Get a taste of the high life at Groombridge Place, near Tunbridge Wells, on 1st August when millions of pounds-worth of sleek, gleaming Ferraris and romantic hot air balloons arrive for one of the most exciting events in the attraction’s calendar.

Visitors will be able to take a close look at some of the most iconic cars in the world – and maybe sit in a few – as well as meet their owners, examine the engines and inspect the bodywork. It’s not often so many Ferraris, both classic and brand new, are in the same place at the same time – an opportunity not to be missed.

The glamorous lifestyle continues with the hot air balloons. The balloons will be tethered in the grounds from 1pm and visitors can talk to the pilots who will explain how the balloons are inflated, flown and landed. The gardens will stay open until 8pm and at around 6pm (weather permitting) the balloons will take off, providing a spectacular sight as they drift sedately over the magnificent moated house.

A collection of Ducatti bikes will be on show and visitors can relax to the sounds of the Croydon Steel Orchestra, which will be playing next to the restaurant.

It will also be an opportunity to try out the new attraction Crusoe’s World, an exact recreation of the desert island from the recent TV series ‘Crusoe’ using props and artefacts from the film which were shipped all the way from South Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Using the exact original set design from the film two tree houses have been built high in the trees linked together with rope bridges and a central viewing tower. They are on several levels with decking and platforms and the houses are sheltered under sail roofs. There is a look-out post high above one of the tree houses, providing fabulous views over the canal, open countryside and the steam trains of the Spa Valley Railway.

Props from the film, including Crusoe’s fishing equipment, cooking pots, catapult, boats, barrels, furniture and dummy weapons, are there for visitors to create a little make-believe on their very own desert island. There are also plans to put in a log cabin where visitors will be able to get something to eat and drink and there will be more props and film footage in the exhibition hall. 

Groombridge Place, which has been voted one of Britain’s best garden attractions, is an intriguing mix of formal gardens and the mystical Enchanted Forest.

The sheltered formal gardens were designed in the 17th century by John Evelyn as a series of ‘rooms’ and are still laid out in the same style today. Each garden has its own style and colour scheme, ranging from the vibrant hot colours of the Oriental Garden to the cool whites of the White Rose Garden and the multi-coloured majesty of the spectacular herbaceous borders.

The Enchanted Forest, which can be reached by canal boat ride or a leisurely stroll, is in complete contrast with its challenging aerial walkway and obstacle course; Romany Camp; hilltop fort; giant swings; adventure play areas; ‘rain forest’ gorge with tree ferns, palms and banana plants and quirky woodland gardens.

During the school holidays and half terms the forest comes alive with activities for all the family, including face painting and dream catcher workshops in the gypsy caravan, drumming workshops in the tepee, a wandering musician playing the harp or guitar and storytelling.

Birds of prey flying displays take place each day except Mondays (excluding bank holidays Mondays), when there will be a static display of the birds. There is also a well stocked gift shop selling a wide range of gifts to suit all pockets, and freshly prepared meals and snacks are available in the restaurant throughout the day.

The gardens have inspired numerous artists, writers and film makers. The Drunken Garden, with its crazy topiary, was a favourite with Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle who used it as the setting for his Sherlock Holmes mystery ‘The Valley of Fear’; the house and garden was the setting for Peter Greenaway’s cult film ‘The Draughtsman’s Contract’ and it featured as Longbourn, the Bennet’s house in the recent ‘Pride and Prejudice’ film with Keira Knightley.

The gardens and forest are open daily until 6th November between 10am and 5.30pm. For more information visit www.groombridge.co.uk or call 01892 861444.