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The Lancers Bed & Breakfast
34 Church Road
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN1 1JP
Gilly@TheLancers.co.uk
01892 532387
07984 134279
Review The Lancers Bed & Breakfast on TripAdvisor
Home
The Annexe
The Blue Room
Your breakfast
Our central location
Parking
Our quality awards
Treat yourself to a memorable break in this period B&B just moments from shops, theatres and restaurants, right in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells. As The Lancers is the recent abode of Tom Baker, star of Dr Who, we have put episodes of this famous TV series in your room.
The Annexe
Self-contained and very private, your room is a charming, beamed annexe next to the main Georgian house. It has a king-sized wrought iron bed with an indulgent deep-pocketed mattress and pressed Egyptian cotton sheets for the deepest of relaxing sleeps, a seating area with TV/DVD (internet access and i-pod docking available at no extra charge), and an ensuite shower room. The bed/sitting room is light and airy, with leaded windows on three sides, one set of which opens out onto a charming 'secret' walled garden with a fishpond. You can see images
here
.
The Blue Room
A double room with ensuite shower room forms the attic of the main, Queen Anne house and has its own staircase leading from the first floor. You can see an image of this pretty room
here
. (Scroll along using the green arrow to the end of the smaller images).
Your breakfast
You can enjoy a hearty full English (see below for a typical menu) or vegetarian breakfast in the oriental dining room or in the garden, if the weather allows! All our food is free range, and locally sourced. We buy our meat from J Rook and our fruit and vegetables from Smith and Son, both small family businesses located next to each other on Mount Pleasant Road.
The breakfast is prepared freshly for you, and complimentary newspapers are provided at the table.
Orange or cranberry juice
Selection of fresh fruit
Choice of organic yoghurts
Muesli or porridge
Breakfast cereals
Free range eggs cooked to order
Locally sourced unsmoked bacon
Free range pork and herb sausages
Baked or fried beefsteak tomatoes
Baked beans
Home made white or granary toast
Tea (Indian, Earl Grey, or Green)
Cafetiere coffee or instant with hot milk
Please let us know when you book if you would like vegetarian or vegan breakfast. Alternatively we do a tasty undied smoked haddock with tomato and poached egg, but we do need to know about this in advance so we can make sure that this fish, which we buy fresh from the fishmonger, is available for your stay.
Our central location
We will be delighted to help you choose from the many fantastic cafes, pubs and restaurants on your doorstep in Royal Tunbridge Wells, and make dinner or theatre reservations for you in advance of your stay.
You will find the bed and breakfast is located within walking distance of both the modern shopping centre, Royal Victoria Place, and the old town around The Pantiles. The Trinity Theatre and the Assembly Halls are on your doorstep.
Parking
There is one small offstreet parking space in the driveway of the B&B. As we are committed to being environmentally friendly, we would be delighted to collect you from the railway station so that you can leave your car at home - please be sure to request this when making your booking.
Our quality awards
We have a Quality in Tourism four star rating with a coveted silver award, and meet data protection, fire safety, health and safety and insurance regulations. We are actively working to improve our green credentials and you can read more about this under
About Us
.
We look forward to warmly welcoming you to The Lancers Bed & Breakfast and giving you one of the most fantastic travel experiences of your lives.
Gilly and Pam
About Us
We bought The Lancers at 34 Church Road from actor Tom Baker and his wife in the summer of 2007, when it was a family home. They were frequent guests at many of the restaurants in Tunbridge Wells, and Tom was a 'local' at the beautifully atmospheric Hotel du Vin, which is just down the road.
The beamed annexe with little ensuite shower which we have turned into stunningly original guest accommodation was Tom's den. It is exactly the same as it was in Tom's day, with its high beamed ceiling, wood panelling and leaded windows. We have added a self-indulgently romantic and comfortable king size bed, a dressing table with stool, a wardrobe and two comfy leather bucket seats. Last but not least, we have provided candles so you can enjoy a really romantic evening!
We're not sure why this charming little 'bungalow' was originally built, so close to the main building. Perhaps it was a billiard room for the owners of the grand Georgian house, which used to be all one until it was converted into two in 1982.
In the summer of 2008 we were assessed by Visit Britain and gained a four star quality rating with a silver award for excellence.
