Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do we need to pre-book our visit?
A: No. there is no longer a requirement to pre-book prior to your arrival at Penshurst Place.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Penshurst Place?
A. Only registered assistance dogs are welcome into the house & gardens, all other dogs are not permitted to enter Penshurst Place, this includes the playground, woodland trail and the inside of the Porcupine Pantry . 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. Walking guides can be purchased in the gift shop for 50p.
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 Historic Houses Association members. You can find out more by clicking here
Q.Do you have a restaurant or cafe?
A. We have a cafe next to our Visitor Entrance called the Porcupine Pantry Cafe.The Cafe is open year-round even when Penshurst Place is closed - you do not need to be visiting Penshurst Place 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 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. Yes we do.