If you’re looking for something for the whole family to enjoy, look no further than Knebworth House located in the leafy Hertfordshire countryside.
Of all the stately homes in Britain, this has shot to the top of my favourites. Its fanciful facade is as stunning as it is imaginative. Though what really sets Knebworth apart from other stately homes is the garden. Waiting to be discovered is a natural wonderland, filled with captivating gardens that span acres upon acres and offers a treasure trove of quirky surprises.
I never thought I’d see a stately home guarded by dinosaurs, but then again, there seems to be nowhere quite like Knebworth House.
Looking for places to visit near London
Before visiting Knebworth, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Only two hours prior to entering its doors, I didn’t even know of its existence.
I was intending to go somewhere else, but those plans had been scuppered after discovering that particular place was closed on Bank Holiday Monday. Tasked with looking for other alternative attractions to visit near London, I turned to Google.
I really wanted to go somewhere that I’d never visited before, and after a deep internet search, I came across a photo of Knebworth House that made me stop in my tracks. Not only had I not visited before, I’d never seen or even heard of it.
I questioned if it was worth visiting. Surely I would have already heard about it from friends or read about it on other travel blogs? I’ve read my fair share of Stately Home listicles and I’d not seen it pop up.
Anyway, I decided to take a chance and figured I would jump on a short train ride from London King’s Cross station to check it out for myself. If it was as resplendent as the photos suggested, it would be a day well spent. However, I was a bit concerned that I could be wasting my final Bank Holiday of the year on something I knew nothing about. Luckily, I need not have worried. Knebworth House saved the day.
I want to call Knebworth a hidden a gem, but I’m not sure if that’s true. Maybe I’ve just been living under a rock and everyone actually knows about it? But I’m certain this is not the case. Knebworth House should be on more people’s radar.
Either way, it doesn’t get as much attention as other nearby stately homes like Blenheim Palace, Ham House and Hatfield, nor does it compared to others further afield such as Castle Howard and Chatsworth House, but I think it’s a lot more fun and enjoyable. The staff are amazing too. Full to the brim with personality and knowledge and it’s clear they love working there.
The evolving architectural styles of Knebworth House
Unlike many stately homes which usually adhere more strictly to the Palladian, Baroque or Neoclassical style, the architecture of Knebworth House is a captivating blend of historical styles that reflect the changing tastes and aspirations of its owners spanning over five centuries.
The house’s core structure showcases elements of Tudor. However, during the 19th century, the house underwent significant renovations to reflect the fashion of the time and new additions in Gothic Revival style were made during this period.
Its fantasy Gothic appearance was designed by H E Kendall Jr, who, along with his father founded what became the Royal Institute of British Architects. The exterior was transformed with turrets, pointed arches, and decorative stone detailing, that evoke the romanticism of the Gothic style. When you visit, be sure to look up at the menacing gargoyles that loom over you from the rooftops with their alarmingly long tongues!
The result of these additions make this one of the most unique and colourful homes in England.
Home to the Lytton Family
The Lytton family is a British aristocratic family with a long and notable history. They are known for their involvement in various aspects of British society, including politics, literature, and cultural pursuits. The family’s title is ‘Earl of Lytton,’ and they have held various other titles and honours over the years.
Perhaps the most notable member of the Lytton family was Edward Bulwer-Lytton, a prolific writer and politician. His best known novels, including ‘The Last Days of Pompeii’ and ‘The Coming Race,’ the latter of which was referenced in the David Bowie song ‘Oh! Pretty Things!’. Lytton was also friends with Charles Dickens and it was said that he convinced the famous author to revise the ending of ‘Great Expectations’ to make it more palatable for the public, as in the original version, Pip and Estella do not get together.
Edward Bulwer-Lytton is perhaps most widely known for the words, “The pen is mightier than the sword” which was first written in his historical play ‘Cardinal Richelieu’, but has been used all around the word in political and social speeches to express the sentiment that thinking and writing have more influence on people and events than the use of force or violence.
Despite being such a popular saying, and having heard it so many times, I never knew its origins, but now I do thanks to my visit to Knebworth.
