Knebworth HouseCountry house

An amazing country house 

Knebworth House has been the home of the Lytton family since 1490. Thomas Bourchier sold the manor to Sir Robert Lytton and Knebworth House was originally a red brick late gothic manor house that was built round a central court as an open square. From In 1813-1816 the house was reduced to its west wing. This was remodelled in a Tudor Gothic style by John Biagio Rebecca for Mrs Bulwer-Lytton. The house was transformed again in 1843-1845 by Henry Edward Kendall, who turned it into the present Tudor Gothic structure. Knebworth House is steeped in History. From its most famous resident Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873) who was a Victorian author, dramatist and statesman, to record breaking rock concerts like Oasis who performed in August 1996 to 250,000 fans over 2 nights. There are many events held including Classic Car shows, Festivals & Fairs. Knebworth House is open to the public today. The House and amazing grounds are open from March - September (please check opening times on the website). As well has the spectacular House there are Parks & Gardens, Playground & Dino Trail, a gift shop and places to eat. 

House tours

Tours are included with House admission and are guided on most days and they last approximately one hour. On busy event days and Sundays in July and August, tours operate on a ‘free-flow’ basis, giving visitors the opportunity to view the house at their own leisure. Room Stewards will be present in key areas and will be happy to answer any questions. Groups will be split into parties of 25 maximum, however, we can vary the timing and content of a tour to suit the interests and needs of the group.

Park  

Admission includes entry to the Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail. The historic deer park covers over 250 acres. The grazing herds of Red and Sika deer have been at Knebworth for even longer than the Lytton family. Enjoy the ancient chestnut and lime avenues. The Park is a perfect setting for country picnics and walks. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in Knebworth Park, but are not permitted in the House, Gardens, Dinosaur Trail or inside Fort Knebworth. Working assistance dogs may be taken into all areas.

Gardens

Meet the Gardener. Every Wednesday in July, the first 30 people who pre register at the Gift Shop may attend a free tour with a member of the Gardens team at 2.00pm. The Gardens at Knebworth are delightful throughout the season. The 28 acre formal gardens include a maze, colourful borders, fine trees and a wilderness area with an exciting Dinosaur trail. There is also a walled vegetable garden planted with colourful and unusual vegetables. Collect a map of the Garden from the Gift shop. Please take a while to find a shady seat and enjoy the Garden. Younger visitors will particularly enjoy the Wilderness area with its Willow House, bird-song sound box and garden sculptures as well as the famous Knebworth Dinosaur Trail. Please note that visitors are asked not to picnic or bring dogs into the formal gardens or dinosaur trail.

Adventure playground

The Adventure Playground is a favourite destination for younger visitors. Children can play all day on the swings, slides and play equipment. There is also a zip wire and a new bouncy castle, plus a trim trail for grown-ups. Have fun with the interactive splash-play water features. The Playground’s cash-only kiosk serves drinks and ice-creams. You can bring a picnic and enjoy the Park.  Large covered picnic shelters are provided for visitors to use. There is plenty of space for car and coach parking near the Adventure Playground and in the barns car park.

Music concerts

Knebworth Park is internationally known as Britain’s largest music venue. Many different types of music have played at Knebworth from classical to rock. Knebworth is sometimes referred to the British home of classic rock. Famous bands that have played concerts over the years include: Robbie Williams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Paul McCartney, Genesis, The Beach Boys, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Dire Straits, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Oasis. 

Films and TV

Knebworth House has been used for many Films & TV programmes as well as music videos, commercials & still shoots. Some films that have been filmed at Knebworth include: The Kings Speech, The Scapegoat, St Trinian’s 2, 28 Weeks Later, Nanny McPhee, Possession, Eyes Wide Shut, Batman the Movie and many more. Some TV that have been filmed at Knebworth include Miss Marple, Poirot, Midsomer Murders, Foyles War, Judge John Deed, Inspector Linley, Lovejoy, Jonathan Creek to name a few. 

Wedding & special events

Queen Elizabeth I, Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill, Mick Jagger. Since the Lyttons family came to Knebworth in 1490, nineteen generations ago, their home has entertained an extraordinary range of guests from all walks of life. So close to London, and yet nestled in the rolling hills of the English Countryside, Knebworth House is the perfect place for entertaining colleagues, friends, family and loved ones. Whether you have just one, three hundred or seventy-five thousand, Knebworth House can help you with any event you wish to lay on. 

Corporate events

A conference or dinner is more than just a meeting of people. It’s about location, planning and communication. At Knebworth they understand this and work with you to bring these elements together to ensure that your event runs as smoothly as possible. The House, 16th century Tithe Barns, Cobbold and Lytton Barns and Garden Terrace Barn provide the perfect setting for conferences of up to 200 delegates with full access to AV equipment.