Groombridge near Tunbridge Wells is fantastic

[Daddster]

Went to Groombridge a couple of weeks ago and was v. impressed - a really excellent range of woodland playgrounds for all ages, some beautiful formal gardens, petting animals and a boat ride along a canal. And you can get there by public transport.

Yes, I agree Groombridge is a pretty special place. I don't think the website does it justice. It really captures the imagination with lots of hidden doorways amongst the branches and the wooden runs for the kids are excellent. I was told by the boatman that the man who makes the willow (?) arches sometimes stays out all night making 'stuff' for the park. Think he's a bit of an eccentric artist.
Really great place to take kids. We actually cycled there one day from the train station. It was a fair distance for a 9 year old to cycle (can't remember exactly how far, it was a couple of yrs ago now), but it was a great day out.

It's a real gem, isn't it. Brainchild of a City millionaire apparently so I think dotty enthusiasts are significant in its make-up
Am sad the kune kune pigs in the woods had to go though, they developed a taste for pram tyres I believe

Oh yes, Groombridge is fab. They also do some great themed stuff on holidays - we saw a fantastic George &the dragon play on st George's day a couple of years ago. also used to have bird of prey displays, don't know if they still do.

The woods are great - and the giant swings, and the spider's web, etc. Was a lovely day out.

Blardy Dear though? And a lot of the signs etc need replacing, lack of looking after I thought last time I was there...last autumn.

Blardy Dear though? And a lot of the signs etc need replacing, lack of looking after I thought last time I was there...last autumn.

Blardy Dear though? And a lot of the signs etc need replacing, lack of looking after I thought last time I was there...last autumn.

oops

i LOVE groombridge - took the two DCs and a friend the other week (we got Big Day Out tickets so only had to pay for the kids) and spent about 6 hours there without noticing the time pass, would definitely go again. kids loved the teepee and the canal boat ride and my (28 year old) friend adored the 'mossy bottom' fairy grotto thing and is now building one in her garden

Yes, CC - is a bit 'spense (£30 for two adults and two kids), but you don't have to spend any more during the day (boat ride is £1 each way if you want to take it). If you take sarnies and have a picnic, it's not that bad value at all. The best thing IMHO is that it's great for adults as well as kids.

I think they must have fixed the signage over the Winter, because we had no probs navigating it.

Bluebells are out in the woods at the mo - a rich carpet of blue - I'm getting all misty-eyed.