When I first started Adventures By, I always imagined a travel agency that was more than a desk and a brochure rack. I pictured a place where travel dreams could be sparked over a cup of tea, where clients felt part of a community, and where our passion for adventure could connect with other independent, like-minded businesses. Sitting down face-to-face has always felt important to me, especially when you’re talking about someone’s biggest dreams. But the high street never really felt like the right fit.

Instead, I thought about where I actually enjoy spending time. My best friend often jokes that if I ever go missing, the first place to check would be a garden centre, not a hiking trail!

So, when it came to finding a home for our Adventure Hub, a garden centre made perfect sense. And not just any garden centre…. it had to be one that was independently run and shared our values. I had visited Babylon several times before, tucked just outside Crowborough in East Sussex, and I knew straight away it was the right one.

A community that feels like home

Babylon Eco Centre isn’t just a garden centre. It’s a place where people come to slow down, browse, connect, share ideas – and eat amazing food. From the moment we stepped in, we felt that sense of belonging. It felt immediately right. It’s friendly, rooted in the local area, and full of energy – the perfect environment for us to build something special.

Shared clients, shared growth

So many of the people who spend time at Babylon are the same people who come to us for their next holiday. By being here, we’re part of those same conversations. Sharing inspiration for living well, whether through plants, wellness, food, or travel. Being surrounded by other small, independent businesses also means we can support each other, host joint events, and recommend one another to our clients.

The walk-in moment

One of our favourite things about being here is seeing the reactions from people who wander in for the first time. Some are a little perplexed! A travel agency in a garden centre isn’t what they expect. But then there are others whose faces light up, declaring it brilliant straight away. We love both reactions. The surprise starts a conversation, and before long we’re chatting about dream destinations, upcoming events, or the joy of stumbling across something unexpected. The chats are the thing that we enjoy the most.

A natural fit

At Adventures By, we’re proud to be independent. There’s no faceless head office, no red tape. We’re business owners who care deeply about our clients and community. Babylon shares those same values: it’s local, personal, and passionate about doing things differently. That’s why it already feels like home.

A place for travel to flourish

Our Adventure Hub at Babylon Eco Centre isn’t just a spot to book holidays. It’s a space for conversations, events, and community. From supplier evenings and destination showcases launching in October to those little moments when someone pops in for a chat while passing by or borrows a book from our newly launch travel library. We want clients to feel welcome, inspired, and to leave with their next adventure already taking shape.

For us, choosing Babylon Eco Centre was never about office space. It was about finding a home that reflects who we are and what we stand for. And we couldn’t be happier to have found it right here in the Ashdown Forest, at the heart of our community.

You’ll find us at Babylon Eco Centre, Duddleswell TN22 3JP, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am–4.00pm. Pop in for a chat, pick up a brochure, or simply say hello… we’d love to see you.