Groombridge Land Area - Mystery filled place for the Holiday makers

If you only have the money or time for one family day out during the summer holidays then make it Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest to spend your holidays. Its really the most beautiful places of the world.
Situated just outside Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Groombridge was last year's Tourism South East winner of Best Tourism Experience of the Year and their prize is well deserved.

The main feature of Groombridge land area is the Enchanted Forest which is laid out over a mile and takes between one and a half and three hours to walk round.

Without giving away too much of the magic watch out for Zeedonks, falling rocks, dragons, fairy gold, swings and Indians.

The first half of the Enchanted Forest is an obstruction course of sorts and there are three ways through, one for the young and energetic adults, a slightly easier route for a more sedate journey and a flat path for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Pack drinks and something to eat with you in a rucksack as there is nowhere to buy refreshments along the route except in high season and there were no toilets that we could see so ensure your party do not have to return to the beginning of, or rush through, the route by visiting the facilities before you set off.

At the end of the Enchanted Forest you can board a boat back to the house for a single fare of £1 or take the surprisingly short walk back.

Hot and cold food and drinks are available in The Garden Room in Groombridge land area a licensed restaurant where a children's lunch box with a jam, ham or cheese sandwich, crisps, chocolate bar, fruit and a drink costs around £4. A family of four can choose a meal each with selected drinks for around £25.

Groombridge land area is home to The Raptor Centre, the largest conservation centre for birds of prey in the south east and making time to watch one of their shows is a must. The show we saw featuring a vulture, buzzard and hawk was both informative and comical.

Groombridge land area is open everyday until November 4, from 10am to 5.30pm. Tickets cost around £9 for adults; £7 for children 12 and under and senior citizens, children under three are free of charge. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs around £30. Special events are held throughout the year

The author is a Land Expert based in the UK.