Knightshayes to open 7 days a week
For the first time visitors to Knightshayes, near Tiverton, will have the opportunity to see the estate all year round, providing an insight into the National Trust’s ongoing work behind the scenes to care for the historic houses and landscape.
Visiting in the winter months, a time when the house and estate would usually have been closed, the public will enter via the East Wing, once a private flat and previously unseen part of the house. Once inside, they will be given access to the conservation stores and workshops used by the house team, giving them to chance to learn all about the work that goes into keeping this Victorian home open. Some of the grander show rooms will also be open to the public, through shrouded in dust sheets until March.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to talk about the core work we were set up to do,” said Sara Currant, House Manager for Knightshayes.
“Traditionally, Knightshayes along with many other properties has been closed during the winter in order to complete the annual deep clean; something we didn’t initially consider our visitors might be interested in. However, we’ve now discovered there is a huge appetite to find out more about all the work my team does to keep the house looking as amazing as it does. It really gives people a chance to learn more us as a conservation charity; and it gives them a reason to come back throughout the year as they will see different parts of the house in a different light each time they come.”
Visitors will also be able to enjoy all the seasons in the renowned Knightshayes gardens. The opening of the Formal, Woodland and Kitchen Garden are in line with the house, meaning the whole estate including café and shop will be open 363 days a year (only closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
“It’s a brilliant opportunity for us to offer unprecedented access to Knightshayes,” says Lewis Paterson, General Manager. “We’ve had to change the way we work in some areas, but everyone has risen to the challenge and seen it as a chance to shout about the hard work that goes into caring for the whole estate.”
The gardens, café and shop will be open 10am-4pm until 1 March, and until 5pm thereafter, with the house open at 11am daily. More information is available online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Knightshayes.
