Knole House Sevenoaks
A magnificent 600-year-old country house and former palace set in 1,000 acres of ancient parkland, home to hundreds of wild deer.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for deer spotting
Knole House Sevenoaks
Best Time
Best light for deer spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent 600-year-old country house and former palace set in 1,000 acres of ancient parkland, home to hundreds of wild deer.
"The parkland is absolutely beautiful, with wide open spaces and stunning historical landscapes."
🚶♀️ Walk the Grounds First
Explore the parkland and spot deer before heading into the house for the full experience.
🎟️ National Trust Membership
Free entry for members! Saves money if you visit multiple NT sites.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Staircase
Inside Knole House
An impressive early 17th-century oak staircase, a testament to wealth and power.
The Parkland and Deer
Knole Park
Wander through 1,000 acres of parkland and spot over 350 wild deer roaming freely.
Attic Tour
Inside Knole House
Discover hidden history and the inner workings of this massive estate on a fascinating attic tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & Membership
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Grounds First
Explore the parkland and spot deer before heading into the house for the full experience.
🎟️ National Trust Membership
Free entry for members! Saves money if you visit multiple NT sites.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
📸 Deer Photo Ops
The park is home to over 350 deer, offering fantastic photo opportunities. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Grounds First
Explore the parkland and spot deer before heading into the house for the full experience.
🎟️ National Trust Membership
Free entry for members! Saves money if you visit multiple NT sites.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
📸 Deer Photo Ops
The park is home to over 350 deer, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least half a day to truly explore the house and park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Knole Estate is a vast and impressive National Trust property, lauded for its scenic parkland and freely roaming deer, offering excellent photo opportunities. The house itself is well-preserved with knowledgeable volunteers, but the on-site cafe can be a let-down due to crowds and limited options. Visitors recommend allowing ample time to explore the grounds fully.
"Quick Takeaways
🏰 Vast and impressive National Trust estate — best enjoyed on a fine weather day
🦌 Scenic walk to the entrance with freely roaming deer (great photo opportunities)
🗝️ Attic tour is a must for hidden history; tower climb offers 360° views (though not as dramatic as Petworth)
🚶 Estate’s true beauty revealed by walking the grounds — allow plenty of time
🏛️ House is well preserved, full of artefacts and information; knowledgeable volunteers enhance the visit
☕ Café was a let-down: busy, not enough seating, limited food options, and inconsistent with other NT properties
⏱️ At least a half-day visit — wear sensible clothes and sturdy walking shoes
Full Review
Knole Estate, managed by the National Trust, is an impressive and vast sight to behold. Like many National Trust properties, the weather plays a big part in shaping the experience — this is one venue where you’ll want to go on a nice day to really make the most of your visit.
Parking is straightforward, and the walk to the entrance is made special by the casually grazing deer scattered around the estate. Their sheer number makes for a memorable arrival and some excellent photo opportunities.
To get the most out of the house, the attic tour is a must — it gives a fascinating look into the inner workings and history of the building. Climbing the tower provides a full 360° view of the estate. The vista is pleasant, though not quite as dramatic as Petworth. To truly appreciate Knole in all its glory, you need to explore the wider estate on foot — that’s when its real beauty emerges.
The house itself is well preserved and packed with remarkable rooms, artefacts, and detailed information. As is often the case with the National Trust, the volunteers were friendly, knowledgeable, and added real value to the experience.
The only real disappointment was the café. It was busy, with not enough seating, a lack of cleanliness, and a limited food selection. The range of snacks seems to vary from property to property, which can make the offer feel inconsistent.
To take it all in properly, you’ll need at least half a day. Be sure to wear sensible clothing and sturdy walking shoes if you plan to explore the estate fully."
MilPoPo
"We visited Knole Park in Sevenoaks as a family and had a fantastic day out. The park itself is absolutely beautiful, with wide open spaces, stunning historical landscapes, and of course the striking Knole House and castle at its heart. The views are spectacular, and it really feels like stepping back in time.
One of the highlights for the children was spotting the deer, which roam freely around the park and add to its magical atmosphere. The grounds are very family-friendly, with plenty of space for little ones to run around safely.
Facilities were excellent – the café was a lovely spot for a break, with good options for both adults and kids, and the toilet facilities were clean and easy to find. Parking was completely hassle-free, which made the start and end of our trip stress-free."
Tamás Dávid Varju
"A great place to visit. The house is full of wonderful art work and items dating back to the 16th century. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable. The grounds have several walks and you do not have to go far to see deer roaming freely. Cafe is well stocked and the gift shop and book shop hold a variety of items."
