 Groombridge Place has a history stretching back to
the Middle Ages. The 17th century manor house is enclosed by a medieval moat and
surrounded by acres of beautiful parkland. The classically romantic walled gardens
have survived largely unaltered to the present day. They lie at the bottom of a
valley, bordered by the River Groom. The woods behind the moated house make a
perfect backdrop to the gardens. The
delightful formal gardens behind the house (not open to the public) are divided into a
series of outdoor rooms, together with extensive herbaceous borders.
The gardens include a walk flanked by tall clipped yews, a
parterre beside the moat and a 'drunken' garden where the old topiary now leans
precariously. The delightful oriental garden has ancient Acer palmatum trees and
borders with striking eastern colours.
This garden is overlooked by
two granite Chinese dogs. There is also a secret garden,
a nut walk and a rose garden.
Peacocks strut around the gardens and black swans glide
serenely on the moat.
Hidden from view, high above
the walled gardens and the estate vineyard, is the Enchanting
Forest. In this beautiful woodland garden there are
delightful and mysterious themed gardens.
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Groombridge
Place Gardens
