• Free admission for under‑16s who bring a teddy*
• All celebratory activities included in admission cost
• Reopening timed to mark the museum’s 55th anniversary, reimagined with a

      £100,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Penshurst, Kent –  9 July 2025: Penshurst Place is delighted to announce the reopening of its beloved Toy Museum, timed to coincide with its 55th anniversary on 31 July 2025. Thanks to a £100,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the museum has undergone an extensive redesign and conservation of its most cherished exhibits.

To mark the celebration, a special Teddy‑Bear Picnic will take place on the South Lawn, with teddy‑bear–themed activities and family-friendly experiences across the grounds. The gardens open at 10 am, with free admission for any child under 16 who brings a teddy *when accompanied by a full-paying adult. The day’s programme includes:

• Ribbon cutting and opening of the Toy Museum (11 am)
• Face‑painting and crafts in the Coach House (11 am–3:30 pm)
• Giant garden games in the grounds (10 am–5 pm)
• Teddy themed selfie stations in Italian Garden, picnic area, and visitor entrance (10 am–5 pm)
• DJ set during lunchtime  in the picnic area (12–2 pm)
• Storytelling in the Stage Garden (11:30 am, 12:30, 2:30 & 3:30 pm)
• Afternoon cream teas on the South Lawn and Teddy‑themed lunch boxes for purchase (all day)
• Outdoor picnicking on the South Lawn or, if wet weather, indoors in the Garden Room

The renovated Toy Museum itself will open from 11 am–5 pm (reverting to its regular hours of 11:30 am–3:30 pm thereafter). Inside, visitors will enter a remodelled space rebuilt into four interactive zones: Dolls & Bears; Games & Pastimes; Building Blocks; and World of Imagination. Each zone showcases beautifully restored treasures, including the Georgian doll “Moggie”, a Victorian peep‑show, and the century‑old teddy “Old Ted” (born 1907), all expertly conserved by Zenzie Tinker Conservation of Brighton over several months.

Ben Thomas, General Manager at Penshurst Place, says: “Penshurst Place first introduced the Toy Museum in 1970, and for 55 years it has sparked joy and wonder across generations. With the generous support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’ve transformed the space into something even more magical, engaging and interactive for families to discover together. We look forward to welcoming everyone on 31 July to celebrate the reopening with us.”

Nicky Stitchman, Head of Visitors and Collections at Penshurst Place, adds: “Reviving these treasured toys has been a journey of discovery. As each doll and teddy was cleaned and brought back to life, we were reminded of the joy and imagination they inspire. In curating the existing exhibits and introducing new, more contemporary pieces, we hope visitors will reminisce about their childhood favourites and that families will reconnect through their own stories in our newly designed zones.”

Dr Hon Philip Sidney, heir to Penshurst Place, comments: “The Toy Museum celebrates the enduring importance of toys and play across the generations, and it’s wonderful to see my childhood teddy, Soldier Ted, and other treasured family toys displayed so beautifully in the reimagined exhibition. We’re delighted to share our family memories with visitors, and we hope that our cherished toys – along with the other items in this magical collection – will bring as much pleasure to our visitors and their families as they have to us. ”

Stuart McLeod, Director – London & South, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, says: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re proud to support the revitalisation of The Toy Museum – a much-loved collection that brings generations together. This project not only preserves a wonderful heritage toy collection for future generations, but also offers new opportunities for learning, creativity and connection for families, schools and communities across Kent and the southeast.”

The second and final phase of the project will be completed in autumn and will include the welcome return of the popular Drinking Bear automaton from its conservation in Scotland, along with the installation of a new accessibility lift at the museum entrance.

Key Details at a Glance:

What: Reopening of the Toy Museum with 55th‑anniversary Teddy‑Bear Picnic and family‑fun celebration (free entry for under‑16s with teddy, when accompanied by a full paying adult)
When: Thursday 31 July 2025

• Gardens open: 10 am
• Museum opens: 11 am–5 pm
• Events:

• • Face‑painting & crafts 11 am–3:30 pm (Coach House)
  • Giant garden games 10 am–5 pm
  • Selfie stations 10 am–5 pm (Italian Garden, picnic area, Visitor Entrance)
  • DJ set during lunch 12 noon–2 pm (Picnic area)
  • Storytelling sessions (11:30 am, 12.30, 2:30 & 3.30 pm (Stage Garden)

Where: Penshurst Place & Gardens, TN11 8DG
Tickets: Included in gardens and grounds admission (picnics welcome; no advance booking required)
Funding: Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund

ENDS

Photo Credit Penshurst Place and Gardens