Crusoe's World

"CRUSOE’S WORLD" has been recreated at the award winning Kent visitor attraction Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest. A desert island from a TV blockbuster has been recreated using props and artefacts which were shipped all the way from South Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Container loads of Robinson Crusoe’s belongings from the TV series ‘Crusoe’- which was shown on television screens at Christmas and starred Sean Bean, Sam Neill, Philip Winchester and Joss Ackland – have been delivered to Groombridge Place, near Tunbridge Wells, for the new attraction ‘Crusoe’s World’.

The attraction was created by ‘Crusoe’ executive producer Justin Bodle, the chairman of leading independent TV production and distribution company Power, who was so impressed with Crusoe’s castaway home in the film that he wanted visitors to Groombridge to enjoy it too and has had it rebuilt in the Enchanted Forest using the exact original set design from the film.

Two tree houses have been built high in the trees linked together with rope bridges and a central viewing tower. They are on several levels with decking and platforms and the houses are sheltered under sail roofs. There is a look-out post high above one of the tree houses, providing fabulous views over the canal, open countryside and the steam trains of the Spa Valley Railway.

Actual props from the film, including Crusoe’s fishing equipment, cooking pots, catapult, boats, barrels, furniture and dummy weapons, are there for visitors to create a little make-believe on their very own desert island. There are also plans to put in a log cabin where visitors will be able to get something to eat and drink and there will be more props and film footage in the exhibition hall.

"We were very lucky to be able to have all the props from the film to create Crusoe’s World which will make it a unique attraction "

"The designers have done a fabulous job and I am sure it will be one of our most popular attractions. It will provide hours of fun and constructive play for the whole family and children will be able to let their imaginations run riot. Younger children can play on the lower levels while intrepid older adventurers will love the high rope bridge and look out post."