Ightham Mote

Important notice -

Please note that the house, garden, cafe and shop are now fully open, booking is not required.

Outstanding 14th-century moated manor house

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

Looking across the daffodil filled orchard to the north side of the house on a sunny day

Spring in the garden at Ightham Mote 

Celebrate the arrival of spring in the garden. From snowdrops, crocus and the heady scent of Daphne, to the gradual awakening of daffodils, there are splashes of colour throughout.

Bluebells and primroses in Scathes Wood on the Ightham Mote estate

Spring on the Ightham Mote estate 

As the weather becomes warmer, wildlife, trees and wildflowers come alive across the Ightham Mote estate, while and birdsong fills the air.

Two people walking in the dappled light of the woodland in spring

Put a spring in your step 

With the damp greys and browns of winter, replaced by warmth, light and colour, renew your love affair with the countryside on a walk. Each time you visit, you help us conserve a slice of Kentish countryside.

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

Ightham & District Gardeners’ Club Summer Show

Sun 03 Jul 2022
11:00-17:00
Explore what the Ightham & District Gardeners’ Club have to offer at their annual summer show

Pastimes Historical Dancing

Sun 17 Jul 2022
11:00-15:30
Join Pastime Historical Dance for an afternoon of immersive historical dances from throughout the ages.

Summer Fun Thursdays: Build a Bug Hotel

Thu 28 Jul 2022
11:00-15:00
Join us for an afternoon of crafty fun and make your very own bug hotel

Music nights at the Mote - Masterclass

Sat 30 Jul 2022
19:00-22:00
Enjoy an evening of live music at the Mote, with Masterclass. Grab a picnic and some friends and dance the night away on the lawn.

Summer Fun Thursdays: Raft Making

Thu 04 Aug 2022
11:00-15:00
Get crafty and make your own raft! Launch your boat into our pond and see how far it travels

Summer Fun Thursdays: Nature Drawings

Thu 11 Aug 2022
11:00-15:00
Let your inner artist flourish as you create beautiful works of art using natural materials
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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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