Penshurst Place and Gardens Tours and Activities

Penshurst Place and Gardens which includes a fountain and a garden
Penshurst Place and Gardens which includes heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture
Penshurst Place and Gardens
Penshurst Place and Gardens featuring interior views
Penshurst Place and Gardens which includes a park and flowers


Explore this 14th-century Elizabethan manor with its long history, walled gardens, children’s playgrounds and scenic picnic areas.

The former home of a famous poet, Penshurst Place is now open to tourists as an extraordinary example of medieval architecture. This 14th-century house has remained in good condition and its rooms are filled with tapestries, paintings and period furniture from throughout its 600-year history.

The manor is the ancestral home of the aristocratic Sidney family. The famous Elizabethan poet Sir Philip Sidney was born in this house.

Spend an afternoon strolling around 11 acres (4.5 hectares) of picturesque gardens. The grounds follow the original design, with walls and hedges surrounding the manor house. Admire the different walled gardens, each with their own theme or colour. Come in the autumn months to take photos of the changing leaves. See the 328-foot (100-metre) long Peony Border in bloom in the summer months.

Discover the history of the manor through storytelling and children’s activities. Visit the house to explore its artwork, embroideries and antiques. Imagine how the aristocratic family functioned from day-to-day as you tour the many rooms. Kids can feed chickens and have fun in the adventure playground. 

Enjoy refreshments at one of the on-site cafés or bring your own food to make the most of picnic areas around the grounds.

Penshurst Place is located 6 miles (10 kilometres) southwest of Tonbridge. It is easily accessible by car via the iconic M25 motorway that surrounds London and is 24 miles (38 kilometres) from Gatwick Airport. Take a bus to Penshurst Village and walk to the site’s main entrance. The nearest train station, Penshurst, is a 2.5-mile (4-kilometre) walk from the historic house. Trains are less frequent than buses.

Opening times vary throughout the year. There is an entrance fee, which also varies depending on age, group size and how much of the site you desire to see. Check the Penshurst Place website for opening hours and ticket prices.

Plan a trip to see Penshurst Place and Gardens

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Mowbray Court Hotel
Corinthia London
The Savoy

Popular places to visit


Top Penshurst Place and Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Leicester Arms Country Inn

The Leicester Arms Country Inn

4 out of 5
High Street,, Tonbridge, England
The Leicester Arms Country Inn
Luxury Barn With Hot tub

Luxury Barn With Hot tub

2 out of 5
Tonbridge
Luxury Barn With Hot tub
Large detached farmhouse in quiet Kent countryside , close to London train line

Large detached farmhouse in quiet Kent countryside , close to London train line

Edenbridge
Large detached farmhouse in quiet Kent countryside , close to London train line
1 bedroom accommodation in Chiddingstone

1 bedroom accommodation in Chiddingstone

Chiddingstone
1 bedroom accommodation in Chiddingstone
Royal Wells Hotel

Royal Wells Hotel

3 out of 5
59 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, England
Royal Wells Hotel
Luna Domes

Luna Domes

2 out of 5
Hoath House, Edenbridge, England
Luna Domes
Finest Retreats | Ashdown Luxury Dome

Finest Retreats | Ashdown Luxury Dome

Hoath
Finest Retreats | Ashdown Luxury Dome
Wakehurst Luxury Dome

Wakehurst Luxury Dome

Hoath
Wakehurst Luxury Dome
Hoath House

Hoath House

3 out of 5
Edenbridge
Hoath House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Penshurst Place and Gardens

At Penshurst Place and Gardens, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including exploring scenic trails, a visit to the historic Penshurst Place itself, and engaging in fun quiz nights. For those seeking relaxation, nearby options include spa treatments, golf, and swimming, making it an ideal destination for a well-rounded getaway in the heart of the English countryside.

Shopping

At Penshurst Place and Gardens, enjoy local shops for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Bluewater Shopping Centre, 30.6km away, boasting diverse shops and entertainment. Charleston Farmhouse is also worth the trip at 37.0km for charming goods. Don't miss Billingsgate Market, 40.2km away, for fresh produce.

Recreation

Explore the tranquil Ashdown Forest, perfect for leisurely walks and nature therapy, just 14.5km away. For a round of golf, head to Westerham Golf Club, 12.9km away, where you can enjoy outdoor sports amidst beautiful scenery. K2 Crawley Leisure Centre, 27.4km away, offers relaxation and wellness facilities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Brands Hatch Circuit, located 20.9km from Penshurst Place and Gardens. For a scenic adventure, explore the Tudor Trail, just 6.4km away, where you can immerse yourself in beautiful outdoor landscapes. Alternatively, enjoy water sports at Bewl Water Outdoor Centre, 17.7km away.

Nightlife

In Penshurst Place and Gardens, the Hawth Theatre offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and culture just 25.7km away. For more options, the O2 Academy Brixton and New Wimbledon Theatre, both 38.6km away, promise captivating performances and a romantic atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Penshurst Place and Gardens

For a fantastic experience at Penshurst Place and Gardens, you can explore its historic castle, charming gardens, and nearby urban parks. This destination offers a blend of culture and outdoor activities perfect for families and travellers alike. Don't miss the iconic Penshurst Place and its beautiful gardens, all just steps away from each other, providing a delightful day out in the heart of Kent.

  • Hever Castle and Gardens: Nestled 4.8km from Penshurst Place, this stunning castle is steeped in history and romance. Explore its beautifully manicured gardens and the enchanting interiors that once belonged to Anne Boleyn, offering a glimpse into Tudor life.
  • Pantiles: Located 8.0km away, Pantiles is a charming Georgian street lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and indulge in local delicacies while soaking up the city's unique character.
  • Enchanted Place - Winnie the Pooh: About 12.9km from Penshurst Place, this magical forest is inspired by A.A. Milne's beloved tales. Perfect for families and adventurers, enjoy a delightful walk amidst the trees and discover the whimsical world of Winnie the Pooh.

Best time to go to Penshurst Place and Gardens

The best time to visit Penshurst Place and Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April48.4°F (9.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
September59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Penshurst Place and Gardens

For a budget-friendly trip to Penshurst Place and Gardens, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Booking a month in advance can yield better deals, or check Expedia for last-minute offers. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are pricier. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and consider package deals that combine flights and accommodation for extra savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Penshurst Place and Gardens are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Penshurst Place and Gardens is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Penshurst Place and Gardens is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Penshurst Place and Gardens is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Penshurst Place and Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.