Penshurst Place

Penshurst Place is a medieval manor house in the village of Penshurst, Kent, about 51 km (32 miles) southeast of London and close to Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. It has been the seat of the Sidney family since the mid-16th century and ranks among the best-preserved noble residences in the south-east of England. The house is Grade I listed by Historic England, and its park and gardens are on the national Register of Parks and Gardens.

Who built Penshurst Place, and when?

Sir John de Pulteney, a London merchant, banker and four-time lord mayor, bought the estate in 1338. The great hall, which still forms the core of the house, was completed in 1341. In the mid-15th century a second range, the Buckingham Wing, went up to the south-west. In 1552 Edward VI granted the roughly 2,500-acre estate to Sir William Sidney, and his descendants still live here. The house was the birthplace of the siblings Mary Sidney and Philip Sidney, both prominent figures of Elizabethan poetry and court life.

What will you see inside?

The highlight is the Baron's Hall, the 14th-century great hall. Look up at the chestnut roof timbers rising some 18 metres, then take in the arcaded windows, the 16th-century minstrels' gallery and the octagonal hearth in the middle of the floor. Further rooms hold furniture, portraits and armour linked to the Sidney family. There is also a toy museum; check the official website for its current opening hours, as listings differ.

What are the gardens like?

The gardens are Grade I as well. After falling into neglect in the 18th century they were restored in the 1850s for the second Lord De L'Isle by architect George Devey, who followed an old engraving by Kip. A plant centre and a café are on site, so a garden walk fits easily into a half-day visit.

How do you get there?

Penshurst is around 51 km from central London. By car, approach from the Tonbridge or Sevenoaks side; the postcode is TN11 8DG. Without a car, plan your journey via Tonbridge and check transport details on the venue's website.

When is the best time to visit?

The season runs from mid-February to early November. At the start of the season the house opens at weekends only; from late March to 1 November it opens daily. The gardens open earlier in the day than the house, and interior hours are shorter, so mind the last-entry times. The gardens look best from late spring to early autumn. Opening hours and ticket prices change between seasons, so confirm them at penshurstplace.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Penshurst Place open to visitors? Yes, seasonally from February to early November, with weekend-only opening at the start of the season.

How long should I allow? Plan three to four hours for the house and gardens, more if you want a long walk in the park.

What is the oldest part of the building? The Baron's Hall of 1341, the great hall around which the rest of the house grew.

Do the descendants of the original family still own it? The Sidney family has held the estate continuously since 1552.