A new discount voucher can be downloaded from the Groombridge Place website offering a 2 for 1 discount to the over 50’s Monday to Friday from 2 June to 18 July 2014.
The offer will allow visitors to take full of advantage of the White Rose Garden which is in full bloom at this time of year.
The traditional gardens at Groombridge Place were first laid out in the 17th century and were designed as outside rooms of the house. In the 18th and 19th centuries new plants and trees were planted. The gardeners at Groombridge have carried out new planting this year to ensure the gardens maintain their award winning standard throughout the opening season.
June is a special month in the gardens when the White Rose Garden is at its peak. This wonderful garden was planted to commemorate the 200 year ownership of the estate by the Waller family and is a celebration of the art of planting in shades of white; featuring over twenty varieties of white rose. Other white-flowering plants provide season-long beauty, including foxtail lilies, primulas, tulips, peonies, poppies, hyacinths and lavender.
The gardens overlook the moated manor house which, although not open to the public, provides a wonderful backdrop to the gardens.
Other areas of the gardens include the Peacock Walk, which is planted with a variety of shrubs, including rhododendrons, viburnum, aucuba and azalea. The garden wall is a favourite roosting place for the Groombridge peacocks.
Another garden highlight is the herbaceous border planted with clematis and a rich collection of traditional English perennials, including asters, cynara, rudbeckia, salvias and hollyhocks. In spring the focus is on tulips and primulas.
The attractive Knot Garden traditionally has a two colour planting theme and a narrow water channel leading to a central pathway named the Apostle Walk which is bordered on each side by 12 drum yews thought to have survived from the original planting in 1674.
The open door in the wall, by the edge of the moat which surrounds the house, leads to The Secret Garden, a tiny hidden corner where the waters of the stream feed the moat. In spring the pink blossom of the cherry tree overhangs the azaleas and late flowering snowdrop candelabra primulas. In late May the garden is garlanded with laburnum. On hot summer days the deep shade and cooling waters make the Secret Garden a reflective oasis.
The Oriental Garden is full of vibrant hot colours, shaded by magnificent Japanese maples with a very unusual grass fountain at its centre.
The Drunken Garden was a favourite of the writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the veronica, clematis, ceanothus and lilies provide a blue and yellow theme. 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.
The Draughtsman’s Lawn has a white mulberry tree which was planted in 1993 to mark Groombridge’s connection with the smuggling trade. Early in the year there are spring bulbs and primroses, a beautiful Magnolia stellata and a variety of azaleas. In summer the ornamental trees and shrubs provide a striking display of contrasting leaf colours, from deep copper to lime green.
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.
The well-stocked gift shop is open daily and there is free parking.
Off Peak: Adults £8.95, Senior Citizens £7.45, Children (3-12 years) £7.45, Family Tickets (2 Adults + 2 Children) £29.95
Peak: Adults £9.95, Senior Citizens £8.45, Children (3-12 years) £8.45, Family Tickets (2 Adults + 2 Children) £33.95
Peak rates will be charged during summer holidays and half-terms, on special event days and Bank Holidays. Discounts apply for group bookings.
Further information can be found on the website www.groombridgeplace.com or call 01892 861 444.
Groombridge Place is located in the village of Groombridge, 4 miles south west of Tunbridge Wells on the B2110, which is just off the A264 Tunbridge Wells/ East Grinstead road on the Kent and East Sussex county border.
By Road: From the M25: Exit at Junction 5 and head south on the A21. After 10miles, exit at A26 signed Tunbridge Wells: then take A264 to East Grinstead and follow the signs to Groombridge village and Groombridge Place.
Facilities: There is wheelchair access to both the Peacock Bistro and Gift Shop. There are enlarged toilet cubicles in the Peacock Bistro and fully equipped disabled toilet in the main toilet block. There are no disabled facilities within the Forest.
To help our disabled visitors have a memorable experience, we admit their carer free of charge on production of a Blue Badge or a benefit Award Letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (e.g. for Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Incapacity Benefit).
Parking: Cars and minibuses are able to drop off at the allocated space within the car park, near to the entrance to the attraction.
Guide Dogs: Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted into all facilities.
For more information visit Groombridge Place.com
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
