Planning a funeral is hard enough, finding the right local support shouldn’t be.
If you’re in or near Tunbridge Wells and need clear, caring guidance, you’re in the right place.
This guide walks you through the town, what it offers, and how we can quietly help behind the scenes.
Life doesn’t give much warning. When something happens, especially a death in the family, everything can feel overwhelming. You want to speak to someone who gets it, someone nearby, who knows the area, the people, and how to keep things simple and respectful.
That’s what we’re here for. Welham Jones has a funeral home right in Tunbridge Wells. We’re a family-run team, and we’ve been supporting local families for years. This guide explains a bit about the town, the local area, and how our branch fits into daily life here, especially when life takes an unexpected turn.
Royal Tunbridge Wells didn’t just appear overnight. Its story starts way back in the 1600s, with a spring in the ground, rich in iron, that people believed could help them feel better. Word spread fast. Soon, people were coming from London and beyond to “take the waters.” And just like that, Tunbridge Wells became the only spa town in Southeast England [1].
That early focus on care and wellbeing? It hasn’t gone away. Back then, it was the spring. Now, it’s about being there for each other in other ways, especially when families are grieving and need a calm, local presence to lean on.
One of the town’s oldest features is The Pantiles, a paved walkway lined with shops and cafés. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the place to be seen. People would dress up, stroll through, stop for a chat. Some of that charm still lingers today. You can still visit The Pantiles, still see the Church of King Charles the Martyr just around the corner, and feel like part of something much older [3].
The town also attracted some big names. Writer Samuel Johnson visited. So did Queen Victoria, back when she was still a princess. That royal link stuck, in 1909, the town was officially granted the “Royal” title. Even now, you can feel that sense of care and dignity that made it special.
And it’s not just the history. Architect Decimus Burton shaped much of the town’s elegant buildings. think Georgian and Victorian style, but still very much in use. You’ve got green spaces, local sandstone, and a town that’s easy to get around, even if you’re coming in from London. That mix, charm, community, accessibility, helps explain why Welham Jones feels so rooted here. This is a town that looks after its own.
When you’re grieving or trying to arrange a funeral, getting from A to B shouldn’t be another worry. Our Tunbridge Wells branch is right where it needs to be, easy to reach by road, rail, or bus. You’ll find us at 39 Crescent Road, TN1 2LZ. We’re just a short walk from the town centre and the main train station.
Coming by car?
Taking the train?
Using the bus?
One quick tip: Mount Pleasant Road has a bus gate between 9am and 6pm. Buses can pass through, cars can’t. If you’re driving, avoid that stretch during those hours.
We’ve made it easy for families from Tunbridge Wells (click to investigate), and surrounding areas, to find us without hassle. Whether you’re travelling from Crowborough, Groombridge, or just around the corner, the journey to our branch is straightforward. When things are tough, simple helps.
Sometimes, the little things make a big difference, a café nearby, somewhere quiet to sit, or a shop that has what you forgot you needed. Tunbridge Wells gives you space to breathe, even on difficult days.
Need a break after an appointment? The Pantiles has cosy cafés and quiet places to sit. Nearby, the High Street and Chapel Place offer a good mix, from gastro pubs to tearooms. You’ll also find more refined spots like Bistro du Vin [8], tucked inside Hotel du Vin (Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY) [9], just off Crescent Road. It’s close, calm, and ideal for families who want time together, or time alone, without going far [10].
If you’re picking something up or just walking to clear your head, there’s plenty to see. Royal Victoria Place [11] is the big shopping centre in town, but the old High Street and Calverley Road have more independent shops and useful stores. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s nearby [12].
Tunbridge Wells has a lot of parks. And they’re not just green, they’re peaceful.
These are places you can visit with family, or alone. Sit for a moment. Walk off a heavy thought. Just be still.
If you’re staying in town longer or want to show family something local, there’s more around:
The town’s got heart, too. There’s the Assembly Hall Theatre [21] [22] for live performances, Trinity Theatre [23] [24] for film and plays, and The Amelia Scott [25] [26], a mix of museum, gallery, and community hub, right near the Crescent Road car park.
When families come to us, we know it’s rarely for just one visit. That’s why being close to everyday places really helps, somewhere for lunch, a bit of space, or just a place to think.
If you’re raising a family or supporting one, schools matter. And Tunbridge Wells has a solid mix, from nurseries to grammar schools, all within reach.
There are plenty of well-rated primary schools across town. A few names local families often mention:
These are spread around the town and nearby villages, with different sizes, faith links, and catchment areas.
