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Ightham Mote
Outstanding 14th-century moated manor house, gardens and estate
Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0NT
Important notice
Please note that the house, gardens, café, shop and estate are open as normal. Booking is not required.
Opening times for 8 August 2025
Asset Opening time House 11:00 - 17:00 Café 10:00 - 17:00 Estate Dawn - Dusk Garden 10:00 - 17:00 Shop 10:00 - 17:00 Last entry to the house and garden is 4.30pm, closing at 5pm. Last orders at the café are 4.45, closing at 5pm.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £19.80 £18.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £9.90 £9.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £49.50 £45.00 1 adult, 2 children £29.70 £27.00 Group (Adult 18+) £17.10 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Adventure playground/play area
Visit the natural play area where the kids can splash in the stream, play with the chimes, balance on beams and stepping stones and sit on cute piggies.
- Bookshop
There's a wide variety of second-hand books of all genres for all ages In Laundry Cottage and the Coach House.
- Café
Mote Café is open from 10am daily, serving tasty hot and cold food and drinks. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
- Car park
Free parking for National Trust members - please scan your card at car parking machine. £3 per vehicle for non-members. The car park has designated spaces for Blue Badge holders, along with family friendly parking.
- Cycle parking
Cycle racks can be found in the main car park.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on short leads are welcome in all areas of the property; except the natural play area, enclosed garden and house. Owners can bring their dog into the café to order but are asked to use the outside seating area to eat and drink. Dogs kept under close control are also welcome on the estate countryside walks. Assistance dogs are allowed in all spaces.
- Electric vehicle charging point
Six 11kW electric vehicle charging points are available in the car park. Chargers can be accessed using the mobile app, RFID card, or contactless payment device. Visit our EV charging partner, RAW Charging's website to download the app before your visit.
Electric vehicle charging point - more information- Guided tour
Introductory talks about the house and garden tours take place daily from March to October (weather dependent and subject to volunteer availability).
- Kiosk
The café kiosk is open seasonally and offers drinks and light refreshments including soft scoop ice cream.
- Picnic area
Picnic tables are situated next to the café kiosk.
- Shop
The shop is located within the visitor centre and stocks a range of new and seasonal products, including a variety of plants in the outdoor area.
- Toilet
Located by the Mote Café and the Coach House. Baby changing facilities and accessible toilets are available in both locations.
- Accessible route and/or map
An accessible route is available through the garden and around South Lake. The ground floor of the house is accessible.
- Accessible toilet
Two accessible toilets are available at the Mote Café and the Coach House.
- Braille (guide or menu)
A braille guide to the house is available - ask at the house welcome in the outer hall.
- Designated parking
Parking for Blue Badge holders is available near the visitor centre.
- Drop-off point
Contact the visitor centre on arrival or call in advance on 01732 811732.
- Induction loop
Available in the café and shop.
- Large print (guide or menu)
A large print guide to the house is available - ask at the house welcome in the outer hall.
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access to shop
- Level access/terrain
- Narrow corridors
Some of the corridors in the house are narrow due to the historic nature of the building.
- Powered mobility vehicle available
The Tramper powered mobility scooter is available for visitors to use around the gardens and South Lake. Please call 01732 810378 for more information and to book in advance (line monitored Monday to Friday).
- Ramped access/slopes
- Seating available
- Steps/uneven terrain
Paths in the garden may become slippery after rainfall, please take care and wear sturdy footwear.
- Transfer available
The volunteer-driven shuttle buggy is available to transfer visitors to and from the house.
- Virtual tour
A virtual tour of the house is available - ask at the house welcome in the outer hall.
- Wheelchairs available
Manual wheelchairs are available for visitors to use around the ground floor of the house, gardens, shop and café. Please call 01732 810378 for more information and to book in advance (line monitored Monday to Friday).
- By train
Hildenborough (4 miles) and Sevenoaks (7 miles) are both on the London Bridge / London Charing Cross to Hastings mainline. Sevenoaks (7 miles) is also on the Thameslink line from Bedford. Borough Green and Wrotham (3½ miles) are on the London Victoria to Ashford line. It is advised to take a taxi from the train stations listed as Ightham Mote is several miles away and would take well over an hour to walk to. Taxi ranks or phones are available at most of the stations.