Hollywood Films & Rock Concerts at Knebworth House
Even though I’d never heard of Knebworth House before visiting, I soon realised that I must’ve seen it on the big screen.
Knebworth is surely one of the most filmed-in houses of England, and its interiors have featured in everything from The Crown to Foyle’s War, Victoria and Abdul to Paddington 2, The King’s Speech to Jane Eyre. And it’s not only the interiors: the ultra-Gothic façade of Knebworth House, with its turrets, domes and crenellations, its gargoyles and wyverns, made it the perfect backdrop to depict ‘Wayne Manor’ in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) with Michael Keaton. Knebworth House has featured in nearly 100 films, and still counting.
It was also screen-tested for Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut but unfortunately didn’t make the cut. Alas.
You can visit a little gallery underneath the Watch Tower that showcases the houses’ appearance in famous films, as well as the famous rock concerts that have been held within its grounds. In 1976 a huge concert was held for the Rolling Stones, at which Jagger later left his underpants in the Queen Elizabeth bedroom (the main guest room) which is now framed and part of Knebworth House’s memorabilia, hah!
Other headliners throughout the years have included Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen and Oasis. As I walked around, looking at all the big names, I scratched my head wondering again how I’d never heard of this place.
Inside Knebworth House
Relatively speaking, you can find bigger stately homes in the UK that are opened to the public. Each room is filled with decorative objects, exquisite hand-made furniture and interesting curiosities from far-flung places. As the old adage goes, it’s the quality, not the size that counts.
Notable artefacts and objects include Roman skulls evacuated from Pompeii, 16th Century armoury, a crucifix reputedly worn by Mary Queen of Scots, and a copy of Winnie the Pooh signed by A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin. The children’s novel can be found inside Hampden Room which was said to be the childhood bedroom of Edward Bulwer-Lytton.
It also contains some victorian dolls that look fantastically creepy. If I had even one of them as a child I’d have been terrified. Give me a cuddly teddy bear any day of the week.
If you’re curious to see more creepy dolls from bygone eras, I suggest a trip to Pollock’s Toy Museum in London.
Explore Knebworth House Gardens
Personally, the most beautiful part of Knebworth House are the Formal Gardens spanning over 28-acre, plus a further 250-acre Deer Park that’s perfect for picnics, walking and ball games. Since the house is such a photogenic building, it makes being outside in the garden all the more pleasing too. On a sunny, summers’ day, I’m sure anyone would be happy to spend the whole day simply basking outside.
The Formal Gardens alone, consisting of smaller herb and rose gardens, mazes, ponds, fountain displays, sculptures and a wilderness walk, make the trip to Knebworth worth it.
Keep your eyes peeled on the wilderness trail as it is home to some joyful woodcarvings depicting all kinds of woodland animals and quirky characters.
Life-size Dinosaurs at Knebworth
As I mentioned, I didn’t know anything about Knebworth before going, but I kind of expected everything, that is, apart from the Dinosaur Trail. This really spoke to my inner child and took me by surprise.
Interesting facts and figures accompany the dinosaurs and narrate the story about these prehistoric creatures that once roamed the earth.
While the Dinosaur Trail no doubt ignites in children the joy of discovery and learning, it’s no less fun for adults, who can travel back to a time of endless discovery and where anything seems possible.
As I wandered down the paths and trails with T-Rex, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus emerging from the bushes and beneath treetops, I was transported back to my childhood. Countless hours were spent playing ‘make-believe’ with my brothers, and debating the all important question: who would win in a fight against Tyrannosaurus rex and Giganotosaurus?
General information
I genuinely think it’s impossible not to fall in love this place. The garden alone makes it worth a trip out of London, particularly if you’re looking for something fun to do with the whole family.
How far? Approx 30 miles
How to there: 35 mins by train from King’s Cross to Knebworth Station. Entrance to the park takes 30 mins by foot from the station. Alternatively, you can drive and parking is included in the entrance tickets.
Opening times & further information see: www.knebworthhouse.com
Searching for more day-trip ideas from London?
I have the perfect blog post for you → 14 London Day Trips That You Will Love
