National Trust - Knightshayes Court
National Trust - Knightshayes Court things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Expansive grounds. Maybe entry could do with updating. You pay to get into the grounds via courtyard shop, cafe, toilets and second hand book shop, then walk to other areas but just felt upside down like we came in a back entrance as we’d driven passed the house and gardens already. Friendly reception staff. Sign needed between reception and the shop on the red door as we observed gusts looking confused and a tad lost…including ourselves had they not tried it already. Walk 500m or so to the house and gardens or the other way to the walled garden - generally open, no staff and minimal signage (not recommending this but could have just walked in). Our group and others walking the opposite way would have definitely benefited from a shuttle or tramper service here. Unsure if these are present in peak summer months. Plenty of dog walkers using the open park grounds. They’re not allowed in the formal gardens. Two friendly staff in reception but just not the regular NT vibe here unfortunately. Probably let down by the extremely rude foresters/rangers chipping branches who when I stood over 20m away (a very safe distance taking the machinery into account) watching with my toddler in my arms who just so happens to be into machinery at the minute. Shifty looks then hands held up ‘can you stay away’ …(confused here as we clearly were away & not waking & barely heard him with no machinery on at this point as they were unblocking the machine), …’er yes, can we watch?’ ….’well I’m just clearing the machine at the minute’. End of conversation- what a negative experience. I wasn’t expecting a tour but these two staff clearly didn’t know how to manage the public or simply be considerate. Shame as it tainted the whole experience and my understanding of NT properties is that they’re about the people…but not in this case. Cafe was ok, they forgot our cake and pretty sure served caffeinated rather than decaf, always good to repeat back to the customer what is being served against what was ordered but that wasn’t done (no rush or queue either…just lacking service). Needs an injection of love. Arlington Court was far superior for this.
Great British MapGreat British Map
00
A 19th century house, set in beautifully landscaped grounds. Google Maps seemed to be trying to take me in the wrong direction, into a no through road; I followed the old NT road sign which took me straight to the actual entrance. Watch out for a very narrow road. The car parking is a bit confusing if you've not been there before. There are several smaller parking positions, but the main car park is at the top of the hill behind the house. Don't forget to use your membership card to validate the parking. There are a few picnic areas before going into the main part of the property, and took advantage of one of these; very tranquil. The entrance / exit, cafe & shop are in what was once the stable yard area. It's been refurbished in a way that still allows you to imagine what they once looked like. The house is a short distance from the entrance, along a well made path; there are a few benches to stop on along the way if you need. For those less mobile, there is an electric buggy service that can carry up to 4 people. The house itself is a solid structure, built with money made from lace during the early part of the Industrial Revolution. The guides will provide an excellent understanding of the interior decorations, which were primarily driven by the male members of the family. There are some particularly interesting features, especially the wall paper, ceiling decorations, and wood panelling, which show off the specific skills. At the moment, visits to the upper levels of the house are limited; unfortunately, we missed the last one for the day. Outside of the house, there are some great views across the valley to Tiverton. I belive that the large factory in the distance was built by the family that originally owned Knightshayes, although it's a private business now. There are very enjoyable walks in the grounds and one of the largest walled gardens in the NT portfolio. The volunteers here seem to keep in particular good condition, and it certainly seems to be highly productive. Overall, a very pleasant day out.
