Penshurst Place
Kent, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Viscount De L'Isle / Sidney family
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge TN11 8DG
Penshurst Place is one of England's best-preserved medieval manor houses and the home of the Sidney family. The Barons Hall draws the strongest reactions, with reviewers calling it extraordinary, and the rooms are staffed by guides visitors describe as friendly and forthcoming. Outside, reviewers describe acres of formal walled gardens divided into compartments, each with something different in it, and several were surprised how uncrowded it felt even at a weekend.
Worth the trip
The medieval Barons Hall, which reviewers single out ahead of everything else on the site.
Before you go
Allow more time than you expect for the walled gardens - several reviewers say they ran out of it - and note there is a cafe, shop and plant sales on site.
Reviewers describe the medieval Baron's Hall as the standout inside, alongside paintings, furniture and artefacts, with several noting costumes from the Wolf Hall filming done on site. The walled gardens draw equally strong comments, described as a series of separate spaces that reward slow wandering. Guides and staff throughout are repeatedly called friendly and helpful. Practical points that recur include ample free parking, a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, a gift shop and plant sales. More than one reviewer was surprised how uncrowded it was, and most suggest allowing at least half a day, with a full day easily filled in summer.
One of England's best-preserved medieval manor houses, home of the Sidney family.
“Just amazing. Castle and wonderful garden not to be missed. Our guide Ann was delightful as well. Costumes as well from Wolf Hall TV series which was filmed here”- Cabbagetown Rose, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “There's ample free parking, a nice place to eat (inside or outside) and a very nice gift shop.” - Mushtaque Ali
- Guided tours
- “Our guide Ann was delightful as well.” - Cabbagetown Rose
- Facilities
- “Great shop, plant sales and cafe on site too.” - Hannah Williams
Common questions about Penshurst Place
Where is Penshurst Place?
Penshurst Place is in Kent, England, at Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge TN11 8DG.
Do you need a ticket to visit Penshurst Place?
Yes - Penshurst Place is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Viscount De L'Isle / Sidney family. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Penshurst Place?
The medieval Barons Hall, which reviewers single out ahead of everything else on the site.
Is Penshurst Place a ruin or still intact?
Penshurst Place is largely intact - One of England's best-preserved medieval manor houses, home of the Sidney family.
