9 Things to Do at Groombridge Place With Kids

You’ll discover endless adventures at Groombridge Place with your kids! Explore enchanted forest trails, swing on giant tree swings together, and navigate Crusoe’s World treehouse village with rope bridges. Take peaceful canal boat rides, watch spectacular birds of prey displays, and meet Adam the zeedonk. Challenge your family to giant chess matches, get lost in the historic yew maze, and enjoy seasonal events like potion-making workshops. Each attraction offers unique experiences that’ll create unforgettable family memories throughout this magical estate.

Explore the Enchanted Forest Trails and Play Zones

Since Groombridge Place’s Enchanted Forest winds through ancient woodland near Tunbridge Wells, you’ll discover a magical world where myths, legends, and beloved stories from authors like J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien come alive along self-guided family trails.

The woodland’s progressive discovery design means new themed clearings surprise you at every turn.

Your kids will love Crusoe’s World, a large outdoor adventure playground featuring wooden forts, climbing structures, and rope features that’ll keep them entertained for hours.

Multiple play zones scattered throughout the forest provide perfect activity breaks, helping younger children manage walking distances.

The linked circuit experience connects teepees, viewpoints, and various play areas, creating an adventure that feels like stepping into a fairy tale rather than just a simple walk. Children can splash and play in water pools throughout the woodland, adding an extra element of excitement to their forest adventure.

Experience the Giant Tree Swings and Woodland Adventures

Beyond the forest trails and play zones, you’ll find some of Groombridge Place’s most thrilling attractions suspended high among the ancient trees. The giant tree swings are absolutely fantastic – designed for children and adults to swing together, creating perfect family bonding moments.

You’ll discover these impressive swings integrated throughout the woodland adventure park, alongside rope ladders and zip wires that’ll challenge your little adventurers.

The treetop walkway bridges connect different swing areas, letting you explore aerial adventures at your own pace. Despite the steep hills and challenging paths, families consistently rate this as a hidden gem. The adventure continues through the Enchanted Forest designed by Ivan Hicks, where imaginative woodland features create magical discoveries around every corner.

With typically low crowds, you’ll enjoy plenty of swing time while surrounded by carved tree faces, peacocks, and the enchanted forest‘s magical atmosphere.

Discover Crusoe’s World Tree Houses and Rope Bridges

When your canal boat docks at the Enchanted Forest, you’ll spot Crusoe’s World immediately – this incredible film-set treehouse village creates an instant buzz of excitement with kids.

Two substantial tree houses connected by rope bridges offer multiple levels of adventure, complete with slides, lookout towers, ship’s wheels, and even faux skeletons for authentic pirate storytelling.

Your children can explore elevated walkways and decks at different heights, experiencing true treetop adventures while moving safely between platforms.

The robust timber construction handles enthusiastic play perfectly.

This attraction works best for confident walkers aged 5+ who can navigate rope bridges independently. The treehouses were inspired by TV series filming locations that took place at Groombridge Place.

Time your visit strategically – younger children might struggle if they’ve already tackled the gardens, maze, and canal ride earlier.

Take a Scenic Canal Boat Ride Through the Estate

Why walk when you can glide peacefully through Groombridge’s stunning waterways? The canal boat ride offers a magical journey from the picnic area to the Enchanted Forest, weaving through weeping-willow-fringed canals where trees reflect beautifully in the water below.

At £1.50 for adults and £1.00 for children each way, this peaceful 10-30 minute cruise is perfect for families with kids aged 3-12. You’ll depart twice daily, weather permitting, and dock conveniently near Crusoe’s World play area.

The boat’s calming atmosphere works wonders on excited children, providing a relaxing break between active adventures. These scenic trips take you along the River Grom, adding another dimension to your exploration of the estate’s natural beauty.

Choose to return by boat or walk the scenic canal-side path. It’s an ideal way to reach the teepees and maze without tiring little legs beforehand.

Watch the Magical Birds of Prey Displays

After exploring the waterways, prepare for an awe-inspiring encounter with nature’s most magnificent hunters at the UK Owl and Raptor Centre. Your kids will be mesmerized watching majestic Harris’ Hawks, Verreaux’s Eagle Owls, and Barn Owls demonstrate their incredible flying abilities during these magical displays.

