Knole House Kent

Knole House in Sevenoaks, Kent is a historic country house, set in the surrounding 1,000 acre Knowle Park. Knole House dates back to the late 15th century.

Knole House is one of the largest houses in Britain. It is believed to have once been a so-called “calendar house” – a residence having 365 rooms, 52 staircases, 12 entrances, and seven courtyards.

The house and gardens in the snow

History

Knole House was constructed during the Tudor and Stuart periods of English history from the 15th to 16th centuries. The house was begun as a palace by an Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Bourchier in 1456, on the site of an earlier residence.

It passed briefly into the possession of Henry VIII until the Sackville family, cousins of Queen Elizabeth I, became the owners.

Descendants of the Sackville family continue to live in parts of the house to the present day.

Knowle House and its vast deer park is also supported by the National Trust. The NT restores and preserves the structure as well as organizes a variety of events, both cultural and sporting, to attract the paying public.

The gardens at Knole House

Treasures

Knowle House is a treasure chest of historic paintings and furniture. Its walls are lined with portraits by such greats as Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, and Van Dyck. In addition, the interior boasts a superb Italian staircase, several Tudor and Stuart fireplaces, as well as England’s oldest organ.

The house also has numerous literary connections. The writer Vita Sackville-West wrote on the house in her Knole and the Sackvilles (1922). As well her lover Virginia Woolf draws on Knowle and its inhabitants as a source of inspiration for her novel Orlando (1928).

Knowle has also appeared as a backdrop for a Beatles video and in several films including A Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Deer outside Knole House Kent

Access – Getting There

Knowle (National Trust)
Sevenoaks
Kent, TN15 0RP
(Sat Nav TN13 1HU)

The nearest station is Sevenoaks, one and a half miles away. Sevenoaks bus station is nearer, however.

The Vintage Bus runs out to Knowle on select days between March and September.

The stately home dates back to the late 15th century

Hours

Check the National Trust website for comprehensive opening times. The showrooms close over the winter until March but thereafter Knowle Park is open throughout the year.

Book a Hotel in London - from 5 stars to budget options

Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge Tours with Stonehenge Tickets from London

Westminster Abbey Tickets & Tours

Tickets For London Attractions - Tiqets.com

Luggage Storage in London