Tenbury Wells
Running alongside the village is The River Teme. Crossing the river is the famous 16th century Tenbury Bridge, considered by many to be the gateway into the town.
Tenbury Wells is a popular destination for walking, cycling and relaxing. Even Queen Victoria was known to be a fan of Tenbury Wells, referring to the area as “my little town in the orchard”, a reference to the plentiful crops of cider-making apples in the local vicinity.
Dining options are diverse and excellent, especially for traditional British affairs such as the excellent Pembroke House and Michelin-starred Pensons.
HISTORY OF TENBURY WELLS
Tenbury Wells can trace it’s history back to the Iron age. A local interest is ‘The Tump’, the possible remains of an early Norman motte and bailey castle.
Tenbury Wells was originally called Temettebury, and was granted a Royal Charter to hold a market in 1249, under the reign of Alexander III.
1949 Tenbury Wells Station Photo © Ben Brooksbank (cc-by-sa/2.0)
The ‘Wells’ part of the name came from the local discovery of mineral springs in the 1840s. Victorian Britains were quickly enamored with the mineral water, and the arrival of the railway in 1864 which connected Tenbury Wells on the Kidderminster line cemented the town’s place as a popular go-to destination.
Historically, Tenbury Wells operated as a ‘rural district’, a form of local government in Britain during the 19th century. This rural district included the local villages Stoke Bliss, Eastham and Rochford.
The Tenbury Wells Pump Rooms are often described as displaying Chinese-Gothic architecture. The Pump Rooms were designed to facilitate the extraction of the mineral water. The Pump Rooms in Tenbury Wells were designed by James Cransford in 1862. The building eventually closed in 1939. After a lengthy period of decline, the Pump Rooms were restored in 1999. The spire that can be seen on the left stood directly above the well.
Tenbury Wells is home to a charming grade II* listed Church of St Mary. It is a mid 12th century church that was extended in the 14th century, partly rebuilt in the 18th century and extensively restored in 1864 by renowned English architect Henry Woodyer.
The contemporary church offers all age worship, as well as a Sunday school and children’s corner. It is part of a partnership of twelve Anglican churches called the ‘Tenbury Team’.
Photo © Fabian Musto (cc-by-sa/2.0) – Church of St Mary Tenbury Wells
WHERE TO EAT IN TENBURY WELLS
PEMBROKE HOUSE
Don’t be fooled by the traditional 16th century appearance of Pembroke House pub. Whilst they have tastefully and sympathetically maintained the historic charm and beauty of the place, the menu delivers a contemporary twist.
Monday: 12:00 – 23:00
Tuesday: 12:00 – 23:00
Wednesday: 12:00 – 23:00
Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00
Friday: 12:00 – 23:30
Saturday: 12:00 – 23:30
Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00
Cross Street, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8EQ
01584 810301
PENSONS AT THE NETHERWOOD ESTATE
Yes, Pensons was awarded a Michelin green star for sustainability, an award only held by 31 restaurants across the country. Pensons grow their own fruit and vegetables, and the grass-fed meat is locally sourced from trusted butchers and farmers.
The Pensons menu is inspired by the abundance of local, high quality seasonal produce. The menu changes often, depending on what produce is available from the local area.
Pensons Yard, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8RT
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 18:00 – 23:00
Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00
Friday: 12:00 – 23:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00
BAHAR
14 Market Street, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8BQ
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 17:30 – 22:30
Wednesday: 17:30 – 22:30
Thursday: 17:30 – 22:30
Friday: 17:30 – 22:30
Saturday: 17:30 – 22:30
Sunday: 17:30 – 22:30
01584 819364
SHAMRAJ BALTI HOUSE
28 Cross St, Tenbury Wells WR15 8EE
Monday: 18:00 – 23:00
Tuesday: 18:00 – 23:00
Wednesday: 18:00 – 23:00
Thursday: 18:00 – 23:00
Friday: 18:00 – 23:00
Saturday: 18:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 18:00 – 23:00
01584 819612
SINGAPORE GARDEN
The Ship, 63 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8AE
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 17:00 – 22:00
Thursday: 17:00 – 22:00
Friday: 17:00 – 22:00
Saturday: 17:00 – 22:00
Sunday: 17:00 – 22:00
01584 811544
UNWINED BAR & BISTRO
Jesmond House, 2 Market Street, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8BQ
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 22:00
Thursday: 11:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 22:00
Friday: 11:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 23:00
Saturday: 11:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 23:00
Sunday: Closed
01584 810554