Hargate Forest
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent/Sussex border
Photo of Royal Tunbridge Wells: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0Photo of Royal Tunbridge Wells: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0
Hargate Forest is a 62-hectare Woodland Trust wood on the southern edge of Tunbridge Wells, once part of the medieval Waterdown Forest. Since 1996 the Trust has been thinning conifer plantations and bringing back native trees and heathland, and the wide rides give long views over the High Weald.
Highlights
- Wide rides and smaller paths through mixed broadleaf and conifer woodland
- Fallow and roe deer, adders, grass snakes and newts
- Nightjars may be heard in summer
- A downloadable walking map
Good to know
- The nearest bus stop is about 60 metres from the entrance, at Broadwater Down and Eridge Road
- Nearest public toilets are at Linden Park Road by the Pantiles, about a mile away
- Dogs are welcome in Woodland Trust woods
- The wood is just over the border in East Sussex
Getting there
Hargate Forest, Broadwater Down, Royal Tunbridge WellsParking: No car park; there is space for a few cars on Broadwater Down. The only official entrance is on the south side of Broadwater Down, about 60 metres east of the A26. Coordinates are for the centre of the wood.
Get directionsChecked on 30 October 2026 against woodlandtrust.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
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More things to do in Tunbridge Wells
Nearby
Photo of Royal Tunbridge Wells: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0RSPB Broadwater Warren
Broadwater Warren is an RSPB nature reserve on the southern edge of Tunbridge Wells where conifer plantations are being turned back into heathland and native woodland. Woodlarks and nightjars have returned, adders and dragonflies are easy to spot in summer, and new open views make good picnic spots.
Image: Spa Valley RailwaySpa Valley Railway
The Spa Valley Railway is a volunteer-supported heritage line running steam and heritage diesel trains between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge through the High Weald. Ride the line for the countryside views, or time your visit for one of its dining trains, family days or festivals. It suits families and rail enthusiasts and makes an easy half day from the town.
Friezland Wood
Friezland Wood is a small Woodland Trust wood near High Rocks on the west side of Tunbridge Wells, with a stream, spring flowers and unusual sandstone outcrops on its western edge. Near its south-west boundary are the remains of an Iron Age hill fort.