We’ve been venturing out towards Kent a lot on our last few family outings because there are quite a number of National Trust properties in the area to visit – and Knole Park was the next in line, having already explored nearby properties Ightham Mote and Chartwell House.
Driving in via the grand iron gates, we were stunned to see how busy the car park was, it seemed everyone else had the same idea – to enjoy the great outdoors in this vast, 1,000-acre medieval deer park.
Knole Park
Knole Park is home to a 350 wild deer herd made up of both Fallow and Sika species. Interestingly, they’re descendants of those hunted by Henry VIII, and roam the parkland all-year round. We came across them on several occasions on our circuit and Monkey was able to get quite close to them. Even though the deer were more afraid of him…
We didn’t walk too far but managed to do a sizeable loop that took us off the beaten track on to the unmanaged rugged landscape where we came across fallen trees and bracken. We also headed towards the valley pointing towards Weald Road and the tallest lime trees in Kent. A few years ago they blew down in opposite directions and Monkey enjoyed climbing on top of them.
We also meandered off track on to the golf course, which forms part of the park. We were a little worried about getting hit on the head from oncoming tee shots, particularly when Monkey took a liking to a bunker! After finally getting out of harm’s way we then walked around the main route past Knole House.
It was a lovely path, encompassing the great walled gardens with wrought iron gates that gave us a glimpse into the stunning house gardens. We found plenty of sticks along the way…
We traced out names and squiggles along the sandy banks, banged on the gates with our sticks and let him wander off into the distance. We also found a make-shift den and had to endure a tantrum when we made to continue on our walk.
We knew Monkey was getting a little tired and hungry when he kept asking where the cafe was. But we still hadn’t seen inside the great house. And it was the perfect timing when the clouds began to loom and spots of rain began to fall.
Originally an Archbishop’s palace, Knole House passed through royal hands to the Sackville family – Knole Park’s inhabitants from 1603 to today. Inside there is plenty of artwork to peruse from great painters including Reynolds, Gainsborough and Van Dyck. Meanwhile, visitors can marvel at the 17th-century tapestries and furniture. However, even though we saw lots of older children completing worksheets, Monkey wasn’t too interested – far too young to be enthralled by ancient relics and the showrooms, including the Gallery Corridors and the Great Hall. He was too intent on getting a hot chocolate. So, unfortunately, we weren’t able to spend too long inside, and unable to take any photographs – you’re not allowed you see.
Seeing the deer grazing on the wide-open spaces and discovering plenty of nooks and crannies occupied a while of our time – and before we knew it, we had spent several hours just wandering around a small section of parkland. And, even though we came across ramblers, families and dog walkers enjoying the extensive landscape, we often found ourselves alone. Knole Park’s open meadows and beautiful woodland provide a rich, natural environment for visitors all-year round. Good walking shoes are highly recommended!
Top Tips
If you come to Knole Park on Mondays during school holidays, a wide range of family-friendly activities are on offer including arts and crafts suitable for ages five to 12. All these events are free.
National Trust’s Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RP; Open 10.30am-17.00pm daily; Adult: £10.80; Child: £5.40; Family £26.50
I love exploring these amazing old estates. The history surrounding them is always so interesting. Did Monkey enjoy his hot chocolate after being so patient?
He was ever so patient. I think I enjoyed it more!
Such a beautiful place <3 I love the Knole House building!
It’s stunning. I quite like it in the bleak weather – it looks more dramatic!
I love the picture of the wall, it’s a nice angle ! The weather didn’t seem fabulous, but it looks like you had a great time !
Thanks Gin. The weather wasn’t great but I think it adds to the drama!
Gorgeous gardens and a fascinating house – just love these National Trust places! We always have to visit the cafe for hot chocolate too!!
It’s rude not to have some form of refreshment at an NT cafe 🙂 It’s really gorgeous and quite big… I don’t think we’d be able to see all of it without a bike.
This looks gorgeous – I don’t think I’ve come across it before but will definitely have to visit. And take provisions 🙂
Oh yes Cathy, I think this would be right up your street. It’s not too far away 🙂
Ting I really think the National Trust should make you an ambassador, you have such wonderful days out with them. Love these photos again! #countrykids
I told my hubby what you said and he laughed a lot. We’re definitely making the most of our membership this year!
We made it to Knole in the autumn – great place, absolutely fascinating and something for everyone inside and out. Great pictures from you too! I like your descriptions of the simple pleasurable things your Monkey does. Banging on gates and such.
Oh I’m glad you loved it too. Definitely great to clear the old cobwebs!
Knole Park sounds like a great place to go and let off steam with loads of space to run around. It’s fab that the car park was so full and yet you felt like you were by yourselves some of the time. I bet Monkey was happy when he finally got his hot chocolate, he’d earned it after such a long walk! Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.
It was lovely, we all needed the cobwebs blowing away as we hadn’t had a chance to get out and about. He loved his hot chocolate, and so did I 🙂
That looks like such a great place to explore and great to have so much outdoor space too. I really want to return to my birth county and explore more at some point. Will add this to our list of places to see #CountryKids
Oh Mary, your list is getting longer and longer 🙂 We need to do a swap, you can explore here and I’ll explore round your way more!
Amazing place. Look at the architecture and the natural landscape. I really wish we have NT membership. They do have the bestest sites to explore. #countrykids
They are so lovely, a great family day out for the whole family
Ting, you were literally in my town – you should have said! I love have Knole Park on our doorstep. It never fails to impress me that we have such an amazing expanse of land right in the middle of the town.
Next time you come down, you must try Riverhill Gardens. Monkey would love den building in the woods. Give me a shout though!!
Oh, that’s great to know Nikki. We did see River Hill, it looks lovely. We shall definitely give you a shout next time we’re your way
Looks like a great place to explore, I’d love to be able to see deer as close up as that. We also have NT membership and are trying to make the most of it 🙂
That looks like another great NT place to visit. I think we’ll have to spend a long weekend in Kent at some point to see some of these places too #Whatevertheweather
Yes, I think a trip to Kent is in order for you – you could spend a week going to all the NT places there!
That’s so good that they offer arts and crafts on Monday’s during holidays! I love National Trust places. This looks like such a beautfiul place to visit. It must have been so lovely getting to see the deer grazing. They’re such peaceful animals and really majestic. Your little ones are so good to walk around for so long and not get fed up. It looks like there was loads for them to explore, those fallen trees are so big! They can teach their trick to my little one haha. Thank you so much for linking up to #whatevertheweather x
It was a lovely day out, and the deer must be so used to people, as they weren’t frightened at all! Thanks for hosting x
Knole park looks wonderful, such a large space to wander around in. Amazing that Monkey could get so close to the deer. Fantastic photos, especially love the ones of the deer and Monkey walking along the trees. I think it would have taken some convincing of my two to leave the den as well!
thanks for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
Don’t they just love dens?? Thank you for your kind words and hosting this fab linky! x
This place looks great, and you have some really brilliant photos :)….I really must pick up a National Trust pass…!! #whatevertheweather x
As you can tell, we are big fans! Thanks for your kind words about my photos. Have a fab weekend x