This complex of courtyards and buildings is one of the country’s most stunning examples of Tudor architecture.
Knole is a beautiful 15th-century mansion, featuring 365 rooms and seven courtyards. Learn about the mansion’s interesting literary connections, admire its fine collection of furniture and tapestries, and walk around the 1,000-acre (400-hectare) deer park.
A royal palace until 1603, the mansion was given to Thomas Sackville, first earl of Dorset, by Queen Elizabeth I. Writer Vita Sackville-West grew up in the home and used it as a setting for her novel The Edwardians. Sackville-West’s friend Virginia Woolf may also have used the home as inspiration for the setting in her novel Orlando. Imagine how the mansion must have looked in its prime as you admire its elaborate paneling and plasterwork.
The home features an astounding collection of Royal Stuart furniture. Admire the rare silver furnishings in the King’s Room and a golden bed made for the future James II. The King’s Room also includes spectacular 17th-century tapestries depicting stories from the life of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar.
View family portraits in the Great Hall, including a depiction of the mansion’s first owner, Thomas Sackville. Follow the Grand Staircase up to the Brown Gallery, decorated with portraits of British sovereigns and prelates of the Church of England.
Don’t miss a display of portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds in the Reynolds Room, including a depiction of Wang-y-Tong, the 3rd Duke of Dorset’s Chinese page. See the 17th-century Spiering tapestries in the Venetian Ambassador's Room. These portray Greek myths, including the legend of Diana and Niobe. In the Museum Room, find an original Knole sofa.
Walk in the surrounding deer park, where more than 400 deer descended from those hunted by King Henry VIII now live. Check out the rare Buzaglo stove and lovely stained-glass windows in the two-story orangery. On Tuesdays in the warmer months, it’s also possible to visit Lord Sackville’s private garden which features a lovely bosquet, a serpentine path bordered by thicket.
Knole is located in Sevenoaks, opposite St. Nicholas Church. The mansion is connected to London by frequent train and bus service. By car, follow the highway east. Hours vary by season and there is an admission fee.
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