Family-friendly visits to Knole

Planning your visit

How to get here

Pre-booking is essential if you wish to use the National Trust car park during your visit to Knole at weekends and during school holidays.

The car park is for National Trust members and paying visitors who wish to visit the National Trust element of Knole, and therefore admission is charged per person at the Gatebox. If you just wish to use the parkland then alternative parking is available in Sevenoaks town. Pre-book online or call 0344 249 1895.

Please use postcode TN13 1HX to get to the main entrance to Knole by car.

Family facilities

• Toilets are located in Green Court and in Conservation Studio building near to Brewhouse Cafe. There are baby changing facilities in both of these locations also. 
• There is an enclosed picnic area near the car park.
• There are lifts available in the bookshop, gift shop and Conservation Studio building. There is step-free access to the Visitor Centre, Brewhouse Cafe and toilets.
• Pushchairs and buggies are not permitted in the showrooms or Gatehouse Tower.
• There are lockers available for storing large bags. Please ask in the Visitor Centre.
• Dogs are allowed in the courtyard but not in the indoor spaces, including the showrooms, Orangery, café and shops. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the property. Dogs must be on a lead at all times, including in the parkland.
• There are some hard-standing paths in the parkland, but the rest of the park is rough and uneven ground and can get muddy in wet weather. If walking in the park please keep away from the deer, especially if you have children with you.  
• If you’re not sure where to start exploring or don’t know Knole Park very well, why not try one of the suggested walking routes? These colour coded routes start from the front of the house and range from 4-5km each. They are sign-posted and take 50-75 minutes to complete. They are mainly across rough, undulating ground, so not suited to those with mobility issues. The red walk is best suited for visitors with sturdy pushchairs. These routes have been agreed with the park’s landowner, Knole Estate, and follow routes safely away from the golf course. For those looking for a route on hard-standing paths in the park, there are a few options but many of these cross the golf course so please take care if using them. Take a look at the maps displayed outside the Brewhouse Café and by the picnic area before you set off to choose a path that suits you. Alternatively, call in to the Visitor Centre to ask for advice.

For more information about access and facilities, Knole's access statement can be found here.

The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail at Knole

In celebration of the much-loved classic, The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd. (now part of Penguin Random House UK) are delighted to present The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail at Knole from Thursday 22 May to Monday 25 August 2025.

Find out more about the trail, including pre-booking admission, here: The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail

Lord Sackville's garden open days | dates in June, July and August

Lord Sackville’s private garden at Knole is a beautiful space, featuring sprawling lawns, a walled garden, an untamed wilderness area and a medieval orchard. Visitors can explore the 26 acre garden and stunning views of the house on these special event days throughout the year. A free children's trail is also available.

Tickets can be pre-booked online or purchased on the day, subject to availability. Dates for the summer are Friday 13 June, Thursday 26 June, Wednesday 9 July, Thursday 24 July, Monday 4 August, Tuesday 26 August.

Normal admission to Knole applies in addition to a garden event ticket.

Garden Open Days

Explore the historic showrooms and collection

For the last 400 years, the showrooms have been open to visitors rather than inhabited as family rooms. Discover fascinating portraits, textiles, furniture and objects including Stuart-era beds, chairs and tapestries as you make your way from the Great Hall, up a grand painted stiarcase and on into galleries, bedrooms and a ballroom. 

Continue your journey around Knole and climb the spiral stairs in the Gatehouse Tower for panoramic views of the parkland. On the climb up you can discover the life and loves of former resident, Eddy Sackville-West and see some rooms as Eddy would have lived in them in the 1920s and 1930s. 

The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio

The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 11am. This is a great opportunity to see the team of expert conservators working on precious and historic items. There are also interactive displays giving you the chance to explore the materials, tools and techniques used in conservation work. When the studio is open, volunteers are on-hand to answer questions and share stories about objects being conserved.

The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio

Take a stroll around Knole Park

After a visit to Knole House, why not take a stroll around the park? There are hard standing paths and walking routes of different lengths you can follow - pick up a map from the Visitor Centre or look for the boards situated on the National Trust managed areas of the parkland. You can also download a map here.

Enjoy watching the deer from a distance but please do not approach, pet or feed them. Be aware of golfers as some paths do cross the golf course. Please also be aware that the park becomes muddy after rain.

Summer holidays at Knole

The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail at Knole | until Monday 25 August

In celebration of the much-loved classic, The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd. (now part of Penguin Random House UK) are delighted to present The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail at Knole from Thursday 22 May to Monday 25 August 2025.

Find out more about the trail, including pre-booking admission, here: The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail

Festival of Archaeology: Family explorer day | Monday 28 July

Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology at Knole with activities for the whole family to get involved in.

