What should have been a one hour journey turned into a 1 3/4 hour journey because I made the mistake of downloading detailed directions. My other half has the most amazing sense of direction, but even he couldn't make head nor tail of these instructions and we ended up in Tunbridge Wells going round and round, dodging roadworks.
In the end Ivan, ditched the instructions, got the map out and proceeded to use his directional ability to get us there.
It was well worth the effort though. The manor house is moated and privately owned so you can't go in there. But the gardens are amazing. The old outbuildings have been turned into the restaurant and the gift shop, but very sympathetically so the original exteriors have been well preserved.
All around the formal gardens there are very tame peacocks, mainly sitting on the roof when we were there - possibly they'd already been warned about Alex's bird chasing fetish.
The gardens are laid out in themed blocks separated by yew hedges. There was a formal garden with a large pond wherein large hungry Koi try to take your hand off. Water gardens and a knot garden follow, then a new maze which is too low at the moment to be really effective - even I could look over the hedges and see where to go.
To get to the Enchanted Forest you could walk up through the Vineyard and through the gate into it, or take a canal ride a short distance to the other side and start that end. We decided to take the canal ride.
The forest is perfect for active children and to be honest, for lazy adults needing some serious exercise. All of the things incorporated there were made of natural materials, so fitted into the scenery just perfectly. Playgrounds for the children, giant swings hanging from the treetops, a fort and a Tepee. There was a wild west explorer type person telling stories by the Tepee and further up a totem pole.One thing I've forgotten to mention is that the forest walk gets gradually steeper and steeper. Getting to the Totem pole is extremely steep - you can't take pushchairs up there. Then you climb slightly higher before curving round and starting the trip down towards the Vineyard.
There are deer in the forest, and they are quite tame if the keeper is around. I was able to stroke one of them and his antlers were so soft with the velvet still on them. That was an amazing experience, being able to get so close to a notoriously shy wild animal. He even allowed Alex to feed oak leaves to him - typical bloke - stomach led as usual.We had lunch in the restaurant there, which was also very nice. Ivan and I both had local sausages, chips and beans - sounds basic - but it was very tasty. Definitely would recommend a visit.
Despite the travel problems - ignore Google and AA directions as they are designed solely to make you lose the will to live - this was a thoroughly enjoyable day out and another one I would recommend. If you are in the area, at this rate you're going to need at least a week to get through everything we're doing and probably a year or so to get through everything that is in the area.
Onwards to Day Three.
Sounds as though you are having a good week.I think we are all guilty of ignoring things which are on our doorstep but are really interesting.We did a NT visit yesterday ,only 30 minutes away, and really enjoyed it.hope you enjoy the rest of the week and that the sun shines or at least it doesn't rain.
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