We decided to take our 3-year-old grandson out one last time before he returned to school. Groombridge Place came up in discussion as a possible place to visit.
It was twenty years plus since our last visit with our children.
Having checked out details and noted it was under new management after closing in 2018 our expectations we managed by the statement on the website about improvements being carried out and our patience would be appreciated while this is carried out.
We tried to book online the night before and apply a 25% summer discount. This was not possible so we tried the following day (the day we intend to visit) only to find you can only book at least 24 hours in advance, So no discount then.
We still decide to go. On arrival at 2 pm we followed the sign to the carpark & coach park and ignored the handwritten sign for car parking. This meant we parked up in the original parking area and had a short walk to the entrance otherwise the distance was a lot longer.
It looked a bit run done but we paid the entrance fee which we felt was reasonable. When we asked if there was a map. We were told that they were waiting for new ones to be delivered and we could take a picture of the one they had in the shop.
We set of with our charge to see the Zedonk and birds of prey display.
Having time to spare before the show started. We carried on walking into the woods to see what was on offer and found the play area which was impressive and decided to come later.
We walked up into the woods further at which point our grandson wanted to use the toilet. I looked at the map on my phone and could see there was one close by which we went to. On arrival there was no toilet to be seen and not signs to show were the nearest one was. We decided to walk back to the entrance where we knew there was a toilet so 10 minutes later and with a little boy who was a little distressed by now because he was desperate, we arrived the toilet. It was untidy and needed a good clean. Because of this he couldn't go and was distraught. We calmed him down and had a drink in the cafe so we could be close to the toilet.
We purchased 2 teas and a small cake and felt the cost was a little steep but accepted this, but they were served in take away cups we had to ask for the cake as they forgot this item with no napkins available when asked we had to take these from the ice cream counter.
All the staff seemed to be young and have their minds on other matters such as their phones. so not impressed at all.
We tried again with the toilet, but to no avail we pressed on to see the Birds of Prey display, which was impressive, Especially seeing three black kites flying at the same time. We all enjoyed this part of our visit. We then went back into the woods and walked the boardwalk which although a bit run down was enjoyed by us all. the swings needed upgrading though. Making our way through the rest of the 'Enchanted woods' the original grottos and landscaped areas had definitely lost their Enchantment being very run down. There was lots of climbing and swing opportunities though.
We then had to take him back to the toilet another long walk!!! 30minute later we continued our walk though the woods. We spotted a group of fallow deer which was exciting.
We carried on and played on the rest of the climbing equipment of which there was a lot of to choose from this was late in the day about 5.30pm and we were the only people there. We had a drink at the kiosk again expensive and found another toilet at last.
We finished playing in the woods and made our way back to the car park leaving at 6pm.
In summary, we were initially disappointed because of the lack of toilets or proper signage and the poor service from the staff. Toilet by play area in the woods were the best on site having been recently refurbished.
The facilities need further improvement and hopefully in time this will happen.
The Bird of prey display was very good. With plenty of areas for kids to run around and let of steam and areas for adults to walk and take in the gardens and animals.
It does make a for a good family day out just don't expect all the amenities of more commercial venues.