Penshurst Attractions

Situated to the east of Chiddingstone, the village of Penshurst (5mi/8km from Tunbridge Wells) is dominated by its church, the old Leicester Arms Hotel on the other side of the street, but most of all by Penshurst Place, a Gothic mansion with battlements dating from the middle of the 14th century, which is the seat of the Viscount de L'Isle. Passing its trimmed yew-trees and meticulously planned park, the visitor reaches the gray stone walls of the house, the north and west fronts of which date from 1585, as does the King's Tower. The medieval great hall of 1340 has massive chestnut beams supporting its roof. Its collection of paintings is dominated by pictures of the Sydneys, who once owned the estate. The visitor will also find a farm museum and an adventure playground for children.