A DAY OUT AT
DAYSOUT
A DAY OUT AT
Knole
BY LISAMARIE LAMB
The National Trust ’ s Knole in Sevenoaks is a remarkable place . Its history spans all the way back to 1456 , when it was built by the then Archbishop of Canterbury ( although there had been an older manor house on the site even before that ). It is , perhaps , most famous as being one of Henry VIII ’ s favourite stately homes – he was keen on hunting in Knole Park , and , of course , it is situated not too far away from Hever Castle , home of Anne Boleyn – but with 400 years of the Sackville family having lived there , Knole is more than ‘ just ’ a royal palace .
Knole was Virginia Woolf ’ s inspiration for her novel Orlando , for example ( which was written for her lover , Vita Sackville-West , who lived at Knole at the time ). And over the years , many artists have discovered the romance and the splendour of this grand house . It is still popular with artists today , and on any given day you will find photographers , painters , poets and more enjoying the special ambience of Knole and its surroundings .
The house itself is open to the public , and is currently going through some major renovations to bring it back to its former glory . This is not something that need concern anyone who wants to come for a visit , however . This massive conservation project , in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund is being carried out whilst the house is open , and in fact the public is encouraged to take a peek into the rooms that are being worked on to see how far the project is from completion . Each unfinished room is described in detail thanks to the informative handouts , so it is still possible to discover what went on there ; but more than that , it is possible to discover what will go on there in the future .
The National Trust is in the process of opening lots of new spaces to visitors . The Gatehouse Tower opened for the first time in June and the refurbished Brewhouse Café and shop opened in July . Later this year , the new lifelong learning centre and a professional conservation studio will also open . Knole is a wonderful day out now , but once these new areas are opened up , it will truly be magnificent . Those who have visited in the past will want to return to see what has changed , and those who have never come before will be in awe of what patience and passion can do .
Knole is the ideal family day out . Where better for children to enjoy themselves than in the huge expanse of the park that surrounds the house ? The National Trust is keen for children – and their parents – to carry out as many of the 50 things to do before you ’ re 11 3 / 4 as possible , and many of them can be done at Knole , around the house and in the park . Rolling down hills ? Check . Climbing trees ? Check . Spotting leaves , animals , plants , nature in general … check . Fresh air , history and a sense of freedom combine to ensure that the little ones enjoy Knole as much as their parents do . When inside the house why not follow the fun trail to find the hidden flufy leopards ? Outside , you can embark on a geocache adventure in the park , follow the family trail , or take a story sack out into the garden . The fun is never ending .
If there is something more specific that you and the children want to join in with , there are plenty of events taking place throughout the year at Knole . The supremely popular Family Mondays offer the chance to experience different arts and crafts , and there are also Tudor dressing-up days on which children are able to try on costumes from the past , and learn more about the people who would have worn them .
Knole , and its garden and park , is the kind of day out you will want to do again and again – and each time you will find something new to experience and love .
www . nationaltrust . ort . uk / knole
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