Where exactly IS Penshurst? CLICK HERE for location map! |
BACKGROUND Penshurst is an historic and picturesque village, over 800 years old, set in the heart of the beautiful Weald of Kent and close to the Surrey and Sussex borders. It is encircled by the rivers Medway and Eden, and is set in a valley. Our nearest towns are Tonbridge (5 miles), Tunbridge Wells (7 miles) and Sevenoaks (9 miles). The village has some 800 residents including adjoining hamlets, and its history is inextricably tied to that of the famous Sidney family of Penshurst Place. You may recognise parts of the village - over the years it has featured in several films, including: ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS (1969) starring Richard Burton and Genevieve Bujold, and THE ZANY ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1984) starring George Segal and Morgan Fairchild. WHAT TO SEE Our most famous attraction is probably Penshurst Place, home of the Sidney family for hundreds of years. The house and gardens are open to the public and attract a significant number of visitors. The village centre itself is also worthy of note, with an attractive old forge, and our very own Leicester Square (rather smaller than its London cousin!). The church of St John the Baptist has links to St Thomas a Becket, and a newly restored and enhanced organ. Whilst in the area, why not visit Penshurst Vineyard? Having announced its closure, make sure you visit while you can. One of the most modern wineries in Europe, there is the chance to buy (and sample!) the wine, and to see the famous wallabies and birds in the park. The Weald of Kent has many interesting and pretty villages and small towns. Within a few miles you will find Speldhurst, Chiddingstone, Bidborough and Edenbridge - all well worth a visit. Just 4 miles away is historic Hever Castle, home of the Boleyn family. It is said that Henry VIII was staying at Penshurst when he met and courted Ann Boleyn, and there is still a bridleway connecting the two villages. The area is well known for its footpaths and Penshurst is a popular spot for cyclists, walkers and ramblers. Smart's Hill area is a popular starting place for local walks. FOOD AND DRINK Hungry after all this sightseeing? Try the Leicester Arms opposite Leicester Square in the heart of the village, or visit the Spotted Dog (established 1520) or the Bottle House, both at Smarts Hill, just a mile or so from Penshurst in the direction of Tunbridge Wells. If morning coffee, afternoon tea or a light lunch are more your style, then visit the Quaintways tearooms in the High Street, or the Fir Tree tearooms on the Leigh Road. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, the Leicester Arms offers traditional style accommodation, including four poster beds. SHOPPING The Forge Garage Stores and Post Office in the High Street occupy the attractive and historic old blacksmith's forge. They sell petrol, diesel, and oils plus newspapers, cigarettes, confectionery, stationery, flowers, plants, ice creams and various items of grocery. Note the hammer and nails on the roof - restored in 2002 after having gone missing for some time! Quaintways Tearooms sell a small selection of souvenirs and of course there is a large and fully stocked gift shop at Penshurst Place where you can browse even if you do not wish to visit the house and gardens. Plants and flowers are available at the garden centre next door. |
DID YOU KNOW? There are (at least) two other Penshursts?? One is in Costa Rica, near Puerto Limon, with a hot and steamy climate and banana plantations - rather different to here! As far as I know they are not online. The other is over 200 km from Melbourne, Australia - follow the link to visit Penshurst, Australia online. They know all about us! There is also a "Penhurst" near Battle in East Sussex. There is certainly a Sidney family connection with the Penshursts in Australia and Costa Rica. |
BACKGROUND Penshurst is an historic and picturesque village, over 800 years old, set in the heart of the beautiful Weald of Kent and close to the Surrey and Sussex borders. It is encircled by the rivers Medway and Eden, and is set in a valley. Our nearest towns are Tonbridge (5 miles), Tunbridge Wells (7 miles) and Sevenoaks (9 miles). The village has some 800 residents including adjoining hamlets, and its history is inextricably tied to that of the famous Sidney family of Penshurst Place. You may recognise parts of the village - over the years it has featured in several films, including: ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS (1969) starring Richard Burton and Genevieve Bujold, and THE ZANY ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1984) starring George Segal and Morgan Fairchild. WHAT TO SEE Our most famous attraction is probably Penshurst Place, home of the Sidney family for hundreds of years. The house and gardens are open to the public and attract a significant number of visitors. The village centre itself is also worthy of note, with an attractive old forge, and our very own Leicester Square (rather smaller than its London cousin!). The church of St John the Baptist has links to St Thomas a Becket, and a newly restored and enhanced organ. Whilst in the area, why not visit Penshurst Vineyard? Having announced its closure, make sure you visit while you can. One of the most modern wineries in Europe, there is the chance to buy (and sample!) the wine, and to see the famous wallabies and birds in the park. The Weald of Kent has many interesting and pretty villages and small towns. Within a few miles you will find Speldhurst, Chiddingstone, Bidborough and Edenbridge - all well worth a visit. Just 4 miles away is historic Hever Castle, home of the Boleyn family. It is said that Henry VIII was staying at Penshurst when he met and courted Ann Boleyn, and there is still a bridleway connecting the two villages. The area is well known for its footpaths and Penshurst is a popular spot for cyclists, walkers and ramblers. Smart's Hill area is a popular starting place for local walks. FOOD AND DRINK Hungry after all this sightseeing? Try the Leicester Arms opposite Leicester Square in the heart of the village, or visit the Spotted Dog (established 1520) or the Bottle House, both at Smarts Hill, just a mile or so from Penshurst in the direction of Tunbridge Wells. If morning coffee, afternoon tea or a light lunch are more your style, then visit the Quaintways tearooms in the High Street, or the Fir Tree tearooms on the Leigh Road. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, the Leicester Arms offers traditional style accommodation, including four poster beds. SHOPPING The Forge Garage Stores and Post Office in the High Street occupy the attractive and historic old blacksmith's forge. They sell petrol, diesel, and oils plus newspapers, cigarettes, confectionery, stationery, flowers, plants, ice creams and various items of grocery. Note the hammer and nails on the roof - restored in 2002 after having gone missing for some time! Quaintways Tearooms sell a small selection of souvenirs and of course there is a large and fully stocked gift shop at Penshurst Place where you can browse even if you do not wish to visit the house and gardens. Plants and flowers are available at the garden centre next door. |
Where exactly IS Penshurst? CLICK HERE for location map! |
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Welcome to PENSHURST in Kent |
This is a non commercial site, and any liability with respect to the use or reliability of any information contained here is disclaimed. I hope you have found your visit interesting - please check out the Guest Book and leave your comments.... iceblue (Webmaster) |
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10, 2005
Thanks to Richard A Clarke for this brilliant aerial shot of Penshurst Place, Park and Gardens, and the church - superb! The village cricket pitch is just visible top left of photo - said to be one of the oldest in England. Looks as if the Craft fair was going on at the time.... You can also see the famous Union garden, which is laid out to recreate the Union flag. |
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