These educational shows are free with general admission and run daily during school holidays from 10am until 5pm. You’ll witness up-close encounters that teach children about wildlife conservation while showcasing these amazing raptors in action. Don’t miss meeting Vespa, the impressive Steppe Eagle with her remarkable 6ft wingspan, making her the UK’s largest bird.

For an unforgettable experience, book a 90-minute interactive session where your family can actually handle and fly different species. At £49 per person, these hands-on experiences let kids work with four owl species or various birds of prey, creating memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Meet the Resident Zeedonk and Roaming Peacocks

Beyond the incredible raptor displays, you’ll discover some truly unique four-legged friends that’ll have your children squealing with delight. Meet Adam, the UK’s second zeedonk – a fascinating zebra-donkey hybrid with distinctive stripy legs. Born in 1998 in North America, this rare creature shares his paddock with a pony and donkey near the Raptor Centre, where you’ll often spot him munching contentedly.

Your kids will also encounter magnificent peacocks roaming freely throughout the grounds. These stunning birds aren’t shy – they’ll approach your family closely, creating perfect photo opportunities and unforgettable encounters. Both animals are easily spotted while exploring the Enchanted Forest, making them natural highlights of your visit.

These unique residents perfectly complement the magical atmosphere that makes Groombridge Place so special for families. Adam belongs to a rare category of animals called zebroids, which are hybrids between zebras and other equine species.

Navigate the Historic Maze and Formal Gardens

While your children are still buzzing from meeting Adam the zeedonk, challenge them to conquer the famous Golden Key Maze – the same historic puzzle that starred in the 1982 film The Draughtsman’s Contract. This key-shaped maze offers an interactive challenge that’ll keep kids engaged while you explore the stunning formal gardens.

After steering through the maze, wander through the 17th-century “outdoor rooms” designed by Philip Packer in 1674. Your family can stroll along the narrow canal, discover the ancient drum yews planted in the 1670s, and explore the enchanting knot garden. The gardens were planned with assistance from John Evelyn, who helped create these beautiful leisure spaces that families enjoy today.

The wide paths make pushchair navigation easy, while older children will love spotting peacocks roaming freely. Don’t miss the Secret Garden where the stream feeds the historic moat – it’s perfect for peaceful family moments.

Challenge the Family to Giant Chess on the Lawns

Ready to test your family’s strategic thinking skills? Head to the east lawn where you’ll discover an impressive giant chess board paved with striking black and white marble squares, beautifully edged in brick. This outdoor masterpiece was installed in the mid-1990s as the lawn’s centerpiece, creating the perfect setting for epic family chess battles.

The oversized scale transforms traditional chess into an active, engaging experience that’ll captivate kids of all ages. You’ll find yourselves physically moving around the board, making strategic decisions together while enjoying fresh air and beautiful garden views. For families seeking an alternative lawn game, Kubb equipment featuring throwing sticks and wooden blocks offers another strategic option on the estate’s grassy areas.

The expansive design encourages group participation, letting siblings team up or compete against parents. It’s a brilliant way to combine mental challenges with outdoor fun at this historic estate.

Enjoy Seasonal Events and Themed Performance Days

Throughout the year, Groombridge Place transforms into a theatrical wonderland with seasonal events that’ll captivate your children’s imaginations.

During October half-term, the Enchanted Forest becomes a mildly spooky magical woodland where your kids can enjoy broomstick races, potion-making workshops, and witches’ storytelling sessions—all designed to be fun without frightening younger children.

Summer brings daily birds of prey displays at 12:00 and 15:30, plus live character shows featuring themes like “Snow Sister and Spidey.” Your family can also tackle the laser NERF arena, available throughout summer holidays. The beautiful gardens also feature roaming peacocks that add an extra touch of magic to your visit.

Don’t miss the August Water Activity Weeks, packed with bungee runs and water-gun battles.

Book online for 25% off admission, or arrive by Spa Valley Railway for additional discounts.

The Sum Up

You’ll create magical memories at Groombridge Place that your kids won’t stop talking about! Pack snacks and comfortable shoes for a full day of adventure. Don’t forget your camera to capture those special moments on the rope bridges and with the animals. Book ahead for seasonal events as they’re incredibly popular. Most importantly, let your children lead the way – their sense of wonder will make every discovery even more exciting for the whole family!