here’s magic and mystery, history and romance at Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells. Award-winning

gardens combine with excitement and intrigue appealing to young and old alike. Surrounded by 200 acres of wooded parkland, the magnificent walled gardens are set against the romantic backdrop of a 17th century moated manor house. In the ancient woodland of the Enchanted Forest there are secret and mysterious gardens where children’s imaginations will run wild. Discover the Dark Walk and the Giant Swings, the Mystic Pool and Serpents’ Lair. Have fun visiting Tree Fern Valley, The Village of the Groms, Double Spiral and Dinosaur Valley. There are also a whole host of animals and Birds of Prey flying displays, a canal boat cruise to and from the forest and a full programme of events and activities throughout the season.

Enchanted Forest And Crusoe’s World Groombridge’s delightful Enchanted Forest encapsulates the magical spirit conjured up by the books of JK Rowling and JRR Tolkien. It can be reached by either canal boat or on foot and promises to be fun for visitors of all ages. Crusoe’s World was inspired by TV series Crusoe. Original props from this TV series were reconstructed at Groombridge Place. Two tree houses are linked together with rope bridges and a central viewing tower. They are on several levels with decking and platforms, sheltered under sail roofs. There is a lookout post high above one of the tree houses, providing fabulous views over the canal, open countryside and the steam trains of the Spa Valley Railway.

Outdoor Adventures Gardens in the forest include The Mystic Pool with glass and mirror fragments suspended from trees around a dark pool. The Serpents Lair was inspired by ancient myths of sacred pools and legendary serpents. In the woodland is The Double Spiral, without turning round adventurers will find themselves at the edge. Set into the riverbank is the delightful Mossy Bottom, a magical fairytale collection of tiny houses, with doors, chimneys and windows.

Tree Fern Valley was planted with tree ferns imported from Australia. The Groms are mythical woodland folk who ‘live’ in the Enchanted Forest, but hide when people are about - leaving their little houses for children to play in. Designed for small children, The Groms’ village is an activity garden devised to inspire creative and imaginative play. The Blue Pool is so-called because of the colour illusion caused by the effect of sunlight on miniscule particles of clay suspended in the water. The Dinosaur & Dragon Valley is set deep in the Enchanted Forest and dinosaur footprints lead from one of the pools into the forest. A dinosaur nest is located on the pool’s island and a huge dragon with a 12-metre wing span has found a home in the valley nearby. A Romany Camp, a challenging half mile long Dark Walk with aerial walkways, tunnels, rope slides, bridges, obstacles and giant swings suspended from the tallest trees will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

GardensThe award-winning gardens are alive with colour and interest all year round with carpets of bluebells, a spectacular wisteria, fragrant roses, herb borders and cherry blossoms. The Knot Garden boasts a wonderful display of tulips. In summer the two colour contrast is maintained using different planting schemes each year. The Giant Chessboard opposite the Knot Garden will entertain visitors of all ages. The open door in the wall by the edge of the moat leads to The Secret Garden, a tiny hidden corner where the waters of the stream feed the moat. The White Rose Garden commemorates the 200-year ownership of the estate by the Waller family and is a celebration of the art of planting in shades of white; featuring over twenty varieties of white rose. Other white-flowering plants provide season-long beauty. The Peacock Walk is planted with a variety of shrubs, including rhododendrons, viburnum, aucuba and azalea. The garden wall is a favourite roosting place for the Groombridge peacocks. One of the garden highlights is the herbaceous border.

Visit the enchanting world of Groombridge Place where everyone can have a magical day

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Gift ShopThe gift shop at Groombridge Place offers an interesting range of products from homewares to wine produced from the Seyval Blanc and Schoenberger grape varieties grown in the Groombridge Place vineyard.

WeddingsAs a wedding venue the Baronial Hall adjacent to the 17th century moated house offers the perfect romantic setting for your wedding. The venue is licensed for civil marriages for up to 65 guests. Please see our website for further details.

GroupsTailor-made packages available for schools, children’s clubs, groups and coach parties. Facilities include rest rooms, the newly-refurbished Peacock Bistro offering lunches and cream teas and a well-stocked shop. Please note that although most of the attraction is easily accessible some high ground within the enchanted forest may not be suitable for some older visitors and those with physical impairments.

