Knole House & Knole Park, Sevenoaks: A Complete Visitor Guide
Set within 1,000 acres of historic parkland on the edge of Sevenoaks, Knole House and Knole Park are among Kent’s most impressive heritage attractions. Knole has been an archbishop’s palace, a royal residence, and the Sackville family home for over 400 years. Today, visitors can explore its grand showrooms, climb the Gatehouse Tower, and wander through the last surviving medieval deer park in Kent.
Knole House in Knole Park
Knole House: History & Showrooms
Managed by the National Trust, Knole House is one of the largest houses in England and is often referred to as a “calendar house” with 365 rooms, 52 staircases, and seven courtyards.
Highlights inside include:
Showrooms – displaying textiles, paintings, and a world-class collection of Royal Stuart furniture.
Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio – located in a medieval barn, where visitors can watch conservation in action.
Collections Store – housing rare and significant artefacts.
The house has been shaped by the Sackville family, who still reside in part of the estate.
Gatehouse Tower
Climb the spiral staircase of the Gatehouse Tower, once the private apartment of writer Eddy Sackville-West. From the rooftop, enjoy panoramic views across Knole Park and the surrounding Kent countryside.
Deer, native to Knole Park
Knole Park: Medieval Deer Park
Knole sits within the only surviving medieval deer park in Kent, covering over 1,000 acres. The park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to:
Free-roaming fallow and sika deer (please observe from a distance)
Colour-coded walking trails through woodland, hills, and valleys
Perfect picnic spots and open spaces for walking, running, and cycling
Of the park’s 1,000 acres, around 100 are cared for by the National Trust, with the remainder managed by the Sackville Estate.
Visiting Information
Opening Times
Knole House Showrooms: Seasonal opening (check the National Trust website for details)
Gatehouse Tower: Included with Outdoor & Tower ticket
Knole Park: Open daily, free pedestrian entry
Tickets & Admission
Outdoor & Tower Ticket (£6 adult): Includes Gatehouse Tower, Brewhouse Café, courtyards, shop, facilities, and car park.
Showrooms, Outdoor & Tower Ticket (£12 adult): Full access, including historic showrooms.
Upgrade option: Visitors can upgrade to full admission on the day at the Visitor Centre.
Members: Free admission and parking (membership card required).
Non-members: Tickets must be booked per person; parking included.
Parking
Parking is for ticket holders only — pre-booking is essential on weekends and school holidays.
Pedestrian entry to Knole Park is free, with public car parks available in Sevenoaks.
Blue Badge holders: Accessible parking available without pre-booking.
Car-Free Travel Discounts
Knole encourages sustainable travel:
2-for-1 admission tickets for visitors arriving by train or bus
20% off purchases in the gift shop and bookshop with valid public transport tickets
Facilities
Brewhouse Café – serving light lunches and refreshments (can be busy at weekends)
Picnic tables – near the car park and around the park
Toilets & Visitor Centre – located near the café
Special Tours
Alongside standard tickets, visitors can also book:
Attic Tours – explore hidden rooms and stories in Knole’s upper floors
Lord Sackville’s Private Garden – available on select guided tours
Why Visit Knole House & Park?
Knole is more than just a stately home — it’s a place where history, architecture, and nature come together. Whether you’re exploring the grandeur of the house, climbing the Gatehouse Tower, or walking among wild deer in the park, Knole is one of Kent’s most rewarding days out.
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