Spring at Knole

Play in the natural surroundings of Knole Park, Kent.

This article is about spring 2018 and will be updated next year.

The parkland is budding with new life, the showrooms have been cleaned and are ready to welcome visitors once more, and the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt is back! Come and join us for spring at Knole.

Easter fun for families

Spot the cuddly bunnies in the showrooms

We have two exciting trails for children to follow this Easter. In addition to the ever-popular Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt in the parkland, our hidden animals trail in the showrooms is a great way for young visitors to discover Knole’s collections. Pick up a trail sheet from the Great Hall and see if you can find all the cuddly Easter bunnies hidden amongst Knole’s precious paintings, silver and furniture.

Friday 30 March to Sunday 15 April, from 12pm-3pm, (excluding Monday 9 April). Normal admission charges apply for the showrooms. The trail is free but a suggested donation of £1 per child can be made in the Great Hall. The trail is designed for children aged 2-7 years.

Join the chocolate hunt

Meanwhile, Easter wouldn’t be the same without our annual Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt in Knole Park. Pick up a hunt map in Green Court and follow the clues to find ten wooden bird boxes hidden in the park and learn about the variety of birds that live at Knole. When you’ve finished, head back to Green Court to claim your tasty chocolate prize.

Friday 30 March to Friday 6 April, 11am-3pm. There are two trails to choose from: one suitable for children aged 3-5 years and the other for 7-12 year olds. £3 per child.

Get crafty at Family Monday

Visit Knole on Family Monday during the Easter holiday for a range of arts and crafts activities. Make your own mask inspired by spring animals and decorate pebbles with colourful paints.

Monday 9 April from 11am-3pm. Activities take place in Green Court and are suitable for ages 5-12 years. £2 per child.

Join the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Knole, Kent. — Join the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Knole

Set off on a wildlife walk

Wild about bats

Visitors to Knole rarely see them, but the park is home to thousands of bats. Join our expert ecologist for a bat walk as the sun sets to find and learn about these fascinating animals – the only mammals that can fly. Bat detectors will be provided but please bring your own torch. The walk will be followed by hot chocolate with marshmallows, biscuits and plenty of time for questions.

Friday 13 and Saturday 14 April, 7.30-9.15pm. Suitable for families with children aged 5+. £10 per person. Booking is essential online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole/whats-on or call 0344 249 1895.

A medley of birdsong

Spring is the perfect time to discover the birds that make their home at Knole. These two walks will be led by an expert from the Sevenoaks Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, who will identify the different birds in the park and their distinctive songs. Suitable for all ages of birdwatcher. You'll want to bring your binoculars!

Saturday 21 April, 11.30am-12.30pm and 2-3pm. Please meet in front of the house.
Suggested donation £2.

Spring and bluebells

Join our park walk team for a beautiful spring stroll. These walks will take us along the Greensand Way through Knole's deer park to One Tree Hill with its stunning displays of bluebells and far reaching views over the Weald. We will then return through bluebell woods and small rural communities to Knole Park.

Saturday 28 April and Saturday 5 May, 2-4pm. Families and dogs on leads welcome. The walk is steep in places and the ground uneven so please wear suitable walking shoes. We will break at One Tree Hill so bring a drink and some snacks! Suggested donation £2.

You'll spot lots of wildlife in Knole Park, Kent. — You'll spot lots of wildlife in Knole Park

Watch this space

The showrooms are gleaming after the winter clean and ready to welcome visitors once more. Explore the ornate rooms that house Knole’s world class collections of paintings, tapestries and furniture. Plus there is a surprise in-store as the Great Hall has been redecorated to reflect a previous 20th century picture hang and colour scheme.

From Thursday 17 May, encounter the work of six contemporary artists throughout the house and grounds as Knole hosts A Woman’s Place. The evolution of equality is highlighted through the stories of women who have contributed to Knole’s spirit and history, in this centenary year of the first women to gain the vote in the UK.

The showrooms are open Tuesday to Sunday from 12-4pm, (last entry 3.30pm).