The Amelia Scott Tunbridge Wells
A modern community hub in Tunbridge Wells, featuring a library, museum, and exhibition spaces, celebrating local history and culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter for study and browsing
The Amelia Scott Tunbridge Wells
Best Time
Quieter for study and browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern community hub in Tunbridge Wells, featuring a library, museum, and exhibition spaces, celebrating local history and culture.
"A beautiful building with a calm atmosphere, offering a good library and interesting historical exhibits."
☕ Grab a Coffee
Enjoy a coffee from Fine Grind cafe located within The Amelia Scott for a perfect break.
📚 Library Lighting
Be aware that library lighting can be dim in some areas, making book selection challenging.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tunbridge Wells History Exhibits
Museum Galleries
Explore the rich history of Tunbridge Wells, from its spa town origins to local industries. Discover fascinating artifacts and stories that shaped the town.
David Blandy: Commons Exhibition
Exhibition Space
Experience David Blandy's new film, 'Commons,' which draws on the museum's collections for a unique artistic interpretation.
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Subbuteo: The Beautiful Game
Exhibition Space
Delve into the history of the iconic tabletop game, Subbuteo, and its surprising connection to Tunbridge Wells.
Amelia Scott Library
Library
A modern library space offering a free research hub and a decent selection of fiction books for a quiet escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Community Hub
Check Exhibition Schedules
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Grab a Coffee
Enjoy a coffee from Fine Grind cafe located within The Amelia Scott for a perfect break.
📚 Library Lighting
Be aware that library lighting can be dim in some areas, making book selection challenging.
🔌 Limited Plug Sockets
If you're working remotely, note the limited availability of plug sockets for devices.
🎹 Piano in the Library?
The presence of a piano for public use can be disruptive for quiet study.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Grab a Coffee
Enjoy a coffee from Fine Grind cafe located within The Amelia Scott for a perfect break.
📚 Library Lighting
Be aware that library lighting can be dim in some areas, making book selection challenging.
🔌 Limited Plug Sockets
If you're working remotely, note the limited availability of plug sockets for devices.
🎹 Piano in the Library?
The presence of a piano for public use can be disruptive for quiet study.
🎟️ Check Exhibition Dates
Confirm exhibition schedules online to catch temporary displays like 'Commons' or Subbuteo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find The Amelia Scott to be a beautiful building with a calm atmosphere, offering a good library and interesting historical exhibits. While the staff are often helpful, some find the lighting in the library challenging and the availability of plug sockets limited for remote work. The presence of a public piano in the library has also been a point of contention for those seeking absolute quiet.
"I've only used the library section but it's good overall.
The selection of fiction books is not huge but it seems sufficient. The building design is lovely and it has a calm, quiet atmosphere.
The staff were mostly helpful but not particularly friendly. When I signed up they didn't show me how to do anything, just entered my details, gave me the card and left me to it. Fortunately the scanning system is simple, but it might not be for other people.
Edit: on my most recent visit, I had to use a PC and print some documents. The staff member I spoke to couldn't have been more helpful and gave me all the information I needed. It was a much better experience than my first visit."
Sam Liddicoat
"The lighting in the library might be atmospheric, but being able to see books especially in the middle of the stacks is difficult.
The bright lights are around the edge giving little light to the shelves. Being able to see the shelves is a little easier in the summer because it's brighter outside, but on a gloomy winter's day the gloom reflects in the library as well, making it dark and depressing.
It's a library we need good lights to see books."
Website Analysis
"I think overall the council and staff are doing a fantastic job with this place. It’s a beautiful building and the staff are lovely and hard working. For me there a just a few things holding it back. As someone who often works remotely, the lack of plug sockets for devices can get very frustrating. Also as other people have mentioned, a piano in the middle of a library/ study space is an odd choice. It can be very jarring when trying to focus."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Amelia Scott is centrally located in Tunbridge Wells. It's easily accessible by public transport, with Tunbridge Wells station a short walk away.
While specific parking details for The Amelia Scott aren't widely shared, Tunbridge Wells has several public car parks nearby. It's advisable to check local council websites for the most up-to-date parking information and charges.
Yes, The Amelia Scott is an excellent day trip destination from London. Trains run frequently from London stations to Tunbridge Wells, making it a convenient escape. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to The Amelia Scott itself, including the library and general museum areas, is typically free. However, special exhibitions may have separate ticketing requirements. It's always best to check their official website for the latest information on admission fees and exhibition tickets.
