Ightham Mote

Important notice -

The house, garden, café and shop are fully open and booking is not required.

Outstanding 14th-century moated manor house, gardens and estate

More about this place

Elaborate wall paper, curtains and details with antique piano, card table and other furnishings

Music at the Mote 

Music is built into the fabric of Ightham Mote. Over seven centuries, enchanting sounds have resonated through the beautiful mansion, made by the musicians, singers and composers who have lived and visited here. In a series of displays we will explore a variety of music and its origins. Music as rite, entertainment and pure fun throughout the ages. We hope you enjoy your journey through the melodies and harmonies of Ightham Mote on your visit.

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Ightham Mote

Things to see and do

Clematis climbing over a gateway with the cottages behind

Ightham Mote garden in summer 

The garden is at its most colourful during the summer months. With vibrant colours, the buzz of wildlife and space to relax in the historic pleasure grounds, it’s time to make the most of nature.

Lake surrounded by the green of trees and grasses and the blue sky, reflecting in the water

Summer on the Ightham Mote estate 

The summer brings plenty of opportunity to get close to the wild and bird life on the estate including red kites. Pause on one of our waymarked walks to enjoy magnificent views, the shade of our mature trees and colourful summer butterflies.

Four people, 3 adults and a teenager, enjoying a walk

Step into summer 

The summer brings plenty of opportunity to get close to the wild and bird life on the estate. Pause on one of our waymarked walks to enjoy magnificent views, the shade of our mature trees and colourful summer butterflies.

A little white dog sitting at a table on the patio

Walks with four-legged friends 

There's no better motivation to get you out and enjoying our estate than in the company of your trusted pooch. Every time you visit, you help us to uncover more wildlife stories.

A couple of children completing one of the house quizzes

Visiting with the family 

Bring the whole family to discover the treasures in the house; go on a garden adventure; run wild in our natural play area or be nature detectives on the estate. With each visit, you help unlock a piece of history.

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Ightham Mote

What's on

Upcoming events

See all events

Summer Fun Thursdays: Make Musical Instruments

Thu 18 Aug 2022
11:00-15:00
Join us from 11am to make your very own musical rain maker!

Music nights at the Mote - The Dial

Sat 20 Aug 2022
19:00-22:00
Enjoy an evening of live music at the Mote, with The Dial. Grab a picnic and some friends and dance the night away on the lawn.

Summer Fun Thursdays: Kite Making

Thu 25 Aug 2022
11:00-15:00
Let's fly a kite! Join us to decorate and build your very own kite

Autumn Fete

Sat 17 Sep 2022
10:00-17:00
Join us as we celebrate the turning of the season at Ightham Mote
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Ightham Mote

Our work

An artist impression of the newly designed areas at Ightham Mote

Unlocking Ightham Mote 

As of the 11 August 2021, we're delighted that Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has granted planning permission for new visitor infrastructure at Ightham Mote which will enhance its setting and secure the future of this historically important and valued place.

The north east corner of Ightham Mote covered in scaffolding

The £10 million house 

Aiming to retain the original fabric of the house wherever possible, and to use traditional methods and materials, the conservation work at Ightham Mote took 15 years to complete.

Flood water in the house courtyard

Caring for Ightham Mote  

In 2016, the team were met with a challenge that called for extensive conservation work, here's a reminder of what happened and what work is needed to care for Ightham Mote.

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Ightham Mote

Eating and shopping

A visitor's hand holding a National Trust takeaway coffee cup

Feeling peckish? 

Our café is full of tempting treats for both sit-in and takeaway. We've got a full range of hot and cold drinks, sweet cakes and bakes, light lunches, snacks and ice cream. We look forward to seeing you.

Cosy up this winter with our range of throws and blankets

Stop off at the shop 

No visit is complete without a browse of the shop. We've got a wide array of gifts and souvenirs to tempt you. From stylish home accessories to moreish tasty treats, there's something for everyone.

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Ightham Mote

Get involved

Garden volunteers talking to visitors

Give volunteering a try 

Keep active, learn new skills and make new friends, as well as helping bring Ightham Mote to life - just some of the reasons to start volunteering.

Find out more about volunteering at Ightham Mote
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Ightham Mote

History

Looking from the courtyard, across the North Bridge

The owners of Ightham Mote 

Who used to live here? Uncover the stories of some of the families who have lived here over the past 700 years including medieval knights, Tudor courtiers, high society Victorians and an American businessman.

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Ightham Mote

Art and collections

Our collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Ightham Mote on the National Trust Collections website

Search the collections
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© National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA

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