Barry Gannon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trains run from London Bridge or Charing Cross to Sevenoaks, taking about 25-55 minutes. From Sevenoaks station, a taxi is recommended for the 20-minute ride to Knole House.
Yes, parking is available at Knole. It's generally straightforward and hassle-free.
While trains are the primary public transport option from London, local buses may serve Sevenoaks, but direct routes to Knole House might be limited, especially on weekends.
Taking the train from London to Sevenoaks is efficient. From there, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach Knole House.
Knole House is located in Sevenoaks, and the parkland is easily accessible from the town. The walk from the station to the house itself is about 20 minutes. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Knole House is generally open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, but it's always best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date hours.
Adult entry is around £19, but National Trust members get free admission. Family tickets and concessions may also be available.
National Trust membership offers free entry. Look out for potential family or group discounts on the National Trust website.
Yes, you can explore Knole Park and see the deer without purchasing a ticket for the house, though there might be parking fees.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for special events or during peak season, is often recommended to guarantee entry. Check the National Trust website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic house with its lavish interiors, take a guided attic tour, climb the tower for views, and wander the vast parkland spotting deer.
Absolutely! Knole Park is famous for its herds of wild deer, with over 350 roaming freely. It's a highlight for many visitors. +2
Yes, the parkland offers plenty of space for children to run around, and spotting deer is a big hit. The house also has engaging elements for younger visitors.
The parkland with the deer, the grand staircase inside the house, and the exterior views of the estate offer excellent photographic opportunities.
To fully appreciate both the house and the extensive parkland, plan for at least a half-day visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site, but reviews suggest it can be busy with limited seating and food options, and may feel inconsistent with other National Trust cafes.
Picnics are generally allowed in the parkland, but be prepared for potentially windy or cold weather, as one visitor experienced.
The cafe offers a selection of snacks and light meals, though the variety can be limited.
Sevenoaks town centre, a short taxi ride away, offers a variety of restaurants and pubs if you prefer dining outside the estate.
While the cafe can be busy, it generally offers options suitable for both adults and children.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during the golden hour, offer beautiful light for photographing the house and parkland.
Photography rules can vary within historic houses. It's best to check for signage or ask staff about restrictions on flash photography or tripods.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife (deer) is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the house and park.
Drone usage is typically restricted at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check their specific drone policy.
The deer in the park, the grand staircase, the exterior architecture of the house, and the walled gardens are all highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the park, weather permitting, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for walking. The National Trust membership is a great value for families visiting multiple sites.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While taxis are convenient from Sevenoaks station, explore if local bus routes offer a more economical option, though this may require more planning. 📸 Photographers
+2 The grand architecture of the house, including the iconic staircase, provides stunning interior shots, though be mindful of any photography restrictions inside. The vast parkland and ancient trees also make for beautiful landscape photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic House
+2Visitors often highlight the attic tour as a must-do, providing a unique perspective on the house's hidden history and the daily lives of those who worked there. The grand staircase, dating back to the early 17th century, is another standout feature, showcasing intricate craftsmanship. Knowledgeable volunteers are often on hand to share stories and insights, greatly enhancing the visitor experience.
While the house is impressive, some visitors note that the accessible area can feel smaller than the overall vastness of the building suggests. Signage can sometimes be confusing, and the visitor centre might be tucked away. Despite this, the historical richness and the sheer volume of artefacts make it a compelling visit for history enthusiasts.
The Enchanting Parkland and Deer
+2Walking through the park offers a serene escape and fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography. The deer are often seen grazing casually, even close to the house, adding a magical, almost storybook quality to the visit.
+1 It's recommended to wear sensible clothing and sturdy walking shoes to make the most of exploring the grounds, as the true beauty of Knole emerges when you traverse its landscapes. This vast parkland is perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics (weather permitting!), and simply enjoying the natural environment. It provides a wonderful contrast to the historical interiors of the house and is a major draw for visitors seeking both culture and nature.
+1Getting to Knole House from London
+1Upon arrival at Sevenoaks station, the best way to get to Knole House is by taxi. This short 20-minute ride will take you directly to the estate entrance. While local buses may serve Sevenoaks, direct and frequent connections to Knole House are not always guaranteed, especially on weekends.
Many visitors opt for this train-and-taxi combination for its efficiency and relative ease. It allows for a straightforward day trip from the capital, making Knole House an accessible destination for a dose of history and nature.
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