Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do we need to pre-book our visit?
A: Penshurst Place does not operate a pre-booking system, all tickets must be purchased on arrival. See here to learn more about our admission tickets and special offers we accept
Q: Are dogs allowed in Penshurst Place and Gardens?
A. Only registered assistance dogs are welcome into the house and gardens, no other dogs are permitted to enter Penshurst Place and Gardens, this includes the playground and woodland trail. Dogs are however welcome in the free-to-access public footpaths that cover the parkland surrounding the estate, providing they are kept on leads when around the livestock, as well as inside the Gift Shop, and on the dog-friendly marked tables in the Porcupine Pantry Cafe.
Q. Are you a member of the National Trust?
A. No - Penshurst Place is a privately-owned family home, but through the generosity of the owners, does offer concessions to both English Heritage and RHS members. We are also a member of the Historic Houses Association members. You can find out more by clicking here
Q.Do you have a restaurant or cafe?
A. Our newly refurbished Porcupine Pantry Cafe sits next to our Visitor Entrance. The Cafe is open year-round even when Penshurst Place and Gardens is closed - you do not need to be visiting Penshurst Place and Gardens to use the Cafe. During the high season or on busy days, our Kiosk which opens into the playground will also be open, serving coffees, sandwiches, ice creams and cakes.
Q. Are drones allowed to fly over the house and gardens?
A. All forms of drone and aerial photography and filming is strictly prohibited at Penshurst Place, without prior written consent from the General Manager which might be granted in exceptional circumstances. Drone flights over public spaces require a civil aviation license and public liability insurance and as such we ask you not to bring your drone when you visit us as they may risk the safety of our visitors, and their enjoyment of the house and gardens. Commercial drone photography will be subject to a fee.
Q. Can we bring our children's scooters and bikes into the grounds?
A. Scooters, bikes, roller blades, skateboards etc are not allowed through the visitor entrance into the gardens, grounds and house. Bike racks are available outside of the visitor entrance for your use.
Q. Do you offer Cream Teas?
A. We do not currently offer a Cream Tea package.
Q. Are the grounds easy to navigate in a wheelchair?
A. as a nearly 700 year old estate, parts of the gardens and grounds can be harder than others to push a standard wheelchair along, due to terrain and slopes. We are happy to go through any concerns you may have over the phone on 01892 870307 before your visit or alternatively, you can download our accessibility guide from our Visitor Downloads Page.
Q. Do you have toilets on-site?
A. There are several toilets across the site including:
- The Porcupine Pantry Cafe (accessible toilet and baby change also)
- The Playground (baby change also)
- The Lime Walk (baby change also)
- The Stable Yard (accessible toilet and baby change only)