Set in the beautiful Weald of Kent, Penshurst Place & Gardens and the surrounding estate have stood on the banks of the river Medway since the 14th century, when the awe-inspiring medieval Baron’s Hall was completed in 1341 as a country retreat for the Lord Mayor of London. The Baron’s Hall, crowned by an original 60ft high chestnut beamed ceiling is an unmissable sight for visitors to the ancestral home of the Sidney family who have taken care of the estate since 1552.
The stately home and gardens were once used as a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII and now feature 11 acres of formal gardens separated into different themed “rooms” for visitors to wander through in either a free-flow visit, or with one of the estate’s garden guides. For groups with an especially keen horticultural interest, guided tours with the Head Gardener are available to book and are a perfect accompaniment to an afternoon tea in the on-site Garden Restaurant.
In the gardens you will find 11 acres of individual “rooms” providing a variety of form, foliage and bloom throughout the year. During your visit, be sure to stop and admire the Blue and Yellow Border, featuring two varieties of iris specially bred for Penshurst Place. A stroll through the newly restored George Cater Walk, magnificent Italian Garden with its large central fountain, and the Magnolia Garden are also not to be missed.
Inside groups can enjoy opulent staterooms that have been showcased in popular TV and film productions. The Solar, Queen Elizabeth Room and Long Gallery to name but a few, contain a collection of beautiful family portraits from across the centuries, antique furniture, skilfully crafted tapestries and much, much more. Groups can enjoy a guided or free-flow visit to the house, with special seasonal tours including Mulled Wine at Christmas, and talks with our Head Housekeeper also available.
During your visit you may recognise the gardens and house from some of their favourite television programmes and films, including The Princess Bride, The Other Boleyn Girl, Wolf Hall and Mary Queen of Scots.
Alongside the house and gardens, Penshurst Place also boasts a wonderfully nostalgic Toy Museum, the Woodland Trail, Gift Shop, Plant Centre Garden Restaurant, and Porcupine Pantry café.
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