Pictures of Groombridge

About Groombridge

In an area of attractive, outstanding villages, Groombridge with its 18th-century tiled cottages against the back-drop of a beautiful village green, stands out as being the very epitome of the perfect English village. We say "English" rather than Wealden because the village lies on the borders of Kent and Sussex, it seemingly belongs in neither county and is perhaps better left that way.

Lime trees are a feature of the village, they stand guard over the weatherboarded tile-hung cottages surrounding the green. To the one side of the green is the village pub, the Crown Inn. Next door is the church dedicated to St.John the Evangelist, a beautiful little church which was originally built as a chapel by the owner of the near-by, much celebrated Groombridge Place. The Gardens of Groombridge Place are amongst the loveliest in the whole of Kent, and although the house is private the gardens are open for all to enjoy. During the 18th-century, the house lay empty for a period of time, and local legend tells that it was probably secretively used for illegal purposes by the notorious Groombridge Gang, a band of smugglers. The gang were eventually broken up, one of its members, John Bowra went on to make a success of his life, he became a land agent and map maker.

The Spa Valley Railway operates a steam train taking visitors on a journey from Groombridge through picturesque Wealden countryside to the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. There is a half way stopping point at High Rocks.

The village offers the usual village amenities of small shops and welcoming pubs. For a wider range of shopping facilities visitors might like to travel to Royal Tunbridge Wells which is about 4 miles away.