Opening hours can vary for different sections of The Amelia Scott (museum, library, cafe). It's recommended to check the official website for the most current opening times before your visit, especially for specific exhibitions.
For popular or temporary exhibitions, booking tickets in advance is often recommended to guarantee entry, especially during peak times. Check the exhibition details on The Amelia Scott's website for booking information.
While the core facilities like the library are generally free, specific free entry days for the museum or exhibitions are not consistently advertised. Keep an eye on their social media or website for any special announcements.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Amelia Scott offers a diverse range of attractions, including historical exhibits on Tunbridge Wells, temporary art installations like David Blandy's 'Commons,' and a library.
Yes, The Amelia Scott is generally family-friendly. The library often hosts children's activities, and the museum exhibits can be engaging for younger visitors.
The library section offers a space for remote work and study, but be aware that plug socket availability can be limited, and the presence of a public piano might be disruptive.
The building design is often described as lovely, with a generally calm and quiet atmosphere, particularly in the library. However, the atmosphere can vary depending on the area and ongoing activities.
Photography policies can vary for different areas and exhibitions. It's best to check for signage or ask staff if photography is permitted, especially for temporary exhibitions.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe called Fine Grind located within The Amelia Scott, offering coffee and other refreshments.
The Fine Grind cafe typically serves specialty coffee, espresso drinks, and likely light snacks or pastries.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into museum or library spaces is discouraged. It's best to consume your own refreshments in designated cafe areas or outside the building.
📸 📸 Photography
The modern architecture of the building itself offers some interesting photographic opportunities. For specific exhibits, like the Subbuteo display, there might be unique shots to capture.
Photography rules can differ. While general museum areas might allow it, specific exhibitions or sensitive artifacts may have restrictions. Always look for signs or ask staff.
Drone photography is generally not permitted inside public buildings like The Amelia Scott due to safety and privacy regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The museum's historical exhibits can also spark curiosity, and temporary exhibitions like the Subbuteo display might appeal to a wide age range. While the main museum and library are generally accessible, it's worth noting that some areas might have limited plug sockets if you're planning a longer stay with devices.
+1 Overall, it's a good option for an educational and engaging outing for families in Tunbridge Wells.🧑🎓 Students & Remote Workers
The modern building and calm atmosphere are conducive to focused work. However, be prepared for potential limitations. The availability of plug sockets for laptops and devices is noted as being scarce, which could be an issue for extended work sessions.
📚 History Buffs
Beyond the permanent displays, keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions that delve into specific historical narratives, such as the Subbuteo exhibition or past displays on local life.
The library also serves as a valuable resource for independent research into Tunbridge Wells' past. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Tunbridge Wells History
Beyond the permanent collections, The Amelia Scott frequently hosts temporary exhibitions that offer deeper dives into specific aspects of local history or culture. These can range from explorations of traditional industries, like hop picking, to celebrations of local sporting heritage, such as the Subbuteo exhibition.
The library also provides a valuable resource for those wishing to conduct their own research into the town's past, offering a free research hub. Community involvement is a strong theme, with exhibits like 'In Between' showcasing the experiences and perspectives of young people in the area.
Art and Exhibitions at The Amelia Scott
+2 This exhibition exemplifies the museum's commitment to commissioning new works and engaging with artists who explore themes relevant to the museum's holdings and the local context. These exhibitions often utilize the museum's spaces in innovative ways, creating immersive experiences for visitors. The 'In Between' exhibition, for instance, focused on the emotional landscape of young girls transitioning into adolescence, demonstrating a capacity to tackle sensitive and contemporary themes.
Visitors interested in the arts should always check The Amelia Scott's schedule for upcoming exhibitions, as they offer a unique opportunity to engage with diverse artistic practices and perspectives. The integration of art with historical collections provides a multi-layered experience, enriching the understanding of both the art and the context it inhabits.
The Library Experience
The collection includes a selection of fiction books, though some visitors note that the fiction selection might not be extensive. However, the library experience has received mixed feedback. While the building design is praised, some visitors have pointed out issues with the lighting, describing it as atmospheric but potentially too dim for easily reading book spines, especially during gloomy winter days.
A unique aspect, and a point of contention for some, is the presence of a piano in the library space that is open for public use. While intended to add to the ambiance, it has been noted that the sound of scales or amateur playing can be disruptive to the quiet environment expected in a library.
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