There is great fun to be had this weekend at Groombridge Place including a few extra children’s favourites which are free with admission. The extra activities over the bank holiday weekend include bouncy castles, slides, bungee runs and art workshops.

Visitors to Groombridge Place can relax and enjoy the views of the famous 17th century moated manor house from the glorious gardens which include a formal Knot and Oriental Garden, a Secret Garden and the wonderfully named Drunken Garden, a favourite of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Children will enjoy playing on the giant chess set in the gardens.

Children’s favourite ‘The Enchanted Forest’ includes huge tree swings and an exciting forest trail full of little challenges along the way. Children can also discover Crusoe’s World which is perfect for a pirate adventure.

Don’t miss the chance to meet the new baby animals including the cute Golden Guernsey kids, Stumpy and Bobby and the little Kunekune piglets. If you are lucky you may see a Kingfisher on the short boat trip which can be taken from the gardens to the enchanted forest for a small fee.

The popular Bird of Prey Centre based at Groombridge Place will also captivate visitors this weekend with their flying demonstrations with interesting stories and facts about these beautiful birds. The demonstrations take place daily at 12.30 and 3.30 over the bank holiday. In a usual week demonstrations take place every day at the same times from Tuesday to Sunday.

The beautiful peacocks that roam the grounds can often be seen from the new ‘Peacock Bistro’ which serves hot and cold drinks as well as delicious lunches and cream teas.

Groombridge Place with its award-winning gardens and Enchanted Forest is open daily between 9.30am and 5.30pm (last admission 4pm) and the bouncy castle, slides, bungee runs and art workshops will be open from 11am between 4 and 6 May. The well-stocked shop is open daily.

The attraction is less than 4 miles from town and accessible by road or via the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells which has a station a short walk from the attraction.

For further information about Groombridge Place visit www.groombridge.co.uk