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Knole House in Sevenoaks set to reopen to visitors by the National Trust

One of the county's popular stately homes is set to reopen its doors to visitors.

The National Trust will reopen Knole House in Sevenoaks as part of a phased reopening of its 200 houses across the country that have been closed since lockdown.

Deer at Knole, Sevenoaks Picture: National Trust
Deer at Knole, Sevenoaks Picture: National Trust

While many of the trust's properties reopened their open space throughout the summer, a month ago part of Sissinghurst Castle became one of the first in the UK to reopen its inside space to visitors.

The reopening on Monday, September 21 will see the showrooms at Knole House open its doors daily, with several new safety measures, including one-way systems and limited visitor numbers as well as enhanced cleaning and hand sanitising stations.

Regular visitors will notice some changes to displays and the visitor route, including a couple of areas that are closed due to their size.

The Cartoon Gallery at Knole, Sevenoaks will reopen to visitors Picture: Andreas von Einsiedel/National Trust
The Cartoon Gallery at Knole, Sevenoaks will reopen to visitors Picture: Andreas von Einsiedel/National Trust

The house will open from 11am to 4pm, with last admission at 3.15pm, though the parkland is open dawn to dusk and the car park from 10am to 5pm.

Visitors will need to book in advance through the online booking system.

Paying visitors using the car park will need to book a full house visit ticket. Alternative parking can be found in the multi-storey car park in the town centre, from where it is possible to walk into the park.

The Reynolds Room at Knole, Sevenoaks Picture: Andreas von Einsiedel/National Trust Images
The Reynolds Room at Knole, Sevenoaks Picture: Andreas von Einsiedel/National Trust Images

In line with government guidance, you're required to wear a face covering in the indoors areas.

Knole general manager, Hannah Kay, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome visitors back to Knole House. Recent months have seen visitors enjoying the parkland and courtyards but now we’re pleased to open the doors to the sumptuous showrooms to share Knole’s treasures again. Although the visit will be different, with a one-way route, we hope visitors can experience the spectacular interiors and be part of a 400-year history of visiting Knole.”

The Great Staircase at Knoe, Sevenoaks Picture: Andreas von Einsiedel/National Trust Images
The Great Staircase at Knoe, Sevenoaks Picture: Andreas von Einsiedel/National Trust Images

John Orna-Ornstein, the trust’s director of culture and engagement said: “We have received some fantastic feedback since we started to reopen our places in July and are incredibly grateful for the patience and understanding that visitors and members have demonstrated as we start to welcome people back to our houses.

"Being able to share these beautiful places and their histories is what the National Trust is here for and we are truly excited to be able to open these houses and welcome people back.”

To book, go to nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

For more days out ideas across Kent click here.

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