Knebworth House, Gardens and Park (Hertfordshire)

Summary 17th century buildings Gift shop Gardens

Food and Drinks Tea Room

Introduction

Originally a red-brick Tudor manor house, it was transformed in 1843 into the Gothic fantasy we see today, with turrets, griffins and gargoyles. Interior rooms contrast the Gothic works of John Crace with the 20th Century designs of Sir Edwin Lutyens and other eras. Set in 250 acres of parkland, enjoy the gardens, nature trail and dinosaur park.

History to the present day

The home of the Lytton family since 1490, when Thomas Bourchier sold the reversion of the manor to Sir Robert Lytton, Knebworth House was originally a genuine red-brick Late Gothic manor house, built round a central court as an open square. In 1813-16 the house was reduced to its west wing, which was remodelled in a Tudor Gothic style by John Biagio Rebecca for Mrs Bulwer-Lytton and then was transformed in 1843-45 by Henry Edward Kendall into the present Tudor Gothic structure. Its most famous resident was Edward Bulwer-Lytton, the Victorian author, dramatist and statesman, who embellished the gardens in a formal Italianate fashion. Much of the interior was redesigned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who simplified the main parterre. A herb garden in an interlaced quincunx design was drawn by Gertrude Jekyll in 1907 but not planted until 1982.

Food and Drinks

The Self service Garden Terrace Room serves light snacks and refreshments.

Grounds and gardens

Knebworth's substantial grounds include a maze, the organically run walled kitchen garden, the Gertrude Jekyll Herb Garden and the Dinosaur Trail, with 72 life-sized dinosaurs. Explore the woodland paths and for the children a fun adventure playground a miniature railway.

Other facilities

 Gift Shop available.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , Hertfordshire, , United Kingdom

Address: Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, SG3 6PY

Directions: Knebworth Park, near Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is 30 miles north of central London and 15 miles north of the M25, with direct access from junction 7 of A1(M) Stevenage South (A602). 

Nearest Train Station: Stevenage

Opening Hours: Park, Gardens, Dinosaurs, Playground & Garden Terrace Tea Room Open: 11.00am-5.00pm. House open 12.00pm-5.00pm