The Enchanted Forest at Groombridge

An evocative name, I am sure you will agree, the Enchanted Forest is found in Groombridge, Kent (The Garden of England). It is a wonderful outdoor experience, which includes huge swings, wooden assault courses, boat trips, animals and miles of woodland. 

We visited once before with our friends from the Norwegian Church in Rotherhithe. The experience was so positive that we decided to go again. It is a great opportunity for children to run, hide, climb and generally enjoy the great outdoors. There are birds of prey, pigs, goats, cattle and peacocks to satisfy animal lovers and provide distraction for younger children. 

Inhabitants of the forest include The Groms, a mythical race who retire to the woodland depths whenever people are around. This leaves their village conveniently vacated and available for children to play in. Ideas like this are at the heart of any child's imagination - the concept of magical unknown races watching their adventures and maybe, just maybe making an appearance and introducing their human friends to a hitherto unknown world. 

This reminds me of the M.Night Shyamalan film The Village. The story focuses on a small community surrounded by woodland and operating under a truce with unseen creatures, which supposedly inhabit the forest. You witness the fear and curiosity of the children as they go about their daily lives, often pausing to stare with wonder at the trees swaying in the wind. When I first heard of this movie I remember mentioning it to my brother and we were both very keen to see it. I even recall the website created as part of the advertising campaign - the front screen pictured an isolated village with animated birds flying quietly away into the distance. It stirred the imagination.

My eldest son has recently been talking a lot more about undiscovered species that he is certain must inhabit the deepest oceans and highest tree tops - just waiting to be discovered and catalogued by an intrepid zoologist. Wondering at the world in this way is something adults should try hard not to lose. The reality is that new species are being discovered all the time, even large animals like pink iguanas and dolphins!

The dinosaurs & dragon walkway, the blue pool and huge mysterious oak doors are just some of the things you will find inside the forest, and I can pretty much guarantee happy, excited children. 

As we progressed through the woodland depths we found a small lake filled with carp. The fish were literally clambering over each other, and almost onto the shore, as they patrolled the shallows looking for tasty treats cast into the murky waters. It was an unusual sight. 

A great day out and thoroughly recommended.