Groombridge
Voted Best Garden in the UK
Groombridge Place Gardens near Tunbridge Wells - which has been voted the top garden attraction in the UK and the best family attraction in Kent by a best-selling independent tourism guide - is holding group prices for 2003 and introducing a new range of menus.
The stunning 17th century formal gardens which border the moated house are currently undergoing a complete programme of renovation in readiness for the 2003 season, so regular visitors will be able to spot some planting changes.
Other exciting plans for 2003 include the arrival of a very unusual animal which Groombridge Place director Roly Rickcord is fairly certain no visitor will ever have seen before. "As far as I know, there are only a couple in the country - and I'm not saying what it is yet. It will be a surprise for next year", he said.
There is also a packed programme of special events next year, starting at Easter and finishing with a spectacular firework display. Others include a garden show, Robin Hood archery demonstrations, classic car rallies, open air theatre, scarecrow workshops, a hot air balloon and Ferrari day, and much more.
In The Good Britain Guide 2003� - which bases its reports on readers' comments and recommendations - Groombridge Place receives a double honour and is named Garden of the Year and Kent Family Attraction of the Year.
It describes the gardens, which are a fabulous mix of 17th century formal and wacky 21st century, as "beautiful to see and unusual in having so much to enchant children" and a "first class day out". Of the Enchanted Forest and its Ivan Hicks designed gardens it says "These
splendidly atmospheric gardens are great for stimulating children's imagination, the more they look, the more they see".���������������������������������������������������������������������������
The formal gardens, it says, are "among the country's most spectacular" and that "Die-hard gardeners needn't worry, the glorious formal gardens are still the main attraction, but it's nice to see so much effort put into making the site more appealing to� a younger audience - you really get the feeling here that the gardens are meant to be enjoyed and not simply gazed at in awe".
Groombridge Place director Roly Rickcord said: "There is always something going on here for visitors to do or see in addition to our award winning gardens, with the enchanted forest, birds of prey flying demonstrations and canal boat rides".
Opening dates for 2003 are April 1st to November 1st daily between 9am and 6pm - or dusk if earlier. Seniors are being offered reduced admission of �4.80 during April, May, June, September and October, with the full price of �5.50 being charged in the peak months of July and August. Other prices are adults �6.50; children �5.00 and students �5.50.
Coach drivers are admitted free of charge and provided with a refreshment voucher.� Blue Badge Guides are also admitted free.
Events for 2003
Easter
Eggstravaganza�����
20th
and 21st April
'Eggcentric" outdoor pantomime, circus workshops, free mini Easter egg for all children.
The
Adventures of Robin Hood
4th
and 5th May (bank holiday weekend)
Back for the 6th year to popular acclaim. Special prize for the best dressed Robin Hood or Maid Marion.
Inflatable
World
25th
and 26th May (bank holiday weekend)
A magical inflatable world comes to life at Groombridge - fun for all the family.
Midsummer
Garden Show
Thursday
19th June - Sunday 22nd June
Garden exhibits, plants, Q&As with a well known garden expert. A great event for all garden lovers.
Hot
Air Balloons and Ferraris
29th
June
Prestigious cars, the romance of hot air balloons - plus musical entertainment. Gardens open until 8pm.
Living
Heritage Craft Fair
26th and 27th July
Separate entrance fee.
Theatre
in the Gardens with the Groundling Theatre Company
2nd� and 3rd August
The Groundling Theatre Company presents Hamlet and A Comedy of Errors. Separate entry, evening performances - call the Box Office Credit Card line on 023 927 37370.
Wings,
Wheels and Steam
10th
August
Over 500 vintage and classic vehicles. Win a ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or arrive by real steam engine via the Spa valley Railway.
Scarecrows,
Shires and Sheepdogs
24th
and 25th August
Scarecrow workshops, sheep dog displays and dray rides. Watch out for the scarecrow statue.
St
George and the Archers of England
31st
August
Lavish costumes and a display of amazing archery skills showing the power and speed of the medieval longbow.
Halloween
Horrors
31st
October
Spooky tales, pumpkins, witches and wizards.
Fireworks
Spectacular
1st
November
Breathtaking fireworks lighting up the night sky over the moated house. One of the most spectacular shows in the South East.
For further information, please contact;
Alison Hardy, Maxim PR & Marketing on 01892 513033
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