Penshurst Place & Gardens

The vast historic house that is Penshurst Place in Kent lives up to all expectations of an English historic house, with its own church, 14th century guild hall, state rooms soaked in portraits and antiques and gardens of every type. The estate is often described as the grandest and most perfectly preserved example of a fortified manor house in all England and it's not hard to see why. Start with the Baron's Hall, built in 1342 with its wonderful chestnut beamed roof and take a wander through room after room of fabulous porcelains, furniture, tapestries and the odd armour or two. Outside there are 11 acres of walled gardens (check out the mile of yew trees) which are as ancient as the house itself, with walls and terraces laid out back in the Elizabethan era. So far, so adult. But there's heaps of stuff for kids here too. There are regular story telling events, woodland trails with quiz sheet, historic re-enactments, a maze and an adventure playground with chickens to feed. The Garden Restaurant serves lovely hot and cold lunches while the Porcupine Pantry and Kiosk (in the playground) will keep you in tasty little snacks and refreshments.