Penshurst Place and Gardens
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Penshurst Place and Gardens

4.6
·1k reviews·Penshurst, United Kingdom

A magnificent 14th-century manor house and gardens, steeped in history and famously used as a filming location.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Penshurst Place and Gardens

Penshurst Place and Gardens

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magnificent 14th-century manor house and gardens, steeped in history and famously used as a filming location.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"An absolute gem, both the castle and gardens are in great condition and full of beautiful details."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking on-site, making your arrival hassle-free.

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy lunch or refreshments at The Porcupine Pantry cafe.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 1,447 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Hall

The Great Hall

Manor House

Step back in time in this magnificent 14th-century hall, a centerpiece of Tudor grandeur and history.

The Gardens

The Gardens

Various sections

Explore eleven acres of exquisite gardens, from vibrant floral borders to tranquil hidden paths.

Adventure Playground

Adventure Playground

Grounds

A fantastic spot for children to burn energy with swings, slides, and climbing structures.

Toy Museum

Toy Museum

Manor House

Discover a charming collection of antique toys, offering a delightful glimpse into childhood past.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds

While Penshurst Place and Gardens is a gem, it can get busy. Visiting on weekdays, especially outside of school holidays, offers a more serene experience. Early mornings or late afternoons can also provide a quieter atmosphere to truly soak in the history and beauty of the grounds. Reddit

Family Fun & Accessibility

Penshurst Place is a hit with families, featuring an adventure playground and seasonal crafts. The manor house and gardens are generally accessible, though some older parts might have limitations. Check their website for specific accessibility information before your visit. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Seasonal events
Why
Family fun & special activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We are NOT free and we’ve got to decide what to do about it. #fyp #foundersrecipe #freedom #liberty #History #penshurstplace #sidney
@joewolvertonjd
2.5K likes • 11.3K views

🎯 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking on-site, making your arrival hassle-free. Reddit

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy lunch or refreshments at The Porcupine Pantry cafe. Reddit

Beautiful piece of jewellery. This clip was filmed in Penshurst Place in 2000 #antiquetok #antiques #howmuch #collectible #fyp #antiquesroadshow #mystery #jewel #jewellery
@tsgantiques
1.1K likes • 75.2K views
Penshurst Place - The Gardens. The journey continues. From vibrant floral borders to tranquil hidden paths, Penshurst Place Gardens offer a magical escape into centuries of horticultural beauty. Whether you’re chasing the colours of the season or seeking a quiet moment in nature, there’s always something extraordinary in bloom. Tag a garden lover and plan your visit today—this hidden gem is call...
yvettesadventure
0 likes • 193 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the longer walks around the grounds for keen walkers. Reddit

🎬 Filming Location

See where 'Wolf Hall' and 'The Other Boleyn Girl' were filmed! Instagram

Join us for the Wealden Times Penshurst Pop-Up….. 🛍️ Held at the stunning 14th Century, Penshurst Place, enjoy a day of shopping and history. Browse over 25 handpicked independent brands selling everything from fashion, jewellery, homeware and gifts; all beautifully curated for the new season. This unique pop-up takes place in rooms that are not usually open to the public and your ticket includ...
wealdentimes
81 likes • 3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking on-site, making your arrival hassle-free. Reddit

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy lunch or refreshments at The Porcupine Pantry cafe. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the longer walks around the grounds for keen walkers. Reddit

🎬 Filming Location

See where 'Wolf Hall' and 'The Other Boleyn Girl' were filmed! Instagram

🧸 Toy Museum Fun

Kids (and adults!) love the charming toy museum. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Penshurst Place and Gardens for its rich history, breathtaking gardens, and well-preserved manor house. Many highlight the engaging experience for families, the helpfulness of the guides, and the convenience of free parking and on-site cafe. While some wish more of the house was accessible, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a perfect weekend trip for history and aesthetics.

"Wonderful. Well worth a day of your time. The house itself is absolutely fabulous. The gardens are to die for! If you love history, you'll LOVE Penshurst Place & Gardens. Gorgeous shop, great cafe and beautiful grounds. The staff are great and really know their stuff."

Lynette Riley

"Thoroughly enjoyed wandering around the beautiful Grade I listed 11 acres formal walled gardens, dating back to the 14th century. Each wall garden is full of pleasant surprises, and very relaxing. Inside the historic house, the 14th century Baron’s hall is extraordinary, and well-preserved. It was easy to spend half or a day here, especially during the warm summer months."

Rebecca L

"What an incredibly historic building, that's been used in period dramas. Steeped in fascinating history with well informed volunteers at hand. The gardens are breathtaking. Great café. Free parking. Highly recommend."

Gill Jones

What People Like

Historic manor house
Beautiful gardens
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited house access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Penshurst Place is easily accessible by car, located in Kent. There is ample free parking available on-site for visitors. Reddit

Yes, you can reach Penshurst Place via public transport. Trains run to Penshurst station, and the venue is a short walk from there. Instagram

From London, you can take a train to Penshurst station or drive via the M25 and A21. The journey is approximately 30 miles southeast of London. Instagram

Penshurst Place is well-signposted in the village of Penshurst, making it straightforward to locate. Instagram

There are extensive free parking facilities available on the grounds, which are convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Penshurst Place and Gardens typically opens from 10:30 AM, with closing times varying seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date Penshurst Place opening times before your visit. TikTok

Ticket prices for Penshurst Place can vary. It's recommended to check the official Penshurst Place tickets page for current pricing and any potential discounts. TikTok

Yes, purchasing Penshurst Place tickets online in advance is often recommended to secure your entry and sometimes to get better rates. TikTok

Information on discounts for Penshurst Place, such as family tickets or group rates, can usually be found on their official website. Keep an eye out for special offers. TikTok

While not always mandatory, booking Penshurst Place tickets in advance is advisable, especially during peak season or for special events, to guarantee entry. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Families can enjoy the adventure playground, explore the historic manor house, wander through the beautiful gardens, and participate in seasonal craft events. Instagram+1

Yes, Penshurst Place features a popular adventure playground that is a big hit with children. Instagram+1

Penshurst Place is a 14th-century fortified manor house with a rich history, including connections to Henry VIII and the Sidney family, who have owned it since 1552. It's also a filming location for historical dramas. InstagramReddit+1

Informative guides are often available to answer questions and share insights about the history of Penshurst Place and its collections. Reddit

The gardens at Penshurst Place are extensive, covering eleven acres with vibrant floral borders, tranquil paths, and features like a peony border. InstagramReddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Penshurst Place has a cafe called The Porcupine Pantry, offering refreshments and lunch options. Reddit

The Porcupine Pantry cafe offers a selection of food, including lunch options that visitors have recommended. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned as a regular offering, some visitors enjoy a lovely lunch at the cafe. Check their website for current dining options. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, the extensive grounds may offer opportunities for picnics. It's best to confirm with the venue directly. Reddit

The village of Penshurst itself offers charming local eateries and tea rooms in addition to the cafe on-site. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The gardens, with their floral borders and tranquil paths, offer stunning photographic opportunities. The Great Hall and other historic interiors are also very photogenic. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed inside Penshurst Place, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions in certain areas or for flash photography. Instagram

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light for photography in the gardens and on the grounds. Instagram

The 100-meter long peony border in the gardens is a particularly striking feature for photographers during bloom season. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites like Penshurst Place to protect the heritage and ensure visitor safety. It's best to inquire directly with the venue. Instagram

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