shrew (Sorex araneus) |
Tap here for more mammals found in and around Tonbridge
Birds found in Tonbridge
There have been 50 species of birds recorded in the tonbridge area.
| Bar-Headed Goose (Anser indicus) |
| Bean Goose (Anser fabalis) |
| Brent Goose (Branta bernicla) |
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) |
| Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) |
| Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) |
| Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) |
| Buzzard (Buteo buteo) |
| Chiloe Wigeon (Anas sibilatrix) |
| Common Swift (Apus apus) |
Tap here for more birds found in and around Tonbridge
Fish found in Tonbridge
There have been 24 species of fish recorded in the tonbridge area.
| Barbel (Barbus barbus) |
| Bream (Abramis brama) |
| Brown Trout (Salmo trutta subsp. fario) |
| Bullhead (Cottus gobio) |
| Chub (Squalius cephalus) |
| Bleak (Alburnus alburnus) |
| Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri) |
| Brown/Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) |
| Carp (Cyprinus carpio) |
| Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius) |
