Penshurst Place & Gardens reopens for the 2026 season on 14 February

Penshurst Place is delighted to announce it will reopen its gardens for the 2026 visitor season on Saturday, 14 February 2026, welcoming families back after its winter closure with daily opening throughout the February school half-term holiday and, thereafter, at weekends until 28 March, when the house and gardens will fully open each day.

Perfect for blowing away the winter cobwebs, the advent of a new season at Penshurst Place offers families the chance to enjoy crisp seasonal walks, playful outdoor adventures and relaxed weekends exploring the heritage gardens as spring begins to stir.

During the school break, from 14 February to 22 February, visitors can enjoy a brand-new children’s garden trail, explore the historic gardens as nature begins to awaken, and rediscover much-loved attractions including the Toy Museum and adventure playground.

Following half-term, the house and gardens at Penshurst Place will revert to weekend-only opening during February and March, until 28 March, when they will open daily for the main 2026 season.

Garden Trail — February half-term and weekends: 14–22 February 2026

Trail :   10.00am – 4.30pm

Help the Hunt for Percy Porcupine’s Party Food Feast

Families visiting during February half-term are invited to take part in a new self-guided garden trail, Percy Porcupine’s Party Food Feast, designed to entertain younger visitors while encouraging exploration of the formal gardens.

Children following the trail will discover the enchanting tale of Percy Porcupine’s birthday party. His invited friends have each brought an item of food with them to the party but, in the excitement of their arrival, the party food has been misplaced around the gardens. Poor Percy needs the help of Penshurst’s young visitors to search the gardens for the missing items and match each treat to the correct party guest before the celebration can begin.

Trail sheets are available for collection at the visitor entrance on arrival, with the activity suitable for children of primary age. The trail will run daily from 10.00am to 4.30pm throughout half-term and is included within the cost of standard garden admission.

A fresh start to the season

February marks the beginning of a new gardening year at Penshurst Place when early signs of spring start to emerge across the 11 acres of historic formal gardens. Snowdrops, birdsong and budding greenery offer a welcome reminder that the landscape is beginning to stir after winter.

Alongside the garden trail, families can enjoy time in the Adventure Playground, ideal for letting off steam after the winter months indoors, explore the surrounding parkland for fresh air and seasonal discovery, and visit the much-loved Toy Museum with interactive and discovery elements that appeal to visitors of all ages.

The winter closure enables gardeners to carry out essential maintenance work and allows the conservation and housekeeping teams time for cleaning, conservation and preparation of the state rooms ahead of welcoming visitors back.

Visitor facilities open year-round

The Porcupine Pantry and Gift Shop remain open throughout the year, offering hot and cold refreshments, light lunches, gifts and plants, and providing a welcoming stop for walkers and visitors alike.

Opening information

• 14 February to 28 March 2026: Open at weekends — House, Gardens, Toy Museum and playground
• 16 February to 20 February 2026: Open daily for school half-term — Gardens, Toy Museum and playground
• 28 March to 1 November 2026: Open daily — House, Gardens, Toy Museum, playground and Woodland Walk