Discover more at Ightham Mote
Find out when Ightham Mote is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Eating and shopping at Ightham Mote
A trip to Ightham Mote wouldn’t be complete without popping into the shop or relaxing in the Mote Café. Conveniently located near the start or end of your visit to the house, garden or estate, they are a great way to refuel or pick up a reminder of your day. Don’t miss our two second-hand bookshops, where you can pick up your next page-turner.
Eating at the Mote Café
With tasty homemade treats, light lunches and refreshing drinks, Ightham Mote's café is the ideal place to relax during your visit or reward yourself at the end of a walk. The café is next to the car park, and there are toilets at the back of the building. It’s a great way to start and finish your visit.
Specialty coffees and teas
The friendly team of trained baristas serve espressos, lattes, cappuccinos and more. But never fear, we also serve tea – and lots of it.
Cakes and bakes
Choose from a selection of mouth-watering cakes, bakes and scones, with seasonal options throughout the year.
Tasty meals
Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared sandwiches, light lunches and hot meals, with many of the ingredients sourced locally.
Al fresco eating
Relax and enjoy an al fresco experience on the Mote Café outdoor seating area. If you’d like to enjoy a picnic, then ask us for a take-away option and recline in the deckchairs at the north end of the garden. Dogs on leads are welcome here.
Private functions
To book the Mote Café for private parties and functions, please contact the Food and Beverage Manager on 01732 811314.
Allergen information
Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free.
If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.
Always check when you visit
Visited before? We sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients. When you visit, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information for your favourite dish.
Thank you
Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps us to continue looking after places for everyone to enjoy.
Our shop
The new shop at Ightham Mote is one of the largest in the National Trust and is sure to have just what you're looking for. Every purchase you make helps us care for the nature, beauty, and history that surround Ightham Mote.
Conveniently located in the main entrance building by the visitor reception, our shop is open to everyone—drop in for a browse, whether you're entering the property or not.
Meet the Maker
We host ‘Meet the Maker’ events or tastings every weekend, giving you the chance to meet local producers, sample our creations, and discover the stories behind the products—adding something extra special to your visit.
Perfect gifts and treats
Inside, you’ll find a wide selection of National Trust chutneys, jams, biscuits, and treats. We also stock fashion accessories, including hats, scarves, and bags, all inspired by our special places.
For the green fingered
For garden lovers, we offer a variety of plants—all grown and seen in our Ightham Mote gardens—along with wildflower seeds, bird feeders, and lanterns.
For the home
Our shop also features a charming collection of toys, books, and stationery for all ages. For your home, discover distinctive items such as mugs, cosy throws, blankets, and scented candles.
For your pooch
And, as you'd expect from Ightham Mote, canine companions are very welcome and well looked after; our shop offers a variety of dog toys, treats, and portable water bowls.
Souvenirs of your visit
If you're looking for a memento of your visit, you'll find a wide selection of Ightham Mote-branded items, including postcards, tea towels, mugs, fridge magnets, bookmarks, keyrings, pens, pencils, and jigsaw puzzles—perfect keepsakes or gifts for friends and family.
Keeping it local
At Ightham Mote, we’re proud to support local artisans and producers from Kent and Sussex. By championing nearby suppliers, we help reduce road miles, promote sustainability, and celebrate the creativity of our region.
Look out for a wide range of locally-sourced items in our shop, including:
- Silverhand sparkling wines from the largest single organic vineyard in the UK
- Vegan-friendly, beautifully fragranced soap from the English Soap Company in Sussex
- Handmade wooden jewellery by Lucy Alice from Folkestone
- In the Loop Cocktails from Uckfield, using home-grown lemon verbena, English grapes, and botanicals including gorse flowers foraged from Ashdown Forest
- Dudda’s Tun cider – a selection of original and flavoured ciders made in Kent
- Lino-cut greetings cards by Kate Neame
- Lavender cushions from Olio of Oxney
- Hawkhurst Lavender body and face products made using locally grown lavender, distilled in small copper batches
- Ale from Westerham Brewery near Sevenoaks – makers of Spirit of Kent pale ale and Grasshopper red ale, brewed using hops from our own Scotney Garden’s hop farm
- Hand-turned wooden bowls and vases from Knotts Wood
- ‘Ouch’ essential oils cream by Blended Therapies – designed to ease muscle and joint pain and improve circulation
- Wooden garden mushrooms and fairy doors by Wood Cottage Craft
By choosing these unique items, you’re not just taking home something special—you’re also supporting local makers and helping protect the environment.
Come and visit the new shop at Ightham Mote. We look forward to welcoming you!
Second-hand bookshops
Set in the delightful grounds of Ightham Mote are two popular second-hand bookshops, both of which have their own unique history - one in Laundry Cottage and the other in the Coach House.
Both offer an extensive variety of books and more, with the added attraction of some unusual book art. For a trip down memory lane, we also have a delightful selection of junior and adult vintage books on sale.
Every book bought helps to secure the future of this special place for the next generation to enjoy. It is through these purchases and support that we are able to continue to care for nature, beauty and history for everyone, for ever.
Donations of books are always welcome and help support vital projects and conservation at Ightham Mote. We can assist with transferring books from car to shop - call into the visitor centre and a member of the team will be happy to help.
You might also be interested in
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.
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.
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.
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.
Places to eat
Discover a range of cafés, restaurants and tea-rooms at the places in our care across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find a place to eat near you, as well as special deals and allergen information.
Places to eat in Kent
Discover some of the top places to eat in Kent, including idyllic picnic spots, a café with a rooftop terrace and a 1940s-themed tea-room.
Second-hand bookshops
Pick up a book from a second-hand bookshop to keep or share. Every purchase will raise funds for conservation projects at the places in our care.
Treat yourself
Looking for the perfect gift or perhaps you're in need of some retail therapy? You can browse our full range via our online shop.
