Penshurst is a picturesque medieval village nestled in the Weald of Kent countryside, due south of Sevenoaks and north west of Tunbridge Wells making it a commuter hotspot.
The heart of the village is a cluster of historic Tudor timber framed buildings concentrated around St Johns Church and picturesque Leicester Square. Historically Penshurst came within the Lowry of Tonbridge after the Norman Conquest. The lands were confiscated to help build and sustain Tonbridge Castle and it’s garrison.
Local Life
The village is best known for Penshurst Place, the 14th century ancestral home of Henry VIII. 48 acres of grounds, lakes and woodlands ready for you to explore on foot or cycle. Part of the Eden Valley trail runs through the estate and you can cycle the Penshurst to Tonbridge route, hiring bikes on site at Country Bike. Events are run year-round including wilderness camping, bird of prey display shows, Run or Dye family fun run, wedding fairs, firework displays or visit the monthly farmers market for an array of delicious locally sourced produce. The local cricket teams still play on the grounds’ pitch, one of oldest in England. The Penshurst Point to Point route runs through the grounds.
The village has plenty to offer aside from the architecture and history. The village hall hosts events and fairs including the vintage Brocante fair, Christmas fair or try the Gong Bath experience. Local amenities include the village shop, school, post office and garage in the converted Old Forge building (look out for the large timber horseshoe shaped entrance). Or visit Fir Tree House Tea Rooms part of the English Cream Tea Trail. The Leicester Arms is the village pub and hotel loved by locals, hikers and dogs. The annual village fete remains a big part of the community life.
On the outskirts of the village, at Smarts Hill, you can find the popular Spotted Dog and the Bottle House Inn, both 15th century country inns. Or head to Kingdom off Grove Road, 13 acres of woodland for cycling and yoga. Call into their Woodland Kitchen café and the Hidden Hut for vintage and artisan home interiors.
Further afield Hever Castle and Hall Place are popular visitor attractions and Sevenoaks (9 miles by car) where you will find an array of independent shops, restaurants, bars and cafes and Knole House, a 1,000-acre medieval deer park.
Travel
The closest railway station is two miles from the village centre, at Chiddingstone Causeway on the Tonbridge to Redhill railway line and Tonbridge itself is just under 5 miles from the village for commuter access to London and the coastlines. Regular buses run to Edenbridge 231 & 233 and by car you have easy access to the A21 and M20, M26 and M25 motorway links.
