Groombridge Place is well established as one of our favourite family days out. If a visit to Groombridge in it’s own right wasn’t good enough, every school holidays the Enchanted Woods are visited by the wonderful Acting Moon Events team to create themed events. We were lucky enough to enjoy the Christmas Elfxtravaganza and were really excited about seeing what was in store for this half term week’s Wild Adventure’s which promised crafts, wildlife talks and den building. The thing you have to be prepared for at Groombridge, is that it’s very much an outdoor venue. We were thrilled to wake up to glorious sunshine and warm blue skies for our visit. With a real sense of Spring in the air we got our wellies and woolly hats at the ready for a day in the fresh air.
On entering the gardens we encountered our first treat….a bouncy castle! One of the wonderful elements of Groombridge is that it never seems overcrowded and busy…and here we were…with the bouncy castle all to ourselves! All 4 children were in their element from age 18 months to 12 years…bobbing away and giggling in the sunshine.
We always enjoy the boat which chugs along the canal to Crusoe’s World. Please note that this is an additional charge which you need to pay for at the time of buying your tickets. It’s certainly worth it though. Our captain on this occasion was a lovely chap who let little Logan take the helm and was keen to point out all the native wildlife…such as crocodiles and tree snakes!
Crusoe’s World is absolute heaven for children. Imagine visiting an Indiana Jones film set….skeletons, rope bridges, shipwrecks and dens. Our children are in their absolute element in this place, making friends and creating adventures.
In addition to the usual apparatus, this week there is an activity stand offering the chance to create crafts, make a bug hotel and plant a sunflower seed. Daisy was busy for a good 30 minutes creating all sorts!
Crusoe’s World is also where the Story Telling and Wildlife Talks take place…unfortunately we seemed to be out of sync with the Adventure Team and missed their shows this time…make sure you check their performance schedule as you buy your tickets so that you don’t miss seeing these wonderful actors like us!
After nearly an hour and a half of exploring and adventure the troops had finally exhausted Crusoe’s World. We love the long walk through the Enchanted Forest enjoying all the features along the way. By far the favourite is the giant swing which has everyone in fits of giggles every time.
The woods really do feel enchanted with Gypsy caravans, fairy houses, giant tepees and a magical wooden maze. There is so much for the children to do…and us grown ups can just plod along enjoying the fact that the kids are going to be worn out for the rest of the day!
Wild Adventures Week is on at Groombridge Place until February 19th. Family tickets are Β£35.95 with discounts available if you book in advance online.
5 Comments
Fiona – Coombe Mill
February 15, 2017 at 11:13 am
I love the look of this, It reminds me of an afternoon at Coombe Mill doing activity hour. We have a giant bug hotel but I may just copy these mini ones, I safe toilet rolls all the time for so many crafts. The boat ride looks like a great extra. I love how the crocodiles are places along side the water, we used to have one in our lake that mysteriously vanished one day. I must look into replacing him. Well done to your little dude taking the controls on the boat.
Thank you for sharing a lovely looking day with me on #CountryKids .
Sonia Cave
February 15, 2017 at 6:42 pm
What a great day out for children of all ages, and so imaginative too π #countrykidsfun
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love)
February 15, 2017 at 11:51 pm
Sounds like a magical day out – I love the sound of the Enchanted Forest and Crusoe’s World sounds like lots of fun. How lovely to enjoy doing some crafts outdoors too π #countrykids
Sonia
February 16, 2017 at 10:14 am
Ah cute photos. Looks like a lovely day. The forest looks enchanted for definite π
Emma Day
February 16, 2017 at 11:23 am
I’m not familiar with this part of England but it looks like a lovely day out. #CountryKids