- By road
6 miles north of Tonbridge on A227 - follow the brown sign to the left along High Cross Road, towards Ivy Hatch and turn left onto Mote Road; 6 miles south of Sevenoaks on A25 - follow the brown sign to the right along Coach Road. 16 miles west of Maidstone on A20/A25 - follow the brown sign to the left along Coach Road.
Parking: Free parking for National Trust members. Non-members; £3 per car. Coin payment only.
Sat Nav: Please use TN15 0NU What3words: ///model.dawn.young
- On foot
Ightham Mote is just off the Greensand Way - the long distance walking route across Surrey and Kent.
- By bus
Book ahead the Go To Service Bus from Sevenoaks Station by calling 01732 463964 or download the 'Go to Sevenoaks' app and book online.
- Cycling
The roads around Ightham Mote are single carriage-way country roads with national speed limits. The nearest cycle route is the Tonbridge to Ivy Hatch Loop (see www.cycle-route.com for more details). Bike racks are available in the main car park.
Planning your visit
English Civil War weekend – 9 & 10 Aug
Experience the drama of 1643 as Ightham Mote becomes a Royalist garrison in the midst of the English Civil War in an immersive, living history weekend.
Things to see and do at Ightham Mote
Find out about what's coming up soon in the gardens and house.
Article
Summer of Play at Ightham Mote
Step into a magical Alice in Wonderland themed Summer of Play at Ightham Mote. With five themed activity zones and weekly Alice-themed craft sessions there's plenty of weird and wonderful fun to be had. Until 31 August.
Article
Visiting Ightham Mote with the family
With walks, trails, a natural play area and acres of nature there is plenty to keep the family occupied on a visit to Ightham Mote. Read on to find out how to get the best out of your visit.
PDF
Article
Volunteer opportunities at Ightham Mote
Find out more about volunteering at Ightham Mote and how you can play your part in looking after 700 years’ worth of history and bringing its stories to life.
Article
Visiting Ightham Mote with your dog
Ightham Mote is a two pawprint rated place. With so much space to explore your four-legged friend won’t be bored on a day out at Ightham Mote. Find out where they can go and what facilities are available on your visit.
Article
Group and education visits to Ightham Mote
Find out more about booking your group or school for a visit to Ightham Mote and the information you need to help you plan your trip.
Highlights
House
Romantic moated manor house with 700 years of history, architecture and stories under one roof.
Garden
Nestled in a hidden valley, 14 acres of tranquil garden, pleasure grounds, orchard, water features, lakes and woodland.
Estate
Over 500 acres of landscape carved from woodland, in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with a variety of walking trails.
Grade I listed dog kennel
Home to the only Grade I listed dog kennel in the UK, built in 1890 for Dido, the St. Bernard by Sir Thomas Colyer-Fergusson.
Natural play area
Splash in the stream, play with the chimes, balance on beams and stepping stones and sit on cute wooden piggies.
Mote Café
The Mote Café is open daily, serving tasty hot and cold food and drinks. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Shop
Seasonal accessories and gifts, food and plants. Locally made products and souvenirs.
Second-hand bookshops
In Laundry Cottage and the Coach House, there's a wide variety of second-hand books of all genres for all ages.
Things to see and do
English Civil War weekend - 9 & 10 Aug
Experience the drama of 1643 as Ightham Mote becomes a Royalist garrison in the midst of the English Civil War in an immersive, living history weekend. Meet soldiers and civilians, explore encampments, and feel the ground shake with thrilling black powder displays and musket drills — but be warned, Parliamentarian forces may be near.
Saving Ightham: Ightham Mote at 40
This year marks forty years since Charles Henry Robinson gifted Ightham Mote to the National Trust. Explore displays celebrating the fifty-year rescue mission to save the house, from Robinson’s first glimpse in a London print shop in 1924 to his dedicated restoration efforts after purchasing it in 1953. His generous gift on 2 January 1985 ensured Ightham Mote’s preservation for future generations.
Article
Summer of Play at Ightham Mote
Step into a magical Alice in Wonderland themed Summer of Play at Ightham Mote. With five themed activity zones and weekly Alice-themed craft sessions there's plenty of weird and wonderful fun to be had. Until 31 August.
