Groombridge – History and Nature

Groombridge combines the historic grounds at Groombridge Place with natural areas and the Forest Way. If you’re looking for a hotel in Groombridge, these different highlights can help you plan your trip: would you prefer to focus on garden architecture and history, or include an outdoor route?

Historic Grounds and Gardens

Groombridge Place is listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens for its special historic interest as a park and garden. The grounds cover 39.5 hectares of parkland with woodland and a lake. The formal, walled gardens lie to the north of the house. Three rising terraces are connected by sandstone steps. For visitors interested in historic garden design, the layout is particularly tangible here: the terraces create levels in the garden, while the sandstone steps connect them.

The moat at Groombridge is fully intact and holds water year-round. The medieval fortified site at Groombridge Place includes a stone-lined moat enclosing an island measuring 40 × 50 metres. These dimensions refer to the island and give the site a clear sense of scale.

Visitor Attractions at Groombridge Place

Crusoe’s World at Groombridge Place features a large wooden ship, two tree houses and a central observation tower. A canal boat takes visitors from the gardens to Crusoe’s World. The UK Owl and Raptor Centre is located at Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest and offers two interactive demonstrations for visitors each day. The Deer Park lies between the gardens and the Enchanted Forest, where visitors can watch deer. Check the latest information about demonstrations and boat trips before your visit.

The Forest Way as a Route Option

The Forest Way runs from East Grinstead to Groombridge and is about 10 miles long. It is used for walking, cycling and horse riding; the entire route is flat and surfaced. This offers a route with several types of use alongside the historic grounds and visitor attractions at Groombridge Place. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether you’d prefer to focus on the route and outdoor activity, or on gardens, architecture and history. Check current path conditions before setting out.

Access on Site

The Spa Valley Railway platform in Groombridge has step-free access. St Thomas’s Church can be accessed from Corseley Road; its main areas are fully accessible, although the church as a whole is not fully accessible. When planning, it is therefore important to distinguish between step-free access to the platform and the varying access conditions at the church. If accessibility is essential for your visit, check the latest information about the relevant area in advance.

Discover more destinations: Sedlescombe, Crowhurst, East Dean, Pevensey Bay, Framfield, Winchelsea, Bexhill-On-Sea, Winchelsea Beach.

Back to the regional travel overview: East Sussex.