Knebworth House, Park & Gardens

Remarkable for having been home to the Lytton family for more than 500 years, Knebworth House, Park & Gardens offers a great day out for all. There have been gardens at Knebworth House since at least the 17th Century, but the present layout dates largely from the Edwardian era. The architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who married into the Lytton family, simplified the ornate beds and statuary of the Victorian garden with lawns and avenues of pollarded lime trees and created 'garden rooms' with each area having a different feel depending on the planting.

Explore the shady Green Garden and emerge into the sunny Gold Garden with its circular pool and fountain. The soft shades and relaxed planting of the adjoining Brick Garden offer a perfect contrast to the formal rose garden. Families particularly enjoy the maze, the organically run walled kitchen garden and the Herb Garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll.

Each generation has enhanced the gardens and the recent wooden sculptures throughout the gardens are particularly interesting. Younger visitors will enjoy playing in the large Adventure Playground and exploring the woodland paths of the Wilderness Garden, where 72 life-sized prehistoric creatures can be found amongst the rhododendrons and the redwoods.

The licensed self-service Garden Terrace Tea Room offers delicious refreshments in a delightful oak barn and its adjoining terrace on the edge of the Gardens. The menu includes a selection of homemade soup, afternoon teas, cakes, sandwiches, locally produced hot and cold lunches and freshly prepared salads.

Please visit in-line with current restrictions, and check their website before visiting to ensure they are open. 

2021 opening times:

24 April – 23 May Weekends & Bank Holidays
29 May – 6 June Daily
12 – 13 June Weekend
14 – 18 June Daily (House, Gardens and Dinosaur Trail Only)
19 – 20 June Weekend
21 – 25 June Daily (House, Gardens and Dinosaur Trail Only)
26 June – 6 September Daily
11 – 12 September Weekend
25 – 26 September Weekend