Knole

Get outdoors and embrace the change in season this autumn half term, with our wildlife walks and nature-themed arts and crafts for all the family.

The rut is the deers’ mating season. It happens every autumn, when antlers and egos are fully grown and testosterone runs high.

From the sweeping parkland with its wild deer herd to the grand showrooms and world-class collection, there is something for everyone at Knole. Whether you have an hour to spare or a full day ahead, plan a visit to Knole and enjoy a splendid day out in the Kent countryside.

Towering paintings and glinting furniture - many from the royal palaces of the 17th century - make it easy to see why tourists have flocked to Knole for 400 years. Five of our showrooms are open, whilst work continues elsewhere.

Climb the spiral staircase for panoramic views over the medieval parkland. Explore the rooms once home to Eddy Sackville-West as you go. His music records, gramophone and visitor book bring to life his time at Knole.

Peek into the store of our conservation studio to spot priceless treasures waiting to be conserved. From Wednesday to Saturday, join our conservators in the studio itself and get hands on at the interactive displays.

There are over 1,000 acres to roam in Knole Park. Catch a glimpse of the wild deer herd, picnic in the outdoor seating area or join a guided walk in Kent’s last medieval deer park.

Lord Sackville’s stunning private garden is open to visitors every Tuesday from 4 April until 26 September. Explore the walled garden, the wilderness area and a medieval orchard.

Enjoy lunch at the Brewhouse Café, browse the gift shop and plant sales or soak up the sunshine on the roof terrace. What would a visit be without a scone and tea?

Knole has many famous literary connections. Browse the shelves of our bookshop for historical novels, walking guides, cookery books and more. Families can settle down for a story in the children’s area.

Knole is full of treasures and was designed to impress its visitors. Originally an archbishop’s palace, the house passed through royal hands to the Sackville family – Knole’s inhabitants from 1603 to today.

Discover Vita Sackville-West's connection to Knole; her colourful life and her literary legacy as a poet, novelist, gardener, biographer and journalist.

From furniture to frames, our expert conservators will conserve more than eighty percent of Knole’s collection over the next two years. Find out what the members of our top team are most looking forward to.

Three letters dating back to the seventeenth century have been discovered under the attic floorboards at Knole. Find out what they say…

Knole has been home to and shaped by people who challenged conventional ideas of gender and sexuality. Discover their stories as the National Trust explores its LGBTQ heritage with a programme called Prejudice and Pride.

A story of friendship in a time of war and revolution - discover the history behind Gainsborough's elegant portrait of a French nobleman, returned to Knole after an absence of more than 80 years.

The learning team at Knole offer an award-winning and diverse programme that supports learning across the history, science, art, music and geography curriculum for all ages. Find out about primary and secondary school visits as well as bespoke post-16 educational visits to Knole.

Our new outreach programme offers a unique experience to bring Knole to you, with visits to schools, care homes and local community groups. Find out about our outreach sessions and loan boxes, which range from prehistory to World Wars and reminiscence.

Membership makes a vital difference, but doesn’t cover all our restoration and conservation work. Additional gifts to our general funds help us act quickly wherever the need is greatest. Find out how your support can help Carmen save centuries old objects at Knole.

Listen to the incredible stories from people who have lived, worked, visited and volunteered at Knole over the past 100 years.

Why not join your local supporter group in Kent? You can join a more active volunteers group, or come along to a centre or an association that focuses on fundraising and fun trips and tours. They help support our places like Ightham Mote, and Scotney Castle.