For older kids, there are both state and independent options. Two grammar schools stand out:
There’s also The Skinners’ School [45] [46], which has been around since 1887, and now teaches over 1,100 students. Other respected schools include:
Whether you’re after a selective school or a community comprehensive, the town has options.
If you’ve got little ones, there are lots of nurseries, some right in the centre, others tucked into quieter roads:
Each nursery has its own approach, some Montessori, some more structured, but they all serve families who want care and early education close to home.
For us at Welham Jones, it’s not just about funerals. It’s about understanding the whole picture of life in Tunbridge Wells. Education is part of that, it tells us a lot about how families live here, what they value, and what support they might need in tough times. When we say we serve the community, we mean all stages of life.
When someone dies, things move fast. But for the family left behind, everything feels slow. Foggy. Overwhelming. That’s where we come in, not with grand promises, but with steady, practical help from people who know what they’re doing.
We’re not a national chain. We’re local. Family-run. Based here in Tunbridge Wells and across West Kent (see this here). And we’ve been helping families for over 25 years. That means real experience, and real understanding of how to keep things simple when nothing else feels that way.
If a loved one dies at home, in a care home, or elsewhere in the community, we’re on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. That first phone call? We’ll answer it. Day or night.
We provide everything you need to arrange a funeral, from the first call to the final goodbye.
We offer clear, straightforward packages to suit different needs and budgets:
Prices are upfront. No jargon. No hidden costs. We explain what’s included and what’s not. You’ll always know what you’re paying for.
Some people want to plan ahead. We can help with that. Our pre-paid plans let you sort everything out in advance, including costs. That way, your family won’t be left guessing or covering expenses later on.
We work with Ecclesiastical Planning Services, and the money is held safely in a whole-of-life policy. It stays there until it’s needed.
There’s a wide range, from traditional wood to eco-friendly materials like willow, bamboo, or even strong cardboard. You can keep it simple or make it personal, including decorated coffins that reflect someone’s life.
We treat everyone who comes into our care with respect. That includes washing, dressing, and preparation. Families can choose to visit their loved one at our Chapel of Rest, or have them brought home or to a place of worship.
We respect different beliefs and customs and will always try to meet cultural or religious needs.
If your loved one needs to be brought home, or sent abroad, we can take care of it. That includes paperwork, contact with embassies, flights, and transport. Whether it’s a full funeral or ashes being returned, we’ll handle it professionally.
A funeral can include personal touches, favourite flowers, a flag, a dove release, or items placed with the person who’s died. We can also arrange printed orders of service, video or photo tributes, and photography to quietly capture the day.
We help with memorials too, things like headstones, plaques, urns, or even keepsake jewellery. If you’re not sure what to do with ashes, we’ll explain the options and help you decide. Nothing needs to be rushed.
We can help write and place funeral notices in print or online. It’s a small but important step in letting people know, and sharing something about the person who’s died.
At every point, our goal is to keep things human. Clear words. Quiet support. Local knowledge. We’re not here to take over, we’re here to walk with you, and make sure everything is done properly, respectfully, and with care.
You’ll find us at 39 Crescent Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LZ. We’re not tucked away. We’re right in the town, close to shops, cafés, and public transport, easy to find, even on a stressful day.
We serve the whole of Tunbridge Wells, but also nearby towns and villages like:
If you live locally, you’ll already know the roads. If you’re coming in from elsewhere, we can guide you.
Here’s how to reach us:
But, and this matters, if someone dies outside of those hours, we don’t close. We’re here 24/7, every day of the year. That first call after a death? You won’t be passed to a call centre. You’ll speak to one of our team. Someone who knows what to do and will talk you through it step by step.
We know making that first contact can feel like a huge hurdle. So take your time. When you’re ready, we’ll be here, to listen, to explain, and to help however we can.
If you’re looking for quiet, dependable support in Tunbridge Wells, we’re here.
Whether you need to make arrangements now or just want to talk things through, you can contact our Tunbridge Wells team directly.
It’s not always easy to know where to start. But a simple conversation can go a long way.
