AROC Surrey Section Picnic 2025

This year Surrey Section are holding their annual summer family picnic at Penshurst Place (https://www.penshurstplace.com/) in Kent. This is an opportunity for you to bring your own picnic and join us for our annual communal picnic.

Penshurst Place & Gardens and the surrounding estate have stood in the historic village of Penshurst since the 14th century, when the awe-inspiring medieval Baron’s Hall was completed in 1341 as a country retreat for the Lord Mayor of London. Penshurst Place is the ancestral home of the Sidney family who have taken care of the estate since 1552. After passing through the hands of two of Henry IV's sons, followed by Henry VIII who used it as a hunting lodge. Penshurst Place was given to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII, it was then briefly in the hands of Sir Ralph Fane and was finally gifted by Henry VIII's son, Edward VI, to his loyal steward and tutor, Sir William Sidney.

Key points to see are:

The Baron’s Hall, crowned by an original 60ft high chestnut beamed ceiling.

The Victorian Kitchen.

There are 48 acres of grounds to explore including 11 Acres of formal Grade I listed gardens. There are walking trails through the grounds and riverside walks.

AROC have a dedicated parking area, separate from the public carpark, for us to display our Alfa Romeos. We will benefit from a group rate for entry into the house and gardens.

The Porcupine Pantry Café will be open for drinks and snacks, in addition to your own picnic.

There are 7 options for tickets. If you purchase a ticket for entry into the house and/or gardens you do not need to pay the £5/car fee.

• Entry to Picnic dedicated AROC parking, picnic and grounds only 

£5.00 per car. 

This does not provide for entry into the house or gardens it is to join the dedicated AROC parking and picnic

• Entry to dedicated AROC parking, picnic, grounds and formal Grade I listed gardens 

£13.00 per adult - £9.00 per person 16-18 yrs - £7.00 per < 16

No Entry to the house

• Entry to dedicated AROC parking, picnic, grounds house and formal Grade I listed gardens. 

£14.00 per adult - £9.50 per person 16-18 yrs - £7.50 per <16 yrs

This option covers all admissions