Find out what an archaeologist does, have a go with some of the equipment and dig out some 'artefacts' yourself. Try being a 'Heritage Explorer' and see how much everyday archaeological evidence you can find around the courtyards and parkland at Knole. Discover a LEGO® brick recreation of the icehouse and have a go at making your own mini version. Take the opportunity to view inside the newly restored icehouse, which will be open throughout the day.

Free event; normal admission applies. Heritage Explorer trail sheet available for the summer holidays. 
Festival of Archaeology: Family Explorer Day

Outdoor theatre: The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck with Quantum Theatre | Saturday 2 August

Spend a summer's evening with family and friends at Knole in the beautiful surroundings of Green Court and enjoy this theatre production of 'The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck' with Quantum Theatre.
This new adaptation of the much-loved Beatrix Potter tale 'The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck' will be brought to you in the historic setting of Green Court. Gates will open at 6pm and the production starts at 6.30pm. Feel free to bring along your own picnic but there will be a concession stand, The Little Green Truck Co., where hot drinks and sweet treats will be available to purchase. There will be a 20 minute interval.
Tickets: £16 adults; £10 children ages 2-17; under 2s free. 
Outdoor theatre: The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck with Quantum Theatre

Outdoor Cinema: Peter Rabbit (2018) | Saturday 13 September

Come and enjoy a film with friends and family in the beautiful surroundings of Knole's Green Court. Based on the characters created by Beatrix Potter, Peter Rabbit (2018) is the story of mischievous bunnies and their antics with the new Mr McGregor.

Gates open at 6.30pm, giving you plenty of time to explore the Gatehouse Tower (entrance included in event ticket). Feel free to bring along your own picnic but there will be a concession stand, The Little Green Truck Co., where hot drinks and sweet treats will be available for purchase. The Gatehouse Tower is open from 6.30pm, and then settle down as the sun sets with the film starting at 7.30pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

A limited number of early bird tickets are available at a reduced price of £12 per person. From 1 July 2025 onwards, or earlier if the early bird tickets sell out, the ticket price per person is £15. All children must have their own ticket. Under 2s are free.

Film rated PG. Children admitted at parent's discretion. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, including in the Gatehouse Tower. 
Outdoor Cinema: Peter Rabbit (2018)

Family craft: Biscuit decorating | Saturday 19 July

Decorate your own animal-themed biscuits: try creating your own ladybirds or a bunny. You'll go home with three different and delicious creatures - what a tasty treat!

All materials, drinks, biscuits and decorations are included. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Suitable for ages 5+.

10.30am-12.30pm. Normal admission to Knole applies. Pre-booking essential during school holidays and at weekends (this includes National Trust members and free admission pass holders). 
Family craft: Biscuit decorating

Family craft: Play with clay | Saturday 9 August

Get stuck in with this clay craft session at Knole. Make a pinch pot, keyring or figurine using Knole as your inspiration. You could create your own family symbol, like the Sackville leopard that adorns the rooftops, or use a leaf from the many trees in the parkland to print onto a keyring.

All materials and drinks are included. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Suitable for ages 5+.

10.30am-12.30pm. Normal admission to Knole applies. Pre-booking essential during school holidays and at weekends (this includes National Trust members and free admission pass holders). 
Family craft: Play with clay

Eating and shopping

The Brewhouse Café

Take a walk to the Brewhouse Café for lunch or a snack, and choose from a delicious selection of drinks and cakes. There is covered seating available both inside or outside, or enjoy views of Knole Park from the terrace. Highchairs are available on a first-come first-served basis. 

Picnics

Knole is a great spot for a picnic. We strongly advise you to use the enclosed picnic area. It has tables, benches and chairs, plus a ramp so it's wheelchair accessible. Please don't feed the deer.
There are rubbish bins in the picnic area or take rubbish home with you - don't leave it for the deer and other wildlife in the park.
Picnics are fine, but no barbecues please.
Thank you for helping everyone enjoy the beautiful parkland.

Shopping at Knole

In the bookshop you'll find a wide selection of new books on gardening, cooking, history, notable figures from Knole's past, nature and the local area.  Alongside titles on art history, artists and paintings, you'll find books on how to create you own masterpieces as well as inspiration for budding young artists who want to unleash their creativity. There is also a range of art materials, including watercolour paints, charcoal, pencils and sketch pads. For younger visitors, there's a dedicated section just for children to enjoy. From children’s classics, picture books and sticker books to fact and fiction and current bestsellers, there's sure to be something to keep active minds engaged for a few hours. There are also some pocket money toys to choose from, jigsaws and souvenirs.

We also have a gift shop seling home and fashion accessories, sweets, biscuits, jams, curds and more. For the perfect memento of your visit to Knole, there are pens, pencils, notepads, bookmarks, puzzles, boxes of biscuits and guidebooks to choose to take home with you.

Whatever you buy, every purchase is helping to conserve Knole and help us carry out essential work to preserve the collection.