Knightshayes upstairs reopens from April 15 

The first floor of National Trust Knightshayes will open again on Monday 15 April with a new visitor route and previously unseen collection on display. 

Visitors can peek inside the private rooms of the Heathcoat-Amory family, who lived at Knightshayes for over 100 years before it was gifted to the National Trust in 1972. Displayed within these rooms are fascinating family pieces, including Alexandra, Lady Heathcoat-Amory’s bed spread which was carefully embroidered by female guests, and an Omar Ramsden silver toiletry set which was a present to Sir John and Joyce, Lady Heathcoat-Amory on their wedding day.  

‘We’re excited to welcome visitors back to the first floor once again’, says Collections and House Manager, Rachael Pett. ‘Visitors can look forward to seeing more of the wonderful Gothic revival work created by William Burges and John Dibblee Crace, as well as seeing how the Heathcoat-Amory family may have used these more private spaces.’ 

For an immersive experience of these designs, visitors are invited to step into the Burges Room – a recreation of an original Burges design by the National Trust, allowing visitors to experience the opulence and intensity of his adventurous Gothic-inspired designs. A bed from Burges’ home, Tower House, which is on loan from the V&A, is showcased within the room, displaying the designer’s creativity in furniture as well as architecture and design.   

The first floor will be open daily from 15 April between 11am and 4pm.