[1] History & Heritage, via the Visit Tunbridge Wells website, https://visittunbridgewells.com/inspire-me/history-heritage/
[2] Tunbridge Wells, via the Britannica website, https://www.britannica.com/place/Royal-Tunbridge-Wells
[3] Royal Tunbridge Wells, via the Visit Tunbridge Wells website, https://visittunbridgewells.com/plan-your-trip/towns-villages/royal-tunbridge-wells/
[4] Cresent Road Car Park, via the Tunbridge Wells website, https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/parking/car-parks/find-a-car-park/crescent-road
[5] Cresent Road Car Park (Crescent Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZUACSY9cR529nfAU9
[6] Tunbridge Wells sation, via the National Rail website, https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/tunbridge-wells/
[7] Tunbridge Wells Bus Services via the Arriva website, https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/kent-and-surrey/bus-travel-in-tunbridge-wells
[8] Bistro du Vin (Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ioHq8uULXKycPYjy7
[9] Hotel du Vin (Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/SYZjiSmFmEmGQ9ob8
[10] Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells, via the Hotel du Vin website, https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/tunbridge-wells/
[11] Royal Victoria Place website, https://royalvictoriaplace.co.uk/
[12] Royal Victoria Place (Royal Victoria Place, 300, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SS), Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/kep7LVbUpXETDajj7
[13] Dunorlan Park (Pembury Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3QN), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/FtepobWXvgbqcbVL7
[14] The Commons (22-23 London Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1DA), Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/VJckcML7EVQghy9fA
[15] Rusthall Common (Common View, Tunbridge Wells TN4), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/aiC6cGkoz3gVENJq7
[16] Calverley Grounds (Mountfield Gardens, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1SJ), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/3cEofo3GZW9azDdP6
[17] Grosvenor and Hilbert Park (Upper Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LN), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/wx6PhoFNNTkxugXX9
[18] The Grove (Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1SE), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/NcFTvsPLFDcnoYsh7
[19] Woodbury Park Cemetery (Woodbury Park Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9NH), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/wD9aL93FCvohpm846
[20] Woodbury Park Cemetery, via Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery website, https://www.fwpc.org.uk/
[21] Assembly Hall Theatre website https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/
[22] Assembly Hall Theatre (Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/myUJiJGSW4ysmFcx9
[23] Trinity Theatre website https://www.trinitytheatre.net/
[24] Trinity Theatre (Church Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/d8X615DRTPhot9jV6
[25] The Amelia Scott website https://theamelia.co.uk/
[26] The Amelia Scott (The Amelia Scott), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/cm2VBSAGs1HGRkKq6
[27] St. John’s C of E Primary School website https://www.st-johns.kent.sch.uk/
[28] St. John’s C of E Primary School (Cunningham Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9EW), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/vph6UrK2xRNpDr2b9
[29] St Peter’s C of E Primary School website https://www.st-peters.kent.sch.uk/
[30] St Peter’s C of E Primary School (St Peter’s Church of England Primary School, Hawkenbury Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5BW), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/uuvWdBKTUPEeaSfe9
[31] St Mark’s C of E Primary School website https://www.st-marks.kent.sch.uk/
[32] St Mark’s C of E Primary School (Ramslye Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8LN), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/KicFyYNosYQtooQJ7
[33] Speldhurst C of E Primary School website https://www.speldhurst.kent.sch.uk/
[34] Speldhurst C of E Primary School (Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0NP), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/bSotDXcWwohS6c8P7
[35] Fordcombe C of E Primary School website https://www.fordcombe.kent.sch.uk/
[36] Fordcombe C of E Primary School (The Green, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0RY), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/CuAG4bTpCEiuvWHXA
[37] St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School website https://www.st-augustines.kent.sch.uk/
[38] St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School (65 Wilman Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9AL), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/rRsg4PNfPFsJnZPs8
[39] Skinners’ Kent Primary School website https://www.skps.org.uk/
[40] Skinners’ Kent Primary School (The Skinners’ Kent Primary School, The Ave., Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3GS), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/9x1Ta5NwK7yKgZmP8
[41] Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School website https://www.twggs.kent.sch.uk/
[42] Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School (Southfield Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9UJ), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/TYuhCnocGAN77dtG7
[43] Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys website https://www.twgsb.org.uk/
[44] Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys (St John’s Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9XB), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ot6ZE6jJtVnnTvQf7
[45] The Skinners’ School website https://www.skinners-school.co.uk/
[46] The Skinners’ School (St John’s Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9PG), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PXizSSPexM9Mdmez8
[47] Beechwood School website https://www.beechwood.org.uk/
[48] Beechwood School (12 Pembury Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3QD), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/2w3HZp3yQAEdhGcHA
[49] Kent College Pembury website https://www.kent-college.co.uk/
[50] Kent College Pembury (Kent College, Old Church Rd, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4AX). Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/qdEQ6WakTnekLdbR6
[51] Bennett Memorial Diocesan School website https://www.bennettmemorial.co.uk/
[52] Bennett Memorial Diocesan School (Culverden Down, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9SH), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Egb5T1SzvoyKvtc8
[53] St Gregory’s Catholic School website https://www.sgschool.org.uk/
[54] St Gregory’s Catholic School (Reynolds Ln, Southborough, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9XL), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/JEJxRsxKThRtuEbA8
