It has been named among the best places to live in the county
The breathtaking Penshurst Place and Gardens.(Image: Getty Images)
All over Kent you can find amazing villages, bursting with character and unique attributes which offer many wonderful days out. Some are among the county’s most well-known and celebrated destinations, while others are more obscure or, perhaps, overshadowed by their more famous neighbours.
This could certainly be argued to be the case for the gorgeous settlement of Penshurst, nestled between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, six miles south of Sevenoaks at the confluence of the River Medway and the River Eden. A real countryside treasure, the destination showcases an ancient hump-backed bridge surrounded by rolling fields and traditional hedgerows.
With its historic properties and picture-perfect scenery, it is little wonder Penshurst was once named among the best destinations to live in Kent. The leafy village found a place among Kent’s top spots to settle down on Muddy Stilettos’ annual ranking for 2025, though sadly did not quite make the cut for the 2026 edition.
At the time, the publication described the village as “so pretty that it looks like it’s straight out of a period drama”. This is no small part thanks to the area’s abundance of eye-catching architecture.
From white weather-boarded homes to Tudor red-bricks, buildings in every direction are a feast for your eyes so it’s clear to see why the travel blog gave it such high praise. Muddy Stilettos even went so far as to say: “This could easily take the crown as the most charming village in Kent.”
Penshurst houses approximately 1,628 residents and, alongside charming small period properties, numerous grand estates can be found on the village outskirts. These command prices running into many millions of pounds, reports the Express.
A trip to Penshurst Place and Gardens is absolutely essential, as it truly represents the crown jewel of the village – indeed, the original gem around which the entire settlement developed. It has been owned by the Sidney family since 1552, it had been used as a hunting lodge by Henry VIII and later given to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce settlement from him.
The property was gifted by Henry VIII’s son Edward VI to his loyal steward and tutor, Sir William Sidney. In 1991, the current owner Philip Sidney, 2nd Viscount De L’Isle, who was the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, continued his family’s stewardship of Penshurst Place, with his wife Isobel and their two grown up children, Philip and Sophia.
The pub in the village The Leicester Arms was once part of the Penshurst Estate, and owned by Sir William. One of Sir William’s two grandsons was Robert Sidney, the Viscount De L’isle, who was appointed the Earl of Leicester in 1618.
It was shortly after this the pub The Porcupine, was renamed in his honour as The Leicester Arms. But what was also named in his honour was Leicester Square in London.
In 1636, Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester, bought a large plot of land near Westminster in London. He had built a residence to match the Sidney’s prestige.
Leicester House was roughly twice the size of Penshurst Place. Paintings of the house are hanging in the Tapestry Room at Penshurst Place.
Alongside the aforementioned Leicester Arms, previous visitors recommend paying 15th century free-house The Bottle House a visit, known for its copper-topped bar and delicious menu, carefully crafted with seasonal and local produce. Those looking for a more casual dining experience should stop by the Porcupine Pantry located by the visitor’s entrance of Penshurst Place.
The cafe is free to visit and makes a delightful spot for some midday refreshments and relaxation. Another of the most notable features found in the village centre is the charming Forges Store, instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive horseshoe-shaped entrance.
Stocking a vibrant selection of local produce, as well as everyday household supplies and plants, the shop hosts a pop-up bakery on select days too. At the heart of the village is Penshurst Park, ideal for anyone with an affinity for spending time outside, serving as a great spot for an afternoon stroll or quiet picnic on those precious sunny days.
For the sporty types, Penshurst has its own cricket team and cricket grounds, as well as a football club, while Kingdom hosts a variety of fitness classes and training sessions. During the summer, the Penshurst community comes together for several exciting events including the Village Fete, featuring dog shows, birds of prey demonstrations, delicious food and fun games for the whole family to enjoy.
The annual Duck Race is another tradition that’s not to be missed, typically taking place in August, complete with a barbecue, live music and a bar. During the colder half of the year, fireworks are held in October before Penshurst Christmas Market brings some festive magic to the area.
If all of this is enough to entice you to become a full-time resident, it is worth noting that property purchases in Penshurst require particularly deep pockets. According to Rightmove, homes in the area sold for an average of £573,500 in the past year, with the majority of properties sold being terraced properties for an average price of £222,000, while flats fetched an average of £925,000.
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