At The Lancers B&B we love to offer you little indulgences that aren't generally available elsewhere! Here are some of the complimentary treats you can expect when you stay at The Lancers:
A daily newspaper with your breakfast.
Collection from the railway station (must be arranged when you make your booking).
Free loan of an i-pod docking device so you can play your music in the room.
DVDs including episodes from Dr. Who.
Delicate sandwiches with tea, coffee or a soft drink on arrival (must be requested when you make your booking - please specify veg or non veg).
Without wanting to be unduly prissy, the Lancers tries to take the welfare of the environment into account in the way we run the business. We do the obvious, such as using free range, local produce, recycling glass, plastic and paper, using low energy light bulbs where possible (sadly these haven't been invented for dimmers!), and inviting you to reuse your towels. We are also starting to use eco-friendly cleaning products.
One of our newest 'green' initiatives is to promote leisure activities that do not involve using a car. This is why we are delighted to collect you from the station if you leave your car at home (this service needs to be arranged on booking). Once you get here, there's plenty to do using 'Shank's Pony' - please see 'Our Town' for a dozen ways to have fun in Tunbridge Wells on foot!
Everyone loves compliments and we have had some really fantastic comments from guests, some of which you will see in our 'Testimonials' section. However, we very much welcome suggestions and constructive criticism as this will help us to improve.
We have Questionnaires available in your room on arrival. We are offering a free weekend for two at The Lancers for one drawn out of a hat at the end of 2009, to be taken in 2010. We also encourage guests to contribute to our Facebook page and add their experiences on TripAdvisor.
Rates
Prices for two sharing the Blue Room are £37.50 p.p. including full English or cooked vegetarian breakfast. Prices for The Annexe are £47.50 p.p. (Friday and Saturday) and £42.50 p.p. (weekdays) including full English or cooked vegetarian breakfast.
Included in the price are:
Light sandwiches and tea, coffee or soft drink on arrival (this must be requested when booking)
Collection by car from the local railway station (again, this needs to be organised when booking)
A complimentary daily or Sunday newspaper (The Times) at the table with your breakfast.
A complimentary TV listings magazine in your room.
Candles in your room for a romantic atmosphere!
Just ask if you would like internet access and/or an i-pod dock.
DVDs including episodes of Tom Baker's Dr. Who and Inspector Morse.
The narrow stairs to the Blue Room (it is up two flights) are not ideal if you have mobility problems. This room forms the attic of the Queen Anne house and has characterful sloping ceilings - you can view images if you click on the pale green arrow to the right of the snapshots below.
Our terms
Your booking is guaranteed when we take your card details and on departure please pay by cheque or in cash.
In the event that you need to cancel a booking at The Lancers, please give at least two weeks notice so that we can relet the room, otherwise the room charge will be non-refundable (unless we are able to relet). We recommend you take out insurance against unforeseen cancellation.
Check-in is 2-6pm unless otherwise agreed, and checkout is 10.30am, again, unless otherwise agreed.
+Enlarge Map
Directions
From M25 London Orbital/A21 Southbound
Leave M25 at Junction 5 and join A21 signposted for Sevenoaks and Hastings. Take the 4th exit for A26 Tunbridge Wells and Southborough. Follow A26 through Southborough and St. Johns. At mini roundabout, take 2nd exit marked for through traffic. Drive past the Kent & Sussex hospital on right. Continue past the parade of shops and restaurants, staying on the London Road (left hand fork) until you reach a set of traffic lights.
Turn left into Church Road, and park in The Lancers' small driveway, which is the first on your left. As this is set back from the road, look out for the Secret Cellar and a red postbox on your right - the driveway is opposite. 34 Church Road is marked at the back of the driveway over the top of the garage door.
There is an oak door to your left with a buzzer system by the side of it; press the button and you will be buzzed in.
From Brighton A207/A27
Leave Brighton on the A207 heading for Lewes following signs for A27. Then follow signs for A26 for Tunbridge Wells. Go straight over traffic lights at Crowborough (A26) and continue until you enter Tunbridge Wells. At the first mini roundabout bear left. Shortly after you will come to another mini roundabout (with the Swan Hotel on your right). Continue straight on (2nd exit on roundabout) until you come to the next roundabout and take the first exit (Barclays Bank is on the right hand corner). Continue on London Road to traffic lights and turn right.
