We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Penshurst Place on September 9th and thought we got very good value for our money for what was provided. The ancient house was very interesting indeed, as was the toy museum housed in a separate building; the gardens were good too (although being late in the season were a little past their prime). We had an enjoyable lunch at the Porcupine café at the entrance to the house. We noted that there was also children’s playground and a well -stocked gift shop on site. There is plenty of free parking near the entrance. It is worth noting that there are two entrances to Penshurst Place, our SatNav took us to the private entrance (that I also believe is used for weddings) however, it was easy to turn around at this entrance to drive a very short distance to the main visitor entrance. Incidentally, whilst having lunch I looked at the booklet regarding weddings at Penshurst Place and was very surprised to see how reasonable the costs were to have a wedding at such a grand venue. Overall, this was a lovely visit and I think we will return and bring our granddaughters with us in the future.

It's over 40 years since I was last here and I couldn't really remember it, but loved it from the start. The guide in the Great Hall was very welcoming and the other room guides friendly and knowledgeable. We loved the house. It was very hot, so spent less time in the garden, but what we saw we liked and there were plenty of flowers, including the Union Jack flag, which was past its best. The shop had an interesting range of items for sale. The cafe had a limited menu but the quiche and salad were excellent and reasonably priced and we managed to find a shaded spot in the courtyard. The car park is a walk from the house, via the garden and you have to enter via the ticket office. Entry is free to Historic House members and 2 for 1 with the BBC Gardeners World ticket (issued each May).

A fabulous place, extremely interesting, all staff in the house very pleasant and knowledgeable. A wonderful experience, until we arrived at the cafe. We arrived at the end of the day and asked if they were still selling tea and cake. We were told yes, that was not a problem.No mention about closing soon. Within ten minutes of us sitting down, we were told "we are closing now" I tried to explain that it is not possible to drink our tea that quickly. Two minutes later another young person came and told us the same again, when I tried to explain again, I was interrupted, when I then said, please hear me out, can I have some courtesy, I was told that was rude. I think these young people need a lesson in customer service.

Penshurst Place was a delight to visit today. Normally we are a little jaded when visiting 'a house and gardens' but for this visit we were absolutely enchanted. The staff were welcoming and knowledgeable when we toured the pretty empty house. Information was freely available and it was nice to have a lack rainbow lanyards and no attempt to denigrate past generations with supposed misdeeds such as tenuous links to slavery and a general guilt about the past. Hurrah for a family who are proud of their past. Despite the day being a cold, windy and wet March day we found the gardens to be the gem of the visit. The National Mistrust would do well to come and visit to see how to properly maintain and develop formal gardens, their 'enlightened' non treatment of their gardens ie not mowing or weeding is a disgrace. Even in early Spring one could see that these series of many tastefully 'themed' gardens were beautifully kept and must be a joy in Summer. We particularly liked the Flag garden (a Union Jack). The gardeners should be proud of their work. We finished in the cafe for a light snack, very nice coffee by the way. I would observe the menu for savoury snacks was a little difficult to obtain and could perhaps be a bit more prominent. In all a great day out.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here where the gardens are the star of the show. They are perfectly groomed and are wonderful to explore. The garden opened before the house, which is sensible because they are the main attraction. Inside the house was interesting but there weren’t many rooms opened compared to other historical places I’ve visited. There’s an extensive history of the house near the entrance to the house which is well worth reading if you like to know the history, which I do.

Excellent gardens and house. Well worth joining the Head Gardeners tour. So informative and informal. Terrific insight to his job. Every garden 'room' is an experience. The house is also so interesting and the addition of the small Toy Museum a bonus. Like so many properties of the landed gentry this also parades it's past and wealth. There is a slight difference here in that the family still live here and share their past and property with the public. The whole place has an informal feel and it is comfortable to walk around. There are several large photgraphs of varios TV & fim production thta have taken place here including Wolf Hall, but sadly these have not been presnted well and are curling with the atmosphere and should be either better mounted and/or printed to acetate or acrylic sheets. The Porcupine Cafe is also very good BUT canaot cope with large numbers effectively. There should be a 'fast lane' for those just want cans/bottled drinks so not haveing to queue with those wanting coffees and meals. This can be easily achieved by moving the till down the counter and away from the coffee order point. The current set up probably works for 90% of the time but when it is a special day or weekend opening then they need to accomodate numeber better. We went on a special weekend and there was a 50% deal on plants bought from the shop-such good value. This is an excllent venue to visit and so well priced compared to NT and other properties around.

Lovely sunny day. Plenty of good parking near to the entrance. Entrance fee I felt was reasonable compared to somewhere like Alnwick Castle and garden which I thought was excessive. The house was impressive and the guides were pleasant and helpful. The star of the show was the gardens - lovely.

Really lovely day, super gardens and interesting house full of history. Lots to do. The only downside was the cafe. Very slow service, cycling clubs taking up all the tables. Huge queues. Should be a separate area for those just wanting a hot takeaway drink, ordering 9 drinks and then sitting at huge tables for an hour so no one else can sit down.

Penshurst was really wonderful. Something for everyone. History buffs, garden lovers and kids- I remembered the advdnture playground very fondly from my childhood and was delighted to see it still there 40 years later! The gardens and house are really well maintained, I was really surprised by a recent reviewer not feeling the same (and I really noticed the favourable difference compared with nearby National Trust property Ightam Mote). The staff we met were all courteous and informative without being intrusive. We all felt that we'd had a lovely day out and that it was value for money (which cannot be said for all of the similar venues in the Kent-Sussex area. Recommended.

Beautiful vast gardens, although they are coming to the end of the season, I can only imagine they are even better in the spring. The house is still partially lived in so you can only see certain rooms. There is a lot of history in the house and staff on hand to explain facts about the rooms/ hall. Tea room was pleasant but I would not recommend the hot chocolate, served in a messy dipping cup. Muffin was good. Staff are young and need some guidance, sticking to one order at an end would ensure people are not forgotten and wait ages. Free visit with historic houses. Parking also free.