Six weeks of family activities, interactive experiences and outdoor fun for school holidays included with standard admission at a lower price due to the Government’s VAT reduction.
Dinosaurs, daring woodland challenges, hidden garden trails and swashbuckling adventures await families at Penshurst Place and Gardens this summer, as six weeks of holiday activities invite children to explore, create, play and discover the historic Kent estate in new ways.
From 22 July through to 31 August, the estate’s gardens, woodland and open spaces become the backdrop for a packed programme of family entertainment, repeating weekly. Hidden bees are waiting to be discovered amongst the flower borders, bushcraft adventures take over the Woodland Trail, pirates sail into the gardens and dinosaurs roam the grounds through a series of interactive performances designed to encourage learning through discovery and play.
Included within standard garden admission, the programme offers families the opportunity to combine organised activities with access to the Adventure Playground, Toy Museum, Woodland Walk and 11 acres of Grade I-listed gardens, making Penshurst Place an ideal destination for a full day out during the summer holidays.
Where Could They Bee?
Daily | 10am to 5pm throughout the summer holidays, starting 22 July
Hidden amongst the gardens, oversized bees are waiting to be discovered as the popular ‘Where Could They ‘Bee’?’ children’s trail returns for the summer holidays.
Armed with a trail sheet collected from the Visitor Entrance, budding wildlife detectives can follow clues around the estate, searching for hidden bees while uncovering a mystery word. Along the way, the trail encourages families to slow down, explore their surroundings and discover some of the wildlife and seasonal highlights found throughout the gardens.
Camp Wilderness Bushcraft Skills
Wednesdays throughout the summer holidays, starting 22 July
10am to 4pm — Bushcraft | 12noon and 2.30pm — camouflage and concealment games
Outdoor adventure takes over the Woodland Trail every Wednesday as Camp Wilderness returns with bushcraft skills, archery, axe-throwing, woodland games and campfire s’mores making.
From learning how to build a fire to developing woodland survival skills, the experience introduces families to a range of practical outdoor activities in a safe and engaging environment. Camouflage and concealment games, running at 12 noon and 2.30pm, add an extra layer of challenge, encouraging participants to test their observation, teamwork and problem-solving skills while exploring the woodland setting.
Popular with children and grown-ups alike, Camp Wilderness offers the chance to swap screens for the great outdoors and discover new skills together.
Get Creative in the Coach House
Tuesdays and Thursdays | starting 23 July | 11am–3.30pm
Creativity takes centre stage in the Old Coach House every Tuesday and Thursday, where themed craft activities draw inspiration from animals, nature and sporting challenges.
From animal creations to sporty take-home projects, the sessions encourage children to let their imaginations run wild while creating their own holiday keepsakes. Providing a relaxed contrast to the more energetic outdoor activities, the craft sessions offer a chance to get creative while continuing the wider themes of exploration, discovery and play found throughout the summer programme.
NEW Wild Safari Saturdays
Every Saturday from 25 July to 29 August | 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm
New for summer 2026, Wild Safari Saturdays brings dinosaurs, animals and the natural world to life through a series of interactive live performances and family challenges.
Running every Saturday from 25 July to 29 August, costumed performers become fearless explorers, towering dinosaurs and fascinating creatures from the animal kingdom, sharing surprising facts and inviting families to become part of the action.
One moment visitors may be learning about prehistoric giants through dinosaur-themed encounters and interactive demonstrations, while the next they could be testing their speed against a cheetah, balancing like a flamingo or discovering how different animals move, hunt and survive through a series of games and observational challenges.
Designed to encourage curiosity, movement and participation through several timed performances and spontaneous encounters with costumed animal actors roaming the gardens throughout the day, this fun family activity combines entertainment with learning in a way that helps children discover more about the natural world through hands-on experiences and imaginative play.
Storytelling Sundays – The Hunt for Penshurst’s Treasure
Sundays | from 26 July 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm
Pirates, treasure maps and high-seas adventure arrive at Penshurst Place every Sunday, as Aardvark brings the classic tale of The Hunt for Penshurst’s Treasure to life in a lively panto-style storytelling performance around the gardens.
Packed with larger-than-life characters, humour and optional audience participation, the interactive sessions invite families to join the adventure, meet colourful characters and help steer the story towards its exciting conclusion.
Combining laughter, imagination and storytelling within the surroundings of the Grade I-listed gardens, the performances provide a fitting finale to each week of summer activities.
All summer holiday activities at Penshurst Place and Gardens are included with standard admission unless otherwise stated.
Alongside the full Summer Fun programme, visitors can also enjoy the Adventure Playground, Woodland Walk, Toy Museum, Porcupine Pantry café, Gift Shop and extensive gardens.
For more info visit Penshurst Place website: https://www.penshurstplace.com