Children Can Learn And Have Fun The ancient woodland, streams and pools of the Enchanted Forest at Groombridge Place provide an exceptional resource for educational visits which support Key Stages 1 and 2 of the UK National Curriculum.

AccessThe majority of the gardens are accessible to wheelchair users as they are mainly on one level, all paths are gravel and steps have adjoining gravel ramps. Some areas of the forest are naturally steep and not accessible by all wheelchair users, a map advising the best route can be obtained from the admissions office on arrival. There is wheelchair access to both the Peacock Bistro and Gift Shop. There is a fully equipped disabled toilet. We admit carers free of charge on production of a Blue Badge or a benefit Award Letter from the Department for Work and Pensions. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted into all facilities. There are baby changing facilities available.

The Oriental Garden Zinging with vibrant hot colours and shaded by magnificent Japanese maples this garden has a very unusual grass fountain at its centre.The Drunken Garden A favourite of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has a blue and yellow theme, with veronica, clematis, ceanothus and lilies. Draughtsman’s Lawn A white mulberry tree, planted in 1993 marks Groombridge’s connection with the smuggling trade.

The Raptor Centre – Birds of PreyThe Raptor Centre, based at Groombridge Place, is the largest conservation centre for birds of prey in the South East. Flying displays take place twice daily (weather permitting) from Tuesday to Sunday and on Bank Holiday Mondays. These displays, which feature eagles, hawks, owls and falcons, take place at 12.30pm and 3.30pm - with each display featuring a different feathered line-up.

Animals The resident animals and birds include peacocks, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, Kunekune piglets, alpacas, reindeer, Shetland ponies and the world famous zedonk (half donkey, half zebra). Also look out for deer in the forest and if you are lucky you may see a kingfisher when on the boat trip.

Peacock Bistro Ingredients used by the restaurant are produced and harvested on site and include honey, eggs and sparkling wine, produced under the Bodles label. The restaurant and al fresco dining area has recently been refurbished, offering a comfortable place to relax near the walled gardens. The licensed premises offer a delicious range of meals and snacks, including high tea. The Peacock Bistro is open 9.30am to 5.30pm

Visitor Information Admission Fees to Groombridge Place Off Peak: Adults £8.95 Senior Citizens £7.45 Children (3-12 years) £7.45 Family Tickets (2 Adults + 2 Children) £29.95 Peak: Adults £9.95 Senior Citizens £8.45 Children (3-12 years) £8.45 Family Tickets (2 Adults + 2 Children) £33.95 Season Ticket: Adult Membership £32 Senior Membership £22 Child Membership (3-12 years) £18.50 Family Membership (2 adults and up to 4 children) £92 Groups: Over 10 people Off peak: Adult £7.25 Child/pupil £5.50 Senior £5.50 Peak: Adult £8.25 Child/pupil £6.50 Senior £6.50 The canal boat to and from the Enchanted Forest costs £1.50 per person, each way. Peak rates will be charged during summer holidays and half-terms, on special event days and Bank Holidays. Discounts apply for group bookings. The estate is open from 9.30am - 5.30pm - with last entry at 4pm. Groombridge Place is an outdoor venue - so please dress accordingly.

DirectionsGroombridge Place is located in the village of Groombridge, 4 miles south west of Tunbridge Wells on the B2110, which is just off the A264 Tunbridge Wells/East Grinstead road on the Kent and East Sussex county border. By Road: From the M25: Exit at Junction 5 and head south on the A21. After 10 miles, exit at A26 signed Tunbridge Wells: then take A264 to East Grinstead and follow the signs to Groombridge village and Groombridge Place. By Rail: London Charing Cross to Tunbridge Wells. Or you can take the Spa Valley Railway steam train from Tunbridge Wells West Station with a 10-minute walk the other end. Call 01892 537715 for timetables, detailed information and great value combined tickets.(Please Note: The Spa Valley Railway train does not run every day)

Contact Us Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9QG Telephone: 01892 861444 Email: office@groombridgeplace.com Visit: www.groombridgeplace.com Company Number: 08380300 Registered in the United Kingdom.