Article
Visiting Ightham Mote with the family
With walks, trails, a natural play area and acres of nature there is plenty to keep the family occupied on a visit to Ightham Mote. Read on to find out how to get the best out of your visit.
Article
The garden at Ightham Mote
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.
Article
The house at Ightham Mote
Enter this medieval half-timbered house across a cobbled courtyard and into the hushed interior. Discover dark wood panelling, huge fireplaces and a mix of furnishings inside.
Article
The estate at Ightham Mote
As the weather becomes warmer, wildlife, trees and wildflowers come alive across the Ightham Mote estate, while and birdsong fills the air.
Top trails
Trail
Ightham Mote circular walk to Knole
This circular walk from Ightham Mote passes along the Greensand Way, through areas of outstanding natural beauty to Knole Park and back to Ightham Mote.
Trail
Ightham Mote circular walk to Oldbury Hill
Enjoy a picturesque circular walk from Ightham to Oldbury Hill, passing through an area of mixed woodland as well as fish ponds and an old quarry.
Trail
Ightham Mote circular walk to Old Soar Manor
This historical circular walk links two National Trust places dating to medieval times, while also taking you through the ancient woodland of Scathes Wood and into Fairlawne Estate.
Trail
Ightham Mote circular walk to Wilmot Hill
Enjoy the Kentish countryside from the Ightham Mote estate as you walk the periphery of a large part of its 580 acres. The walk incorporates Scathes Wood, the Greensand Way, Wilmot Hill and Broadhoath Wood.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and shopping at Ightham Mote
Pop into the Mote Café for something tasty at end of a walk. In the shop you can pick up a special gift, plant or homewares. Don’t forget to look in the two second-hand bookshops.
Places to stay
Oldbury Hill Campsite
A peaceful woodland campsite near National Trust attractions, and an hour from London by train.
Upcoming events
Event
Saving Ightham: celebrating 40 years of Ightham Mote's legacy
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Charles Henry Robinson gifting Ightham Mote to the National Trust.
Event
Exhibition: Ightham at War
The Ightham at War: Prisoners With Parallel Fates exhibition tells the extraordinary stories of two men at war —one a captured British soldier, the other a downed German pilot— both connected by Ightham Mote.
Event
Sargent’s Palette in Bloom
Discover how Ightham Mote inspired internationally renowned artist John Singer Sargent.
Event
English Civil War weekend
Witness powder, pikes and parliamentarians in this thrilling weekend of living history and re-enactments.
Event
Music at the Mote: The Dial
The Dial band return to Ightham Mote for a summer evening of live music and dancing under the stars.
About Ightham Mote
Hidden away in a secluded Kent valley, is this perfectly preserved medieval moated manor house. Emerging from the natural landscape almost 700 years ago, Ightham Mote is built from Kentish ragstone and great Wealden oaks. While its architecture and decoration trace the development of the English country house, its owners provide the stories of a once-cherished family home, evoking a deep sense of history. In the tranquil gardens there are streams and lakes fed by natural springs, an orchard, flower borders and a cutting garden. The wider estate offers walks with secret glades and countryside views.
History
Article
The history and owners of Ightham Mote
Uncover the 700-year history of this fascinating medieval house and estate. Discover all about the owners that shaped it over the centuries, their connections and lifestyles.
Art and collections
Ightham Mote's objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Ightham Mote on the National Trust Collections website.
Article
John Singer Sargent oil sketch of Elsie Palmer returns to Ightham Mote
The enigmatic face of Elsie Palmer, one of renowned artist John Singer Sargent’s most famous subjects, has returned to the English country house where he painted her.
Our work
Article
Our work at Ightham Mote
From the annual winter clean to one of the National Trust’s largest conservation projects, find out more about how Ightham Mode is cared for and what goes on behind the scenes.
Article
Unlocking the future at Ightham Mote
We’ve reached a major milestone in our ambitious project to secure the future of Ightham Mote. From a sustainable new Visitor Centre to upgraded paths and facilities, discover what’s new and what’s still to come.
Support us
Article
Volunteer opportunities at Ightham Mote
Find out more about volunteering at Ightham Mote and how you can play your part in looking after 700 years’ worth of history and bringing its stories to life.