Welcome to Knole U3A

The Universite de Troisieme Age (u3a) originated in France in 1973 as an extra mural activity at the University of Social Science in Toulouse and the first u3a was established in the UK in 1981, loosely based on the French system.

For more on the  history of the u3a in UK, please see  The_u3a_story by_Francis_Beckett_Web  

In 2009 an enthusiastic small group of local people came together to launch Knole u3a, its name chosen to reflect the connection to Sevenoaks.

Since then, we have gone from strength to strength and now at the start of  2025 have grown to almost 500 members. We currently offer 67 study groups, giving members the opportunity to for example improve foreign language skills, enjoy walks exploring the local countryside and the hidden back streets of London, learn new board games, join current affairs discussion group, explore local history.  And our monthly Science group invites knowledgeable speakers to give talks on a broad range of topics.

No qualifications are needed to join, just enthusiasm, curiosity and, because u3as are run by members, for its members, a willingness to contribute to its functioning in some way. This might be contributing to the successful running of any Group you join, admin help, providing refreshments at monthly meetings and even serving on committee.

The u3a is open to anyone who is retired or semi-retired, giving the opportunity to meet others and share your knowledge and experience through open meetings, joining any of the study group and perhaps in the administrative side of Knole. The Annual membership runs from July 1^st to June 30^th and the current fee is £16 per person pa.

For more information on membership please contact membership@knoleu3a.org.uk or for any other questions please visit our Contact page.

Knole u3a is affiliated to the Third Age Trust.