Turn left into Church road, and park in The Lancers' small driveway, which is the first on your left. As this is set back from the road, look out for the Secret Cellar and a red postbox on your right - the driveway is opposite. 34 Church Road is marked at the back of the driveway over the top of the garage door. Please press the buzzer by the oak door on the left and you will be buzzed in.
From Eastbourne A2021/A22
Leave Eastbourne via the A2021 and head for A22 towards Uckfield. Join A26 at Horsted Place. Then follow directions above through Crowborough A26.
From Hastings A21
Follow the A21 through Robertsbridge and Flimwell, bypassing Lamberhurst. Leave the A21 following signposts for the A264 into Tunbridge Wells. Follow this road until you reach the traffic lights with the Royal Oak pub on your left. Turn right here onto Calverley Road. At the mini roundabout take the first exit onto Crescent Road. Continue straight over the next set of traffic lights (through the middle of town) just before the next set of traffic lights is The Lancers.
You may park in The Lancers' small driveway. As this is set back from the road, look out for the Secret Cellar and a red postbox on your right - the driveway is opposite. 34 Church Road is marked at the back of the driveway over the top of the garage door.
From Haywards Heath B2028 via East Grinstead
Follow B2028 to Turners Hill and join B2110, right turn. Follow this road into East Grinstead and join the one way system round town. Turn left onto the A264 for Tunbridge Wells. This road will take you through Hammerwood, Holtye, Blackham, Stone Cross. At the end of this road, turn left following signs for Tunbridge Wells. Drive through Langton Green and you will see The Spa Hotel on your left just after the Renault Garage. There is a small roundabout here, where you should take the 2nd exit along Major Yorks Road. Go to the end of the road where there is another roundabout and take the 1st exit to the next roundabout where you must take the first exit again (barclays Bank is on the right hand corner). Continue on London Road to traffic lights and turn right into Church Road.
Park in The Lancers' small driveway, which is the first on your left. As this is set back from the road, look out for the Secret Cellar and a red postbox on your right - the driveway is opposite. 34 Church Road is marked at the back of the driveway over the top of the garage door.
Twelve activities to enjoy on foot
1. Amble down to The Pantiles, sample the healing spa water from the ancient Chalybeate spring (it tastes rusty), and ´see and be seen´, promenading along the length of this historic, pedestrianised part of town . . . as the Victorian ladies and gentleman used to when they were looking for marriage partners for themselves or their daughters!
2. Enjoy a pint or two of real ale at The Compasses in Little Mount Sion, the town´s oldest and most atmospheric pub.
3. Browse the fresh local produce, including delicious pies and cheeses, at a farmers´ market. These take place on Civic Way (outside the Town Hall just at the end of our road) on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 9am-2pm.
4. Shop your heart out at Royal Victoria Shopping Centre, where you will find most of the big brand names. Interesting and quirky independent shops are to be found in adjacent Ely Court and along the Camden Road.
5. Pop into the charmingly converted former gothic church which is now the Trinity Theatre (also in Church Road) for a bohemian baguette and coffee, and see whether you fancy any of the theatrical, musical or film events that they are staging during your stay.
6. Treat yourself to a long, leisurely lunch. Many restaurants along Mount Pleasant offer special deals on set mid-day meals and their menus are much cheaper than in the evenings. Alternatively, splurge on luncheon in some of the best places in town . . . we recommend the Hotel du Vin for a stylish experience, the Mount Edgcombe for a salad al fresco, or Prezzo for a tasty Italian risotto, all three only a few minutes´ stroll away.
7. Buy a copy of the Kent and Sussex Courier, available at newsagents, for local events and what´s on. Browse the large property section to indulge your fantasy about buying a beautiful Georgian cottage in the area!
8. Stay in bed all day, and order an Indian, Chinese, fish and chips or pizza takeaway. Your hosts will organise this for you and provide you with the crockery and cutlery you need.
9. Pop into the Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery on Civic Way to see everything from Victorian oil paintings and archaeology to historic fashions and toys. The History Museum it isn´t, but entry is free.
10. Take a stroll atop the High Rocks, impressive sandstone outcrops linked by eleven bridges that provide scenic walks in acres of peaceful woodland. Pub lunches are available at the eponymous eaterie over the road.
