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Knole sits within a 1,000-acre deer park in Sevenoaks, Kent. Records of a manor house here go back to 1250, with a major building project beginning around 1444. Archbishop Thomas Bourchier acquired Knole in 1456 and developed it into an archbishop’s palace.
Knole became a royal residence under Henry VIII in 1538.
Thomas Sackville purchased Knole in 1603. His family went on to remodel the house and fill it with the collections that visitors can see today.
In 1946, Knole was given to the National Trust. The Sackville-West family retained private apartments, most of the parkland, the deer herd and some of the house’s contents. If you’re unfamiliar with the organisation, my guide to the National Trust explains more.
In 2019 an extended preservation project, “Inspired by Knole”, was completed to restore and improve the structures of the buildings and thus help to preserve its important collections.
Hence when I was there, I could only visit some parts of the house, the Orangery, the roof terrace and the parkland, which is still populated by wild deer.
What to see at Knole
Knole is home to one of the rarest collections in the world. Royal Stuart furniture, paintings and textiles fill the historic interiors.
The showrooms contain historic furniture, paintings and textiles, while the Gatehouse Tower offers views across the park. Check which areas are open when planning your visit.
There’s a widespread myth that Knole is a calendar house with 365 rooms, 52 staircases, 12 entrances and 7 courtyards.
The golf course of Knole Park Golf Club is located within Knole Park.
And the park was the location for the Beatles’ “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry Fields Forever” promotional video.
Admission and booking
There are different tickets for the outdoor areas and Gatehouse Tower, and for visits that also include the showrooms. Check the Knole booking guide to choose the right one, including free admission tickets for National Trust members.
How to get there
Sevenoaks is the nearest railway station. The walk to Knole goes uphill through the town, so allow time for that part of the journey. The official Knole transport information explains the walking route and nearby bus stops.
You can check train times and fares on Trainline, where you can also book your tickets and keep everything in one place.
Use postcode TN13 1HX and follow the National Trust signs. Parking is included in admission tickets; book for everyone in the car, particularly at weekends and during school holidays, when booking is essential.
If you’re only visiting the deer park, you can walk in without a booking and use public parking in Sevenoaks instead. Check the Knole booking guide before travelling.
Nearby places to visit
If you’d like to explore more of Kent, you could also visit:
- Ightham Mote, a moated manor house with gardens.
- Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s former home.
- Chiddingstone, a historic village with Tudor buildings.
- Hever Castle, once home to the Boleyn family.
If you’re exploring Kent, Knole is a place to combine historic interiors with a walk through the deer park.
I hope you like it as much as I did!
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