About Kidbrooke Park

Kidbrooke Mansion, a grade II listed building built in 1735, stands majestically in 60 acres of landscaped parkland adjoining the Ashdown Forest. Nestled in a secluded valley, the Mansion, created from local sandstone and based on the design of buildings from classical Rome, offers unrivalled views and sweeping vistas of lawns, countryside and grand tree lines. Much of the landscape was designed by the famous 18th Century landscape architect Humphry Repton. The interior of the Mansion is both majestic and romantic, with fine carved plaster ceilings, tall windows and period mirrors and fireplaces.

Many renowned names have been associated with Kidbrooke over the years, including Lord Abergavenney, Charles Abbott, Humphrey Repton, the Freshfield and Hambro families – each adding to the richness of Kidbrooke Park. In July 1929 the late Queen Mother (the then Duchess of York) attended a pageant held on the Valley Field to raise funds for local hospitals and the Village Hall. Local Authors Rudyard Kipling and AA Milne, known for the adventures of the honey-loving bear Winnie-The-Pooh, were also in attendance. The Pageant featured Milne’s son, a certain young man called Christopher Robin, who dressed up with his friends as characters from his father’s book.

Today Kidbrooke is home to Michael Hall School, the oldest and largest Steiner Waldorf School in the UK and one of over 875 worldwide. The holistic nature of this education is visible through the local community and estate.