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Penns in the Rocks

Large garden with spectacular outcrop of rocks, 140 million yrs old. Lake, C18 temple and woods. Daffodils, bluebells, azaleas, magnolia and tulips. Old walled garden with herbaceous borders, roses and shrubs. Stone sculptures by Richard Strachey. Part C18 house (not open) once owned by William Penn of Pennsylvania. Cash only on the day please.

Owner Info

Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks
Penns in the Rocks

About Penns in the Rocks

Penns in the Rocks is an early 18th Century redbrick house, built for the family of William Penn of Pennsylvania. The house is set opposite a natural outcrop of monumental sandstone rocks, and in the 20th Century was home to Dorothy Wellesley, the Bloomsbury poet and friend of WB Yeates. She erected the temple which faces the front of the house, and which is dedicated to ‘The poets who loved Penns’. In 1956, after her death, Penns was acquired by the Gibson family, who live there still. The late Lord Gibson was Chairman of the Arts Council, and of the National Trust. He and Lady Gibson remodelled the interior of the house, and with the help of Lanning Roper adapted the garden from Dorothy Wellesley’s original design.

Website:

https://www.pennsintherocks.co.uk

Penns in the Rocks features

  • Bluebells
  • Countryside Views
  • Daffodils
  • Dahlias
  • Groups Welcome
  • Historical Garden
  • Plants for sale
  • Refreshments
  • Roses
  • Tulips
  • Wheelchair access
  • Wildlife Garden

Location details

Penns in the Rocks,
Tunbridge Wells,
East Sussex,
TN3 9PA

Directions to Penns in the Rocks
On B2188 Groombridge to Crowborough road, just S of Xrd to Withyham. For SatNav use TN6 1UX which takes you to the white drive gates, through which you should enter the property.

Penns in the Rocks openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Home-made teas. Refreshments in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Admission Adult: £7.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-18:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Home-made teas. Refreshments in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Admission Adult: £7.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-18:00

Accessibility

  • Restricted wheelchair access. No disabled WC.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Penns in the Rocks at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at  Penns in the Rocks, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Penns in the Rocks are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Penns in the Rocks seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.