Spectacular Daffodils at Groombridge Place

This popular visitor attraction near Tunbridge Wells will open earlier than usual this year to allow visitors to enjoy the amazing daffodil display. Groombridge Place will be open on weekends in March before opening every day from 31 March 2014.

Visitors can enjoy the award winning gardens which includes a giant chess set before choosing to take a canal boat or 10 minute walk to the children’s play area where everyone can explore Crusoe’s World and the Enchanted Forest.  Don’t miss the board walk behind the vineyard or the amazing giant tree swings in the Forest!   You can see some unusual animals at Groombridge including a Zeedonk which is half donkey and half zebra.  The birds of prey displays take place every day (except Mondays) and the refurbished Peacock Bistro is the perfect vantage point for watching the peacocks which roam the gardens and terraces.

The formal walled gardens are designed as a series of rooms and many have water features, topiary and statues.  Visitors can discover the formal Knot and Oriental Garden, a Secret Garden, the White Rose Garden and the wonderfully named Drunken Garden, a favourite of the famous author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.   Groombridge Place is the setting for the first part of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's world famous Sherlock Holmes Novel Valley of Fear where Groombridge Place is renamed Birlstone Manor.  A recreated study at the entrance to the gardens gives an insight into the life of the author.

Groombridge Place Manor House and its elegant 17th century gardens were used as a location for the 2005 film 'Pride and Prejudice' and a small museum provides history about the house and also the film.  Two of the costumes worn by the stars of the film including Kieran Knightly are on display in the museum.

The refurbished Peacock Bistro offers hot and cold lunches or cream teas and has indoor and outdoor seating.

Additional free activities will take place in school holidays and these will be announced on the website.

The well-stocked gift shop is open daily and there is free parking.

Further information on the website www.groombridgeplace.com or call 01892 861 444 to make a booking.