Long the stately home for the prestigious Lytton family, the romantic, historic Knebworth house has played host for all kinds of events, most notably Knebworth Festival, but also classic car rallies, exhibitions, half-marathons, and much more.
After falling into the hands of the Lytton family originally in 1490, it underwent several renovations. Starting as Late Gothic, it was later remodeled in the Tudor Gothic style over a period of around thirty years in the mid-19th century. During this period, the gardens a embellished in formal Italianate fashion, complete with fountains, statues, and geometric hedgerows, after which the interior was extensively redesigned and the parterre more simplified.
Indeed, every eccentric tenant of Knebworth has added their own little embelishments, and yet the house stands stylistically cohesive and undeniably stunning. The houses many turrets, chambers, gargoyles, and spires give it a fairytale-like quality, and are only matched by its extensive surrounding gardens.
Nowadays, it is inhabited by the 3rd Baron Cobbold, a Hollywood screenwriter, who now uses his links in the industry to allow film crews to set up shop at his house. Knebworth House has been used in films such as The King's Speech, 28 Days Later, and served as Bruce Wayne's manor in the 1989 Batman.
It now holds seasonal events, much of which family oriented, as well as the iconic festival held there each yeafr from 1974.
Details
- Address:
- Knebworth Park
- SG3 6PY
- Contact:
- https://knebworthhouse.com/
- 01438 812 661
- Transport:
- Knebworth