Knightshayes court

Knightshayes Court is a striking Victorian Gothic Revival country house and estate, managed by the National Trust. Designed by the eccentric architect William Burges for the Heathcoat-Amory family, it is renowned for its lavish interiors and extensive, award-winning gardens.

Location
Address: Bolham, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7RQ.
Getting There: It is approximately 7 miles from M5 exit 27 and a short drive from the historic market town of Tiverton.

What to Do and See
The House: Explore the grand ground-floor rooms, including the Great Hall with its minstrels’ gallery and the library featuring an intricately decorated ceiling. Look out for quirky details like gargoyles, stone carvings of the seven deadly sins, and a portrait that may be a self-portrait by Rembrandt.
Gardens & Grounds: Wander through 50 acres of gardens, including formal Italianate terraces, a tranquil lily pool, and topiary “fox and hounds”. Don’t miss the restored two-and-a-half-acre Walled Kitchen Garden, which grows rare fruit and vegetables.
Outdoor Activities: The estate features 250 acres of parkland with walking trails offering views across mid-Devon. Children can enjoy the adventure play area in the woodland.
Facilities: Visit the Stables Café for afternoon tea or light meals, browse the shop, or explore the second-hand bookshop tucked away in the stables.

Who Should Go and When
Audience: It is ideal for families (plenty of room to roam), garden enthusiasts (renowned botanical collection), and history fans. Dog owners will find it very welcoming, as dogs on leads are allowed in the parkland, gardens, and café.
Timing:
Spring (March–May): Best for seeing the abundance of spring bulbs.
Summer: The gardens are in full bloom, and the kitchen garden is most productive.
Autumn: Great for seeing autumn colours and pumpkins in the walled garden.

What Makes It Unique
Architectural Rarity: It is the only complete country house designed by William Burges, showcasing his “neo-Gothic” and often eccentric style.
Hidden Gems: The house contains “hidden” ceilings that were covered for nearly a century and are now restored to their colourful glory.
Botany: The “Garden in the Wood” is a unique masterpiece of architectural planting with one of the most outstanding collections in the UK.

Booking Tips & Offers
National Trust Members: Entry and parking are free for members.
Parkland-Only Option: If you only want to walk the dog or visit the café, you can pay just the car park fee (approx. £1.30–£5.20 depending on duration) rather than the full £18+ house admission.
Standard Admission: Adult tickets are approximately £18.00 (without Gift Aid) as of March 2026. Family tickets (2 adults, up to 3 children) are £45.00.
Group Discounts: Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more.