We were very disappointed to read your review, which appears to be well out of line with the overwhelmingly positive feedback that the Estate receives on this site and elsewhere – including from the local community. Without wishing to blow our own trumpet, we would agree with the article in the Times last month about a walk around the Estate, that described ‘beautifully maintained countryside, giving off a whiff of money well spent’. Tens of thousands of pounds are invested annually in the wider Estate, so that hundreds of thousands of visitors can enjoy its many miles of public rights of way and open spaces, as well as Penshurst Place and Gardens itself. If you have any concerns about how the Estate is run you are of course welcome to get in touch with us directly rather than through this site – especially if you have concerns about animal welfare. We are committed to protecting and preserving the natural environment on this historic landed estate, and place great importance on maintaining an environment where wildlife can thrive (for example consulting with the Kent Wildlife Trust on protected boundaries to safeguard against dogs and other natural predators, and supporting insects and wider ecology through tree and wildflower planting). No estate is run perfectly and we’re always open to constructive feedback, so do drop us an email or pick up the phone to our Estate Manager (contact details are on our website). Looking forward to hearing from you!

Hello eggybreadUk, thank you for your review and for your visit to Penshurst Place. I'm pleased to read that you enjoyed the gardens and our other facilities, our staff certainly rate the cakes too! I do hope we can welcome you back soon.

Hello radiobuff thank you for visiting and for taking the time to review your time with us. I am pleased to read that you enjoyed your visit to Penshurst Place, I do hope we can welcome you back soon.

Hello debbiequested, thank you for visiting us and for your kind review. Our commitment is first and foremost to visitor safety and so we have continued to ask all visitors who are able to, to wear a mask indoors, as well as leaving ample hand sanitiser stations throughout the site, and perspex screens where required. I'm pleased to read that this was well-received by you during your visit. I do hope we can welcome you back soon.

Dear Mark, Thank you for your review and for visiting us here at Penshurst Place. I’m sorry to read that after your visit you felt we were simply a nice picnic spot. With 11 acres of beautiful formal gardens, a medieval house and centuries of history behind us, we are much more than that. As a listed building, we are somewhat limited as to the alterations we can make to accommodate our visitors with accessibility issues, though we acknowledge there is always more one can do to ensure all visitors are informed and confident about adjustments to their visit, before they head out, and we will be reviewing how we communicate this information. That leads me to address your issues with the House itself, and whilst I could happily talk through the period furniture and the family portraits in the House and their historical importance to the owners and indeed the nation, you overstepped the line from a constructive review to an insulting one with your offensive comment about our (paid) members of staff. Outside of their working hours, our staff read, research and learn about the Sidney family at Penshurst Place and we are incredibly grateful for their loyalty and passion for our history, the family, and our team. Your comment has negated any positive impact you might have intended to make.