Knightshayes
Devon, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
Bolham, Tiverton EX16 7RQ
Telephone 01884 254665
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- Free for members; non-members £1.30 one hour, £2.60 two hours, £3.90 three hours, £5.20 four hours (cash or card at reception); hard-surface main car park; separate parkland car park
- Access
- Partly accessible formal and woodland garden; hard-surfaced step-free paths; uneven surfaces and steps to terraces; accessible toilets at stables and house; blue badge parking
- Facilities
- Café (hot and cold food, snacks); shop; second-hand bookshop; plant centre; adventure play area in woodland; adapted and standard toilets with baby changing
- Dogs
- On short leads in parkland, Formal & Woodland Garden, Walled Kitchen Garden, café, shop and second-hand bookshop all year; assistance dogs throughout
- Safety
- Grass paths closed November to Easter; uneven surfaces; several sets of steps in gardens; slopes in walled and woodland gardens
Knightshayes is a Victorian Gothic Revival house designed by William Burges for the Heathcoat-Amory family, and its unusual, slightly eccentric character comes through in visitor reactions as much as the guidebooks. Reviewers consistently rate the grounds as highly as the house itself, with formal gardens, a kitchen garden, mature trees, and marked woodland walks up to 4km. Knowledgeable guides and a second-hand bookshop add to what most visitors treat as a full day out rather than a quick stop.
Worth the trip
The formal gardens and kitchen garden, praised by repeat visitors as some of the best on the National Trust estate.
Before you go
Give yourself a full day - reviewers who tried to fit in house, walled garden, and walks in one short visit found there wasn't enough time for all three.
Reviewers consistently praise Knightshayes' extensive gardens and parkland, including formal gardens, a kitchen garden and mature woodland walks that suit a full day out. The unusual architecture of the house itself and the interesting history of its previous owner are mentioned favourably, along with knowledgeable guides throughout. A small shuttle car to the house is available for those who prefer not to walk from the car park, and a second-hand bookshop and cafe are noted as pleasant additions. The property is described as particularly good for dog walkers thanks to its livestock-free fields.
Victorian Gothic Revival house designed by William Burges for the Heathcoat-Amory family
“Beautiful flowers,the gardens always look lovely what ever time of year you go. The house has great history as well. We made a day of it and drove to Dunster Castle next Beautiful ride”- Margaret Hall, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Facilities
- “Would like to go back and see these As always national trust cafe was very nice.” - Lotty 05
Common questions about Knightshayes
Where is Knightshayes?
Knightshayes is in Devon, England, at Bolham, Tiverton EX16 7RQ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Knightshayes?
Yes - Knightshayes is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Knightshayes?
The formal gardens and kitchen garden, praised by repeat visitors as some of the best on the National Trust estate.
Is Knightshayes a ruin or still intact?
Knightshayes is largely intact - Victorian Gothic Revival house designed by William Burges for the Heathcoat-Amory family.
