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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.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

These displays focus on the saving of Ightham Mote over a 50-year rescue mission. We explore Mr Robinson's passion for Ightham Mote, from his first glimpse in a London print shop in 1924, to his dedicated restoration of the house after purchasing it in 1953.

Thanks to his generosity, Ightham Mote was preserved for future generations, officially becoming part of the National Trust on 2 January 1985.

Discover the story of one man's love for this English treasure and the lasting impact of his gift.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Children welcome

Meeting point

This exhibition can be found in the main house.

Accessibility

The garden is steep in places with steps and gravel, cobbles and grass pathways - please speak to staff on arrival for the best route for your needs. Disabled parking is available near visitor reception but there is some gravel in areas of the car park. Pushchairs are permitted in all areas of the garden, but please take care. Take care, there are many open water areas around the garden.

Upcoming events

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 summary

on
3 May to 28 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 148 other dates or times
Event

VE Day 80 discovery days 

Discover what life was like on the Home Front during World War II with our family friendly weekend of interactive sessions and displays.

Event summary

on
3 May to 5 May 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Sargent’s Palette in Bloom 

Discover how Ightham Mote inspired internationally renowned artist John Singer Sargent.

Event summary

on
3 May to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 183 other dates or times
Event

Invicta Morris: Morris Dancing at Ightham Mote 

Get ready for bells, sticks, and plenty of energy as Invicta Morris bring their vibrant Cotswold Morris dancing to the beautiful setting of Ightham Mote.

Event summary

on
11 May 2025
at
12:30 to 13:00
+ 2 other dates or times