Anthony SutcliffeAnthony Sutcliffe
00
Another wonderful National Trust experience. As we approached up the long winding drive, we were treated to a glimpse of Knightshayes court as we made our way to the car park behind. Plenty of parking and clear direction to the entrance. The entrance to the house was through the old stable block, which not only houses the welcome center but the usual gift shop, cafe, and book shop. The staff were very polite and helpful and we were soon on our way to view the house. As you leave the stable, the house gardens are to your right and a path to the house leads left. We chose to head for the house first. As we entered the house our usual welcome from volunteers was given and we started our viewing. It was at this moment that the fire alarm went off and we were asked to evacuate the house. A very well executed fire response was followed, (definitely not a drill by the way) and everyone was out quickly with no fuss. The staff were impeccable with their actions and normality was restored very quickly by the duty house manager and the all clear was given. 10 out of 10 on this very serious point. Well done indeed. The house itself was stunning. We enjoyed hearing volunteers quoting history, facts, retailing stories and divulging personal loves for many things therein. It adds to the experience quite significantly for me. I personally enjoyed Joyce's golf room. A lady of achievement indeed. We also very much enjoyed the gardens and the large array of different tree, plant and fauna species the gardens boast. The ornate pond and stretching front lawn were beautiful, and to walk to the lower boundary and look back on the house is a treat worth the effort. Once again, National trust have done a great job with how they present Knightshayes court. Thanks for the experience.
Weekend WildnessWeekend Wildness
10
This has been one of the most impressive and interesting National Trust places we have visited so far. It's very well linked ,road wise, very close to M5, and in the vicinity of Tiverton. This property has got 2 car parks. First one is near the entrance, next to the cricket grounds and the children play area. The second one is near the house, following a narrow road up the hill. The play are is simply a magnet for the little ones, as it has tree logs turned into tunnels, a tree house, big swing and many more. To get from there to the house you need around 10 minutes walk, going through a field full of sheep, over a creek. The house is truly majestic, impressive to view from outside and inside. Once in, friendly staff will welcome you at every step, guiding you to the right place. Railways passionate would be delighted to see a miniature railway model. The kitchen and the conservatory are definitely 2 places you can't miss, as they present the true atmosphere of the place. Outside, you can walk through the houses' gardens or the vast arboretum, you can visit the kitchen garden and the beautiful stables area.
Andrei NigaAndrei Niga
20
As a mobility scooter user we had already looked up accessibility on the National Trust website. It told us that most of the gardens were accessible so we went with confidence for a meander. We were given a map which outlined the accessible route, the only problem is once you're in the gardens the accessible paths are not marked and although the different areas of the garden are signposted they are not named on the map. This made it very difficult to find the accessible path. Also my scooter just couldn't make it up some of the steep slopes. I was very disappointed as what I could see of the gardens looked lovely, even for November. There are a lot of trees. If ever I invest in a Tramper scooter (more of an off road scooter) I may try again. Apart from that the coffee shop looked nice but was too busy to use. The shop is quite small and unless it's empty is difficult to navigate in a scooter or wheelchair. The house, which is closed Winter time, looked impressive from the outside.
Yvonne PearsYvonne Pears
20
A lovely day at Knighthayes with offer of open week with NT & Lottery. Entry with a bought lottery ticket worth £1.00. Gift shop, cafe for lunch, house, beautiful gardens, woods walk, kitchen gardens . Staff helpful all around. Very informative of part of our local history. Queueing for lunch a very unsavoury woman became quite abusive of the serving staff complaining about the menu choice. This is not the staffs fault what is on the menu. We found the menu to be quite varied and to suit differing dietary options. The staff dealt very well with this woman offering apologies and the chance to speak to manager but she declined these offers. We praised the staff for their composure and would state that staff do a fabulous job. They are not there to be abused by anyone. We asked the woman to move on as she was causing unnecessary embarrassment and a long queue of people. Well done Knightshayes for giving us a lovely day out. We will be back to see more and do it again.
Janet MooreJanet Moore
00
Nearby Restaurants Of National Trust - Knightshayes Court
The Lost Kitchen Devon
The Stables Restaurant
The Lost Kitchen Devon
4.7
(316)
Click for details
The Stables Restaurant
4.1
(11)
Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Bolham, Tiverton EX16 7RQ, United Kingdom
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Phone
+44 1884 254665
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Website
nationaltrust.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(1.7K reviews)$$
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
attractions: , restaurants: The Lost Kitchen Devon, The Stables Restaurant