11. Go swimming, play tennis or have a game of squash at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, St John´s Road.
12. Ride the Spa Valley Railway from here to magical Groombridge Place, stopping off at High Rocks (see no. 10). Carefully restored steam trains wind through glorious countryside from late March to the end of October plus December (01892 537715 for times and prices).
About Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells is a long, thin town with chain stores at Victoria Shopping Centre and antique and curio shops on the historic Pantiles. Worth a visit is Camden Road with its interesting, bohemian outlets.
Getting Around
Buses
(Arriva)
We are a short walk from the buses, the location to catch them is shown on the map.
Trains
(South Eastern Railways)
Trains go to London, Hastings etc from the railway station (five minutes away).
Links
If we are booked, here are two quality B&Bs in Tunbridge Wells that we recommend:
Swan Cottage
Bethany House
Hotels/Bed and Breakfasts elsewhere:
Bed and Breakfast Searcher
Click Bed And Breakfast
- The premier online guide to Great British B&Bs.
Peak District Cottages
Bolehill Holiday Cottages in the Peak District (Bakewell 2 miles). A family run business offering self-catering holiday cottages in Derbyshire.
Frampton Cottage
- Luxury four poster bed and breakfast accommodation in 17th Century Village House - Crondall, near Farnham, Surrey/Hampshire
Annies Guest House
Just for Non Smokers in Great Yarmouth
Cheap/Discounted hotels in England:
bedandbreakfasts.co.uk
Structured
Hotels and Guest House Network:
Bed and breakfast (B&B), hotel and cottage accommodation in the UK and Ireland
Global Bed and Breakfast Links
- Find direct links to Bed & Breakfast websites around the world.
Getting Around:
Buses
(Arriva)
The Lancers Bed & Breakfast is a short walk from bus stops, and the location to catch them is shown on the map.
Trains
(South Eastern Railways)
Trains go straight through to London Bridge, Waterloo, or London Charing Cross. In the other direction you can catch a train to Hastings from the Tunbridge Wells railway station (five minutes' walk from The Lancers).
Testimonials
"I came, I saw, and was conquered!" Thelma R, London
"Lovely room, perfect breakfast and perfect hosts. Thank you." Martina and Thomas, Frankfurt.
"One of the best B&Bs we've ever known." Hildegard and Walter, Germany
"Absolutely fantastic. Will be highly recommending it. Thank you." Maddy, Bristol
"Really wonderful treat." Rachel and Alan, Southampton
"Wow! Some breakfast!" Bob and Hilary, Lyme Regis
"Charming little hideaway. Very warm and welcoming. Great hostesses and an amazing breakfast. Beware of the sausages!!!" Marco and Donna, Essex
"Lovely accommodation and hospitality, loved the cupcakes!" Bev and Geoff, Melbourne.
"Pam and Gilly are the perfect hosts, making our week in Tunbridge Wells really memorable. Thank you both." Neville T, Western Australia
"Exceptional stay - nothing too much trouble. Excellent!" Grace and Arthur L
"Can't fault this bed & breakfast!" Margaret S, Herefordshire
"Wonderful room, great breakfast and very friendly hosts. Would recommend this B&B to others." Debbie M
"Cosy, lovely room, lovely hosts. Extremely welcoming, lovely breakfast. Will definitely return to Tunbridge Wells and recommend." Andrew J, Nottingham
"This is our best B&B yet." Teresa A, London
"A unique delight!" Adrienne and Barry P, Hertfordshire
A beautiful room with lovely garden. We enjoyed our stay." Jonathan and Caroline, Suffolk
"Thank you for such a restful stay. Yummy food and a beautiful room. We must buy one of those mattresses!" Fiona and Matthew, London
"Beautiful den. Made to feel very welcome. Lovely breakfast. Love the fire. Will be back! Thank u." Vanessa and Ben, Dover.
"Thank you for a lovely stay. It was the perfect escape from London - beautiful and relaxing surroundings and helpful and friendly hosts!" Alisha and James, London.
"Very comfortable and relaxing. Room was excellent - love the decor! Hosts very welcoming and food great, especially the coffee! Very nice B&B." Garry and Debbie P
"A secret garden that charmed us both! Thanks to Pam and Gilly x." David and Helena
"Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and attention to detail." Karen Y
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