Penshurst Place & Gardens welcomes visitors throughout May with a lively programme of family-friendly events in its historic house and Grade I-listed gardens, which come into their own as late spring unfolds.
From artisan markets and a one-day shopping pop-up inside the historic house to a vegetable growing workshop, bushcraft challenges and a brand-new half-term children’s trail, May and this month’s Bank Holidays and school half-term provide the perfect opportunity to experience Penshurst Place at its most colourful.
Weald of Kent Country Craft & Food Show
Saturday 2 – Monday 4 May | 10.00am – 5.00pm
For the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, Weald of Kent Country Craft & Food Show returns to the parkland at Penshurst Place. This third-party event brings more than 185 independent stallholders across indoor marquees and outdoor stands, offering handmade jewellery, homeware, clothing and artisan products.
A dedicated food and drink marquee showcases a tempting selection of sweet and savoury treats, while live music and traditional craft demonstrations create an upbeat atmosphere throughout the weekend. Visitors can also enjoy free-flying falconry displays and family-friendly activities, alongside entry to the Adventure Playground as part of their visit.
Tickets available in advance or on the day: https://www.thecraftshows.co.uk/weald-of-kent-country-craft-food-show/ (Third-party event hosted at Penshurst Place & Gardens.)
Plant Your Own Vegetable Garden to Take Home
Wednesday 13 May | 10.00am – 1.00pm
£55 per person — includes access to house and gardens
From garden fork to table fork, 2026 can be the year to dive into ‘grow your own’ with the skills learned in a hands-on workshop led by the Head Gardener at Penshurst Place, Tony Wiseman.
In this three-hour workshop, participants will be guided through every step of setting up a vegetable garden — from when to plant and harvest, pest control, and simple strategies for maintaining soil health and maximising yields. This workshop, designed for absolute beginners, will help participants create a thriving fruit and vegetable patch to provide delicious food for the table year after year.
Whether creating a range of raised beds in a garden or planting a few pots on a balcony, there will be a selection of vegetables that are ideal for the space available. At the end of the workshop, participants will take home a propagation box with a selection of potted vegetables for their own gardens, along with seeds to help continue their vegetable beds, a guidebook and a 50% off coupon for any one plant in the Penshurst Place Plant Centre.
Tickets include access to the house and gardens during normal opening hours. Advance booking required: https://events.liveit.io/penshurst-place-gardens/plant-your-own-vegetable-garden-to-take-home-13th/
Wealden Times Pop-Up Fair
Friday 15 May | Two sessions: 10.00am – 1.00pm or 12.00pm — 4.00pm
Step into history and shop the new season at Penshurst Place as it hosts the Wealden Times Pop-Up Fair, bringing a curated selection of 37 independent brands into historic rooms not usually open to the public. Shoppers can browse the latest seasonal fashion, jewellery, homeware and gifts while exploring Penshurst Place and Gardens, with access to the house and grounds included in the entrance ticket.
New for 2026, the event will also have a limited number of spaces available to prebook for complimentary specialist sessions, including a guided garden tour and an antiques talk – both offering a unique way to engage with the heritage of the historic Kent estate.
A third-party event, timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance from the organisers with limited availability across morning and afternoon sessions. For further information and to book tickets, which include entrance to the Grade I-listed gardens at Penshurst Place, visit: https://wealdentimes-fair.co.uk/spring-pop-up/
Camp Wilderness – May Bank Holidays —
Family drop-in sessionsSunday 3 & Monday 4 May | Sunday 24 & Monday 25 May
On both May Bank Holiday weekends, Camp Wilderness returns to the Woodland Trail, bringing outdoor, survival-style activities that build confidence and curiosity. Adventurers can try their hand at axe-throwing and archery, learn outdoor skills and make s’mores over a fire.
With all activities included within standard admission, drop-in sessions run between 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Camp Wilderness also runs overnight summer camps for children within the beautiful woodland of the Penshurst Place parkland, and families can speak to the team during their visit to learn more.
May Half-Term Garden Trail & Crafts — Travel Through the Ages
Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 May | 10.00am – 5.00pm
For May half-term, a new transport-themed garden trail invites families to explore the grounds while discovering key milestones in the history of travel, from horse and cart to the age of steam and motorised transport.
With 2026 marking the Year of the Horse, the trail also connects to the historic role of horse-drawn carriage travel and highlights the Stable Yard at Penshurst Place and its importance in the estate’s transport past.
Alongside the garden trail, The Old Coach House will host themed craft activities inspired by journeys through the ages. Young visitors can enjoy hands-on creative sessions — from colouring and decorative makes to imaginative transport-inspired crafts — creating a relaxed space where families can extend the day’s discoveries.
The trail and crafts run daily throughout half-term from 10.00am – 5.00pm for the trail, and 11.30am — 3.30pm for crafts, with both included within standard admission.
Late Spring in the Gardens
May is also one of the most rewarding months to explore the formal gardens. The 100+-year-old wisteria in the Paved Garden unfurls dramatic purple tendrils and its unmistakable fragrance, while climbing clematis in a range of colours entwines with blue and white wisteria along the pergola encircling the Nut Garden.
Elsewhere, the striking Penshurst Yellow and Penshurst Blue iris — bred specially for the estate — provide vibrant bursts of colour, complemented by architectural alliums and opulent tree peonies. The Tall Story rose makes an impressive appearance during the month, and, weather permitting, visitors may begin to see the first blooms emerging along Penshurst’s famous 100-metre peony border towards the end of May.
ENDS
Image Credit: Camp Wilderness
