Wow! We want to go to this…

New theatrical Halloween spectacular at Groombridge Place

Groombridge Place and The Human Zoo Theatre Company have created an interactive theatrical spectacular that will take place every day at Groombridge Place during October half term from Sunday 26 October to Sunday 2 November 2014.

Prepare to be spooked to the spine as you step onto the Ghost Boat Ride down the runaway river, leading you into the Pirate’s Lair which plays host to Captain Timber's Tavern, serving up a scorching BBQ, tankards of mulled wine and a hearty, homemade pumpkin soup. Dodge the fire breathing mutineers, as sword fights break out in front of your eyes in this immersive performance event. Come and meet the dangerously deranged Pirate Queen for a devilish dance workshop, performing on board her ship to help ward off the evil spirits who threaten to attack and steal the booty. Follow Little Red Riding Hood as she steps into the Enchanted Forest for a truly theatrical trick or treat experience.

See if you can find the magician who will reward you by conjuring up some world class tricks!

Find the treasure

An interactive Find The Missing Bones treasure hunt will take you on a toe curling journey around this magnificent enchanted forest, past the giant spider’s web, into the Tunnel of Terror and onwards to the Abandoned Gypsy Campsite, where the ghosts of a travelling circus have taken up residence. Go have your palms read at ‘Esmeralda’s Unfortunate Fortunes’, as the spirits of the forgotten gather around the crackling campfire to tell their tantalising tales.

Get ready to be truly immersed this Halloween, as a cast of crooked characters burst from behind trees, chase each other around the rope bridges at Crusoe's world and create utter mischief throughout this enchanted forest.

Participate in a special ‘Thriller’ dance workshop, culminating in a flash mob performance in the forest. By day, Groombridge plays host to a whole gang of troublesome tricksters, by night, these spooky suspects will chill you to the bone as only the bravest trick or treaters will come out with their baskets full to the brim!

Children’s activities include freaky face painting and make your very own woodland wand in the teepee craft workshops.

This event, which is suitable for the whole family, will turn Groombridge Place and the Enchanted Forest into a spooky wonderland, with fairy tale characters and special effects designed to enthral visitors all day and into the evening.

The restaurant will be serving meals from a Halloween themed menu.

Children and parents are encouraged to come in fancy dress and prizes will be given to the children with the best costumes each day.

Beware the dark

Once dusk falls and the forest is covered in a veil of darkness, visitors can walk the spookily lit ghostly trails, but watch out for the scary characters jumping out from the darkness! Don’t miss the incredible Fire Poi performances by the Mutineer. Play trick or treat games in the woods with the costumed characters before warming up round the fire at Crusoe’s World Tavern with a warm drink and a tasty snack before heading home.

Admission tickets will be valid from 10 am until gates close at 7.30 pm (last admission 6 pm).

Admission: Adults £9.95, Senior Citizens £8.45, Children (3-12 years) £8.45, Family Tickets (2 Adults + 2 Children) £33.95. Face painting £1, Canal boat: Adults £1.50 and Children £1. Birds of Prey: 12.30 and 3.30.

A timetable of events will be given to each visitor at the admissions desk and every child will be given a treasure map activity sheet that leads them round the forest, with prizes for completed sheets at the end.

See website for further information about Groombridge Place www.groombridgeplace.com

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