Overview
Set in 250 acres of rolling Hertfordshire countryside, Knebworth House is one of England's most colourful stately homes.
It is remarkable for having been home to the Lytton family for more than 500 years, and for its romantic exterior complete with turrets, domes and gargoyles, which conceal a red brick house dating from Tudor times.
Every generation of the Lytton family has left something of its style and taste, making Knebworth an extraordinary walk through 500 years of local and British history.
Stories and heirlooms reflect the family’s contribution to literature, politics and Foreign Service, plus visits by characters as diverse as Charles Dickens and Winston Churchill.
Opening
23 – 31 March: Weekends and Bank Holidays
6 April – 22 April: Daily
27 April – 19 May: Weekends and Bank Holidays
25 May – 2 June: Daily
8 – 23 June: Weekends Only
29 June – 29 August: Daily
7 – 29 September: Weekends Only
(Closed for Cool Britannia 30th August – 1st September)
Knebworth House, Park, Gardens, Dinosaur Trail & Adventure Playground is open on select days between March and September, please check the calendar (click here) for full details.
Find us
Knebworth House & Park are accessed direct from the Junction 7 roundabout of the A1(M) motorway at Stevenage South, 29 miles north of London.
The nearest rail station is Stevenage, two miles from Knebworth Park. There is a taxi rank at the station.
Parking
Car park on site
- Free
Taxi
Geoffs Taxis 07950 137938
Admission
Historic Houses members visit for free.
On non-event days - Historic Houses members have unlimited free access to House, gardens, park & playground.
On event days- members must pay the normal park admission rate, then entry to the House is free, visitor will be required to show both the park ticket and membership card to staff in the house fore free entry.
Information for non-Historic Houses members can be found on Knebworth's website.
Accessibility
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Access statement available
Group Visits
Groups can pre-book for both open and non-open days and receive discounted rates.
Contact the group team on 01438 810931 or groupbookings@knebworthhouse.com.
Things to See
Napoleon suit made for and worn by Antony, Viscount Knebworth as a child.
Painting of Caxton’s printing press by Daniel Maclise.
Garden Woodcarvings crafted by Dennis Heath.
The complete collection of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton’s works.
Fun Facts
- Knebworth House was built by Sir Robert Lytton in 1490, who became Under Treasurer to the Household of Henry VII after the Battle of Bosworth. The Lytton family has resided in the House ever since, making for an extraordinary walk through over 500 years of local and British history.
- The red Tudor brick structure is clad in the Victorian High Gothic fantasy style of its most famous family member, novelist and statesman Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, who penned the lines ‘it was a dark and stormy night’ and ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’. His complete works can be found in the library.
Weddings at Knebworth
Weddings
Imagine the wedding party arriving along the ancient chestnut avenue, a vista of 250 acres of deer park unfolding before you, and in the distance the turrets, heraldic beasts and towers of Knebworth House.
Wedding ceremonies may be held in the Tithe Barns, Cobbold and Lytton Barns, Garden Gazebo, and Knebworth House itself.
THE GARDENS
The gardens date back to the 1600's with the present design, landscaped in the Victorian and Edwardian times. They offer the beautiful setting for your treasured photographs with Knebworth House as a stunning backdrop. Our Garden Gazebo also offers a romantic venue for you to host your civil marriage ceremony.
TITHE BARN
The 16th-century Tithe Barns offer a stunning venue for your wedding breakfast and evening party, allowing you to host your perfect wedding day all at one venue.
COBBOLD BARN
If you are looking to have an evening reception only, the contemporary Cobbold Barn is a great addition with its beautiful oak structure that opens onto a private garden area.
THE HOUSE
Exclusive hire of the Victorian Library, Edwardian Dining Parlour and the Jacobean Banqueting Hall creates an impressive and romantic setting for all, or part of, your day.
Corporate Hire
Corporate events
A conference or dinner is more than just a meeting of people. It is about location, planning and communication.
Here at Knebworth we understand this and work with you to bring these elements together to ensure that your event runs as smoothly as possible.
Our 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.
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Meeting spaces
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Beautiful gardens
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Beautiful rooms
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Corporate event rooms
School Visits
If you are visiting as a school, you will receive a warm welcome at Knebworth House. We cater for students of all ages and backgrounds. Our award winning programmes are designed to educate, inspire and entertain. The unique historic setting, exciting learning activities and stimulating outdoor spaces will provide a day out that your pupils simply won’t forget!