A summer full of festivals, theatre, creativity and classic family fun awaits visitors at Penshurst Place this year, with a packed seasonal programme running throughout the summer and school holidays from 19th July to 31st August 2025.
In a series of special ticketed events, there will be the chance to see the gardens illuminated for the first time in Glowfest, part of the Hever Festival, with live performers, ballet dancers and music across the gardens. On another evening, enjoy an early evening theatre performance of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, with access to wander the garden after it closes to the public. Last but not least, the ever-popular weekend Volks Weald Show returns, with classic cars on display, live music, food and entertainment for all the family.
And throughout the school break and August bank holiday, families can enjoy a range of engaging activities including immersive storytelling, hands-on craft sessions, spectacular falconry displays, drop-in bushcraft sessions with archery and axe-throwing, and have-a-go laser clay shooting – all included within the price of a standard admission ticket.
As well as participating in all the activities on offer, visitors to Penshurst Place can explore the 11-acre Grade I listed gardens, historic staterooms inside the house, Toy Museum, Woodland Trail with natural play equipment and den-building area, and children’s adventure playground. Plus stop for a welcome break in the Porcupine Pantry café and browse in the gift shop. With something happening almost every day, Penshurst Place is the perfect summer destination for families looking for fun, history, and hands-on adventure.
Individual event information (in date order):
Glowfest by Hever Festival – 28th June
- Time: From 7:00pm
• Booking; www.heverfestival.co.uk
Penshurst Place’s historic garden is set to be illuminated for the first time, becoming the stage for an extraordinary artistic adventure at Glowfest — an immersive promenade performance taking place on the evening of Friday 28th June. Part of the Hever Festival programme, the event features stunning acts, feasting, and dancing across the 11 beautiful Elizabethan garden rooms, in a glorious out-of-hours summer celebration, allowing history and performance to intertwine for one spectacular evening.
Outdoor Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Thursday 4th July
- Doors open: 5:30pm | Performance begins: 7:00pm
• Tickets: £25.00 per person (includes exclusive garden access before the show)
• Run time: Approx. 2 hours with intermission
• Booking: https://events.liveit.io/penshurst-place-gardens/outdoor-theatre-a-midsummer-nights-dream/
Penshurst Place welcomes back the talented actors from Facsimile Productions for an enchanting open-air performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the South Lawn. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or picnic chairs and settle down for the comedic capers of one of Shakespeare’s most-loved plays. With access to wander the garden after it closes to the public, and an on-site bar offering summer drinks, it promises an evening of laughter, culture and history – all in a picture perfect setting.
Volks Weald Classic Volkswagen Show – 12th & 13th July
- Please note: Penshurst Place is not the organiser of this event.
• For full details, prices and ticketing options visit: www.volksweald.co.uk
Now in its sixth year, Volks Weald returns as the South East’s biggest family-friendly VW celebration with classic cars, live music, great food, kids’ discos, dog shows, and plenty more in a festival atmosphere across the weekend-long event.
Falconry Shows – Select Saturdays
- Dates: Saturday 19th July, 2nd August, 16th August & 30th August
• Times: Shows at 11am, 2pm and 4pm | Included in admission
Watch incredible birds of prey take to the skies with Joe’s Bows in a series of spectacular aerial falconry displays above historic Penshurst Place. Then meet the birds and their handlers on the Lime Walk to learn more about these fascinating avian kings of the sky.
Alice in Wonderland Storytelling – Sundays
- Dates: Every Sunday from 20th July to 31st August
• Shows: 11am, 12 noon, 2pm, 3pm (20-minute performances) in Stage Garden | Included in admission
Step into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland this summer and enjoy a family-friendly performance from Aardvarkevery Sunday as they bring to life this classic children’s tale in a funny, pantomime-style show that gets everyone involved, young and old alike.
Summer Holiday Crafts – Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Dates: Every Tuesday & Thursday, 22nd July – 28th August
• Times: 11.30am – 3.30pm | Included in admission
Let imaginations run wild in The Old Coach House, where children can get creative with a range of make-and-take craft activities. From colourful creations to quirky keepsakes, there’s something for every budding artist to take home and proudly show off.
Bushcraft in the Woods with Camp Wilderness – Wednesdays
- Dates: Every Wednesday from 23rd July – 27thAugust
• Format: From 10am, last session at 4pm | Included in admission
Get ready to walk on the wild side every Wednesday during the school holidays with Camp Wilderness. Taking place on the Woodland Trail, these hands-on drop-in sessions introduce children and families to bushcraft skills in a safe and natural environment. Plus, there will be s’mores making all day and the chance to have a go at axe-throwing and archerythroughout the day.
Laser Clay Shooting – Select Saturdays
- Dates: Saturdays 26th July, 9th August & 23rd August
• Times: Drop-in sessions throughout the day 11am to 4.30pm | Included in admission
Joe’s Bows brings a high-tech twist on a countryside classic to Penshurst Place — laser clay shooting with infrared-equipped deactivated shotguns. Under the expert supervision of Joe’s Bows, visitors can have a go using the safe laser guns to shoot at a target and find the best marksman in the family.
August Bank Holiday weekend — Saturday 23rd August to Monday 25th August
- Saturday 23rd August – Laser Clay Shooting
• Sunday 24th August – Bushcraft with axe-throwing, archery and s’mores making
• Sunday 24th August – Alice in Wonderlandstorytelling in the garden
• Monday 25th August – Bushcraft with axe-throwing, archery and s’mores making
The last bank holiday of the summer is set to be a favourite with visitors to Penshurst Place as they try their hand at laser clay shooting, axe-throwing, s’mores making, archery and bushcraft skills. Or for those seeking a more leisurely activity, settle down on the grass in the Stage Garden to watch a wacky performance by Aardvark on Bank Holiday Sunday as they bring to life their version of Alice in Wonderland – a feast of fun for all the family. Each day brings a new activity to try that — all included within the price of a standard garden admission.
For events details and times visit: https://www.penshurstplace.com/whats-on/events-and-activities
For more information on opening times and tickets visit: www.penshurstplace.com
ENDS
