We love Groombridge - the Enchanted Forest there is magical, and this Easter from April 2 to April 19, 2015 you can visit Alice in Wonderland there. Groombridge Place is located near Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
The fairy tale about what happens to Alice when she falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world will be recreated at Groombridge Place and families who follow the map will find characters including Alice, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, The Cheshire Cat, The White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter.
Visitors will be met by a magician when they enter Groombridge Place before being given a map by Tweedledum and Tweedledee.
The map and sign posts will guide children to the magic keyhole for the start of their journey in a magical world of quirky characters in the Enchanted Forest and Gardens. Once found, each character will give the children clues to help them find the eggs which they can give to the Queen in return for a yummy treat with special bonus prizes!!
There will be giant mushrooms and a huge door in the enchanted forest to make everyone feel small, just like Alice! Special brightly coloured signposts will be dotted around the forest to help children to find the characters. Children can play on the wooden ship and run across the rope bridges at Crusoe’s World and discover the giant swings throughout the forest before discovering the board walk with its zip wire and rope swings. Don’t forget to look out for the famous Zedonk which is half Zebra and half Donkey!
Everyone is invited to the Mad Hatters tea party to join in with egg painting and croquet on the lawn before watching a theatre performance by the eccentric Mad Hatter, Alice, The White Rabbit, The Queen and Tweedledum and Tweedledee. There will be three performances every day.
Children can have their faces painted in a choice of characters from Alice in Wonderland on the giant toad stalls (small charge applies).
Take a stroll round the lovely gardens which overlook the attractive moated 17th century manor house. Children will love the giant chess set and the secret garden with streams feeding the moat.
The birds of prey flying displays will also take place twice a day and the canal boat will run between the gardens and the Crusoe’s World in the Enchanted Forest.
‘Have a go at Archery’ will take place during the Easter holidays in collaboration with Arcus Archery. Everyone over six can take part in an archery session with an expert instructor. The cost will be £5 for 10 arrows or £10 for an hour-long instructor-led session, which can be booked on arrival.
The attraction is less than four miles from Tunbridge Wells and accessible by road or via the Spa Valley Railway which operates steam and heritage diesel trains between Eridge, Groombridge, High Rocks and Tunbridge Wells. Discounted joint tickets are available. (check their timetable before travelling).
Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9QG.
The estate is open 7 days a week. 10am to 5.30pm. Last entry 4pm. Car Parking Free.
The event is free with admission: Adults £9.95, Senior Citizens £8.45, Children (3-12 years) £8.45, Family Tickets (2 Adults + 2 Children) £33.95. 10% discount for advance tickets booked online. Canal Boat £1.50 adults and £1 children.
Directions to Groombridge Place:
Groombridge 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, then bus or taxi to Groombridge. Or 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 does not run every day.
Bus 291 15 minute bus journey only 1 bus per hour generally:
departs TW at 41 mins past each hour
departs GP at 09 mins past each hour except also at 15:36