Knightshayes Court - Review for families

Best for:

Babies / 9 - 12 / 12+

OK for:

Toddlers & Preschool / 5 – 8

Cost

££ - It’s £8.10 for an adult and £4 for a child WITHOUT gift aid. Gift aid prices at Knightshayes Court are only less than an extra £1 per ticket, but make sure you know how much you have to pay and how much you can choose to pay. Ask staff if you’re unsure or visit the National Trust pricing page.

What’s on offer

Visit the truly beautiful conserved Knightshayes Court; a magnificent French Gothic style country home designed by famous English art-architect William Burges. Enjoy the artefacts remaining, listen to the room guides provide you with information or enjoy the views of Mid Devon’s gem, Tiverton. Alternatively, explore the gorgeous gardens either by wandering at your own pace or taking the tour. Parents and avid readers will adore the secondhand bookshop.

It doesn’t strike you immediately as the place-to-be for families with children but there are a variety of safari spotter house trails, outdoor trails, seasonal trails and activities for them to enjoy. There’s also a children’s play area.

What it lacks in rollercoasters and petting zoos, it makes up for in excellent baby-changing facilities, which can be found in male and female toilets. You’ll be pleased to hear that pushchairs and baby-back carriers are welcome, that the café has plenty of highchairs and children’s lunchboxes on sale. There’s also a tea room, kitchen, gift shop and free parking nearby.

Highlights

The informative video at the start of the house tour really feels educational and puts you totally in the mindset for the rest of the day. For parents, the views, the gorgeous home and the lovely dining areas will be a definite highlight. For kids, the slightly unusual play area will be a big hit with everyone. It’s made entirely out of wood. There’s also a sculpture of the Willow Badger sculpture in the gardens.

What to watch out for

- Don’t follow the Sat Nav all the way there; it may get you lost. When you get to Tiverton, just follow the brown signs.

- Don’t expect a huge house – it’s not small but it’s not massive, either.

- Knightshayes Court is partially inaccessible, though the house is ramped – it also has cobbles and steep and uneven paths at times. Pushchairs are welcome but may be difficult and unsteady walkers might need extra supervision. Parents an children with mobility problems should speak to staff for full information before paying entry.

- Dogs are allowed in the parklands area but must be kept on a lead and owners must pick up their pet’s business.

- It can be hard to find a parking spot.

- On a sunny day, the café can become overheated.

- Maybe try to visit this one without the kids, if you can.

MFM tips:

- Combine this visit with a trip to Escot Park in East Devon. Read our guide to find out why!

What the owners say

“Discover Knightshayes, home to the Heathcoat Amory family for 125 years, it's a Gothic Revival masterpiece complete with gargoyles and medieval romanticism.

Explore richly furnished rooms with intricate ceiling decorations and eccentric carvings, including the characters of medieval life and the seven deadly sins.”

Visit the official Knightshayes Court website

More family attractions in Mid Devon…

Diggerland
Devon Railway Centre