Sevenoaks

Having stayed the night with an old friend, we decided to visit Knole House in Sevenoaks, Kent.

Knole is one of England’s most important, complete, yet fragile historic houses, set at the heart of Kent’s last remaining medieval deer parks. Originally built as an archbishop’s palace, and former royal property of the Tudor dynasty, Knole passed to the Sackville family, who still live here today. Now over 500 years old, this National Trust house wears the marks of six centuries of history with quiet dignity.

This history is reflected nowhere better than in the curious collections housed at Knole. Spread across various state rooms, galleries and intriguing smaller spaces, Knole’s collections of royal Stuart furniture, textiles, portraits and tapestries have gradually been worn by light, damp, pests and time. Nevertheless, they retain a humble, faded glory, whilst pieces such as the rare silver furnishings of the King’s Room proudly attest to Knole’s more prosperous past. 

In the afternoon we visited another National Trust property. Emmetts Garden is an Edwardian estate that was owned by Frederic Lubbock, becoming both a plantsman's passion and a much-loved family home.

The garden was laid out in the late 19th century and was influenced by William Robinson. It contains many exotic and rare trees and shrubs from across the world and in spring is a riot of bluebells. Did you know that English native bluebells are a protected species? Picking them or removing them is against the law.

Standing on one of the highest spots in Kent, Emmetts Garden offers panoramic views over the unspoiled Weald.