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The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio
Conserving and preserving our history for the future.
Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RP (Sat Nav TN13 1HX)
Important notice
Saturday 7 December - Knole is closed due to forecast high winds and weather warnings for Storm Darragh. Please do not travel to Knole. The car park and all facilities will be closed. We will update the website with information about reopening.
Opening times for 26 December 2024
Asset Opening time Studio Closed MTWTFSS2526272829301234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303112345OpenPartially openClosedAssistance dogs only
Coffee shop
Brewhouse Cafe.
Car park
Parking: The car park is reserved for members and paying visitors to the house. Pre-book admission to guarantee entry. Members visit free. Paying visitors: admission is charged per person in each vehicle. If you only wish to visit the park, the multi-storey car park in Sevenoaks is a short walk into Knole Park. The postcode is TN13 1LW.
Toilet/accessible adapted toilets in the Conservation Studio Lobby. Lift access for those unable to use the stairs.
By road
Some sat nav systems will not direct you correctly to Knole using our postcode. Use postcode TN13 1HX and follow directions below. From north and west: leave M25 at exit 5 (A21) and follow signs for Sevenoaks. Turn right at mini-roundabout. Park entrance is in Sevenoaks town centre, left off A225 High Street (opposite St Nicholas Church). From south: Leave A21 at junction signposted Sevenoaks and follow A225 for Sevenoaks. Park entrance is on right after about 2 miles. From east: Follow A25 through Seal. Turn left at traffic lights. Continue ahead and through High Street. Park entrance is on left 300 yards beyond top of the High Street. Be mindful of the local traffic on the busy High Street as you turn in.
Parking: The National Trust car park is for admission ticket holders only. To use the car park please pre-book admission for every person in your vehicle. -Members: book free admission per person online to guarantee entry and park free of charge. -Paying visitors: book admission per person in each vehicle online. Parking is included with all admission tickets. To book tickets, go to the ‘What’s On’ section of the website or call 0344 249 1895.
Sat Nav: Please use postcode TN13 1HX.
By train
Nearest station is Sevenoaks.
By bus
Sevenoaks bus station is the nearest bus stop.
By bicycle
Bicycles can access Knole Park through the main and pedestrian entrances. No bicycles on the golf course. Paths are mainly rough track or grass and are undulating. Cycle racks can be found adjacent to the outdoor picnic area.
Planning your visit
PDF
PDF
The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio map
Take a look at the map of The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio to help plan your visit.
Highlights
The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio
National Trust conservation studio housed in a barn with medieval origins as an agricultural building. The conservation studio supports the collections in our care.
Things to see and do
Article
What to see at Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio
Discover what you can see and do at the unique Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio, plus more about the distinctive building.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio
A contemporary workspace steeped in history; the conservation studio supports collections cared for by properties across the National Trust.
Come and see our team of experts conserving a range of decorative art objects. From frames and furniture to paintings, ceramics and glass, there will always be something going on in the studio. Our work is diverse, ranging from emergency first aid, where we stabilise objects to preserve original materials and prevent further deterioration. To undertaking elements of restoration, where we can bring objects back to their former glory.
Sometimes our conservators work on-site at properties, undertaking condition surveys and assessments of objects or to provide support and training to property staff. This means we are not always in the studio. During your visit you will be able to learn about what we do by exploring the interactive displays in the exhibition area and through talking to our volunteer guides
Our task is not small, the National Trust owns and cares for over 1 million objects. Fortunately, we are not alone, we collaborate with colleagues specialising in textiles at the Conservation Studio at the Blickling estate in North Norfolk. In collaboration with the textile conservators we provide a well-rounded service for the critical demands of our collections. We work alongside a larger network of preventive conservators, curators and collections and house teams.
History
Article
The history of the Knole Barn
Discover the history of this centuries-old building up to the present day, including the damaging fire of 1887 and its rebirth as the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio.
Our work
Article
Our work at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio
Find out about the work of our team at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio in Kent and how we help care for a large number of objects from properties all over the country.