Penshurst Place will introduce a new programme of creative workshops this June as part of its Glorious Gardens celebration running from Friday 12 June to Sunday 14 June. Offered on the opening day, the four hands-on sessions each provide an opportunity to develop new skills amid the historic gardens at the height of the early summer season.
Designed to complement the wider Glorious Gardens programme, the workshops take place at a time when the gardens are typically at their most visually rewarding, with over 3,500 roses in bloom and planting across the estate at its peak.
Led by experienced local specialists, each session offers a relaxed, small-group environment, combining practical instruction with the opportunity to create a finished piece and develop new skills.
Creative workshops – Friday 12 June
Garden Photography Workshop
8.00am – 11.00am | £125pp
An early morning session led by landscape photographer Emma Stokes, exploring how to capture flowers and formal garden scenes. The workshop begins with guidance on composition, followed by practical shooting in the gardens, with both group and one-to-one tuition, and concludes with an image review. To book, visit: https://events.liveit.io/penshurst-place-gardens/garden-photography-workshop/
Folded Vase & Origami Flower Workshop
10.00am – 1.00pm | £80pp
A relaxed, hands-on workshop led by Victoria of Bumble and Bloom, where participants transform vintage and recycled papers into a sculptural folded book vase, filled with origami flowers to take home and display. To book, visit: https://events.liveit.io/penshurst-place-gardens/book-folded-vase-origami-flower-workshop/
Fused Glass Workshop
2.00pm – 4.00pm | £80pp
Led by glass artist Jane Padgham, this session introduces the basics of fused glass. Participants will create a selection of decorative pieces, including coasters or light catchers, along with smaller hanging pieces. Finished items will be fired and collected at a later date. To book, visit: https://events.liveit.io/penshurst-place-gardens/fused-glass-workshop-2/
Introduction to Creative Watercolour
2.00pm – 5.00pm | £85pp
Led by local artist Imogen Partridge, this guided painting workshop is suitable for all abilities. Using garden-inspired reference material, participants are introduced to watercolour techniques in a relaxed, exploratory session, with the gardens close at hand for inspiration. To book, visit: https://events.liveit.io/penshurst-place-gardens/introduction-to-creative-watercolour-workshop/
All workshops need to be prebooked and include tuition, materials (where applicable), refreshments, and access to the house and gardens either before or after the session. Participants will also receive a voucher for 50% off one plant in the Plant Centre. To find out more, visit: https://www.penshurstplace.com/whats-on/events-and-activities/2026-06/
Ben Thomas, General Manager at Penshurst Place, said: “We wanted to introduce something that allows visitors to engage with the gardens in a slightly different way. The new workshops bring a hands-on, creative element and sit naturally alongside the wider Glorious Gardens programme, at a time when the gardens are at their most inspiring and in full bloom.”
ENDS
