Discover a historic estate and scenic landscapes this October at Penshurst Place
- Two-hour guided walking tour of the parkland led by Penhurst’s General Manager
- Includes a 2-course roast lunch ‘private dining’ in the Sunderland Room
As vibrant autumn hues and seasonal splendour descend upon the picturesque Penshurst Place Estate, one of England’s oldest family-owned estates, with roots dating back to the 14th century, there is a chance to embark on a fascinating guided walking tour, indulge in a warming two-course roast lunch, and explore the historic house and formal gardens in an Autumn Amble on Sunday, 19th October 2025.
Starting at 10.30 am, the guided Autumn Amble promises a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and culinary delights as General Manager Ben Thomas leads participants on an exploration of the estate’s diverse landscape. From ancient tree-lined avenues to sprawling grasslands and protected woodlands, guests will take in views of the historic house from afar as the route passes across open parkland.
The approximately two-hour journey provides insights into the estate’s storied past, its notable owners including Henry VIII, and the strategies employed by the current owners and estate management team to preserve its natural splendour for generations to come. Along the way, the General Manager will share the history of agriculture and estate life at Penshurst Place, much of which still thrives today as part of a working landscape, and guests will also discover more about the flora and fauna preparing for winter across the estate’s 2,500 acres.
After taking in the Autumnal sights, the tour will climb the winding ancient staircase to the historic Sunderland Room, a private banqueting space surrounded by portraiture and wood-panelled walls that is rarely open to the public. Here, with a warming open fire crackling gently in the background, walkers tuck in to a mouth-watering two-course roast lunch.
Following lunch, tour participants have free entrance to the historic house (open until 3.30pm) and formal gardens (open until 5.00pm). The house showcases the awe-inspiring Baron’s Hall with its towering 60 feet high original chestnut-beamed ceiling, opulent staterooms, and recently-introduced Victorian Kitchen exhibition. And outside, October is the perfect time to appreciate the architectural structure of the walled gardens at Penshurst Place, immerse in the legacy of Sir Henry Sidney’s formal design layout dating from the 1560s and explore the newly reimagined Toy Museum after a year’s restoration project.
Tickets for the “Autumn Amble” are priced at £47.00 per person and can be purchased online via https://events.liveit.io/penshurst-place-gardens/penshurst-place-estate-autumn-amble-3/ or in-person
from the Penshurst Place Gift Shop. Suitable footwear and waterproof clothing is recommended as the walk crosses a variety of terrains and inclines.
ENDS
Image Credit: Ollie Dixon
