Penshurst Place & Gardens has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award recognising innovation in heritage education following the expansion of its learning programme centred on the reimagined Toy Museum.
The historic Kent estate is among a select group of member properties across the UK shortlisted for the Historic Houses Frances Garnham Education Award — an annual accolade presented to a house or garden demonstrating an outstanding and imaginative approach to educational activity.
A panel of judges, including representatives from the award sponsor Purcell, will visit the selected venues in the coming months before announcing the overall winner in July.
The shortlisting comes after the recent expansion of the education programme at Penshurst Place, following the reopening of the Toy Museum last year, which underwent a major refurbishment supported by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The programme uses historic toys and artefacts as a starting point for workshops designed to support learning across all key stages, combining structured curriculum learning with opportunities for creative expression and hands-on discovery.
Since its inception in early 2025, the programme has grown rapidly in response to strong demand, including repeat bookings and requests from teachers to expand provision into secondary-level visits. Initially developed for Key Stage 1 schoolchildren, it now supports learning across all levels of education, from Reception through to AS level.
The workshops make full use of Penshurst Place’s historic setting, with learning taking place across indoor interpretation spaces, museum galleries and selected outdoor areas, allowing pupils to experience history as a lived and immersive environment rather than solely through classroom study.
Ben Thomas, General Manager at Penshurst Place & Gardens, said:
“We are delighted that Penshurst Place has been shortlisted for the Historic Houses Frances Garnham Education Award. This recognition reflects the dedication and creativity of our team in developing a distinctive education programme that brings history to life in engaging and meaningful ways.
“The reimagining of the Toy Museum has provided a particularly exciting platform for innovative learning, allowing the programme to explore themes such as craftsmanship, materials, social change and the universal role of storytelling. We are incredibly proud of the work that has gone into shaping this programme and of the positive response it has received from schools, teachers and families alike.”
Nicky Stitchman, Head of Visits and Collections at Penshurst Place, said:
“Using toys from the past as a starting point enables schoolchildren of all ages to engage with history in a very immediate and tangible way. By examining how toys were made and the stories behind them, young people can begin to understand wider social and cultural changes over time.
“Play is a powerful educational tool and historic toys spark curiosity, conversation and shared memories that help children and adults alike to connect with the past.”
Historic Houses represent hundreds of independently owned historic houses, castles and gardens across the UK. The Frances Garnham Award celebrates projects that demonstrate fresh thinking and impactful engagement with audiences, particularly young people and local communities.
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