Attic tours
Hidden above the showrooms lie Knole's attics. Join a behind the scenes tour to explore these spaces and see a different side to Knole.
- Booking essential
- Admission applies
Hidden above the grandeur of the showrooms lie Knole's attics - sometimes inhabited but more often used for storage, these spaces have evolved over the centuries with each generation. These behind the scenes tours will take in the decorated ceilings, graffiti, witchmarks - also known as ritual protection marks - and artefacts found in the Retainer's Gallery, South Barracks and Upper King's Room. Conservation work has been left visible in places, laying open the bare bones of the house and exposing the craftsmanship underlying its structure.
Normal admission applies. As well as a ticket for this tour, please pre-book an Outdoor and Tower ticket per person. This is free for National Trust members. Car parking is free with all admission tickets.
Times
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
Content is aimed at an adult audience, children welcome at parents discretion.
- Meeting point
Please go to the Visitor Centre on arrival to exchange your ticket for a tour pass. The visitor welcome team will direct you to the meeting point for your tour.
- What to bring and wear
Attic tours explore some of Knole's long forgotten areas. Please wear comfortable and flat footwear. You will be asked to leave any large bags and rucksacks in lockers.
- Accessibility
Please expect steep staircases and uneven floors in places. The attics are not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. If you require a carer, please call us on 01732 462100 to arrange this. In the event of an emergency there is no lift evacuation. The primary and secondary escape routes are down two flights of stairs, which consists of 50 steps in total.
- Other
Tours will start promptly at 11.30am. Due to the attics location it will not be possible to join tours after 11.30am. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to park and collect your tour pass from the Visitor Centre. We recommend arriving at Knole no later than 11am. It is not possible to issue refunds for tours if you are unable to attend or arrive after the tour has started. Numbers are strictly limited on these exclusive tours. Please ensure you book a ticket for every member of your party. It will not be possible to purchase additional tour tickets on the day of your visit. Please note that attics tours do not include entry to the showrooms or car parking.
Upcoming events
The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail
In celebration of the much-loved classic, The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail is a fun, family-friendly, walkthrough experience, and it’s hopping along to Knole in 2025.
Forget-me-not Café at Knole
Forget-me-not Café is run by Sevenoaks Area Dementia Friendly Community and offers support and companionship to those living with memory loss.
Toddler Mondays at Knole
Have you got a little one under 5? Then come along for a fun morning at Knole with babyccino coffee mornings and storytime in the bookshop.
Lord Sackville's private garden open days
Visitors can explore the 26 acre garden and stunning views of the house on these special event days throughout the year.