Creating Memories this Spring at Knebworth House4 min read

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, the flowers bloom, the weather gets better and baby animals are born. This time of year is also Easter when the children get two weeks off to enjoy time with family and friends.

There are plenty of things available to do throughout the UK and abroad but one place to visit this Easter is Knebworth House & Gardens. Packed full of fun activities for the children to do and is only a short drive from Cawdor HQ, take a trip down to Knebworth to learn more about this historical landmark in Hertfordshire.

History of Knebworth

Knebworth House, Gardens & Park holds diverse significance for many individuals. In the 21st century, Knebworth Park was known as Britain’s largest music venue, having hosted over 30 major concerts since 1974, including a record-breaking weekend in 2003 when Robbie Williams entertained 375,000 attendees.

Before the era of rock concerts, Knebworth House was recognised as the residence of Victorian novelist, playwright, and politician Edward Bulwer Lytton. Visitors in the 19th century might have enjoyed performances by Charles Dickens in the splendid Jacobean banqueting hall.

Throughout its history, Knebworth has been intertwined with music, literature, and politics. Edward’s son, Robert served as Viceroy of India and was a celebrated romantic poet. Robert’s daughter, Constance, played a significant role as a militant suffragette, contributing to the women’s suffrage movement. Constance’s niece, Hermione, married Cameron Cobbold, who later became Governor of the Bank of England and served as Lord Chamberlain during the 1960s.

Every generation of the Lytton family has contributed to the rich tapestry of history embodied by Knebworth. The 19th generation of the Lytton family resides in the house and wants you to become part of the extraordinary guest book that stretches from Queen Elizabeth I to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Lytton Cobbold Family welcome you to their home.

Knebworth’s Easter Trail

Between 29th March – 12th April you can take part in the Knebworth Easter Trail. Follow the characters around the Gardens to solve the word jumble and win a prize at the end.

  • Have a fun-filled day in the Adventure Playground in Fort Knebworth
  • Find our way to the centre of the Maze
  • Enjoy the Spring blossom in Knebworth Gardens
  • Become an explorer in the Dinosaur Trail
  • Climb to the top of the Watchman’s Tower to enjoy the views of Knebworth Park
  • Walk through 500 years of History on a tour of Knebworth House
  • Enjoy a Spring treat in the Garden Terrace Tea Room
  • Wizz down the big Astro and Drop slides at the Adventure Playground

Open Daily Throughout the Easter Holidays

Knebworth House, Gardens, Park, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail will be open daily during the school Easter Holidays from Friday 29th March to Sunday 14th April.

From March 29th to April 7th, they will host their annual Easter Trail. Explore Knebworth Gardens, follow the trail to find Easter characters, and collect clues to solve the word puzzle at the end.

Throughout the rest of the Easter holidays, families can spend the day at the Adventure Playground and explore the Dinosaur Trail. The Adventure Playground offers various activities including Astro and drop slides, swings and slides at Fort Knebworth, a zip wire, interactive water play, and climbing equipment.

Then head to the Gardens where 72 life-sized dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures can be found among the shrubbery. Children can learn about fascinating creatures such as the T-Rex and Woolly Mammoth while exploring the woodland paths.

The Garden Terrace Tea Room and Fort Knebworth Kiosk will be open throughout the holidays, serving a variety of cakes, snacks, sandwiches and drinks.

Knebworth Gardens

The Gardens at Knebworth offer delightful sights throughout each season. Encompassing 28 acres, the formal gardens feature a maze, vibrant borders, majestic trees, and a captivating wilderness area hosting an exciting dinosaur trail.

Gardens have graced Knebworth House since at least the 17th Century, with the current layout primarily attributed to the Edwardian era. Renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens simplified the Victorian garden’s ornate beds and statuary, introducing lawns and avenues lined with pollarded lime trees.

The Herb Garden, established in 1982 based on Gertrude Jekyll’s 1907 design, adds a unique charm to the landscape. Each generation has contributed to enhancing the gardens, with sculptures and wood carvings waiting to be discovered throughout the grounds.

Knebworth Park

Spanning over 250 acres, the historic deer park at Knebworth has been the habitat for grazing herds of Red and Sika deer for longer than the Lytton family has resided here.

The park offers an ideal backdrop for families to relish a countryside picnic, engage in ball games, and embark on leisurely walks throughout the open season.

Watchman’s Tower

Originally utilised by the night watchman until its closure in the 1950s, the tower underwent extensive restoration and reopened to the public in 2020. Ascend the staircase crafted from oak sourced from the Knebworth Estate to reach the top viewing platform, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

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