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.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
What was domestic life really like at Ightham Mote during the Second World War?
Our passionate volunteers bring to life the daily struggles and incredible resilience of those left to fight the war from the Home Front. Find out what it meant to have to make do and mend, grow your own food and ration, as well as air raid precautions with examples of equipment that had to be carried around in case of unexpected enemy attack.
Fireguard & Incendiary Devices sessions at 11.30, 13:00 and 14:15.
Discover how Fireguards tackled air raid fires and try your hand at using a stirrup pump to put out unexploded incendiaries.
Home Army Drill sessions at 12,15, 13:45, 15:00. Learn the marching and drill techniques used by the Home Guard as they trained to defend the nation.
The London Ambulance Service Historic Collection will also be displaying its 1935 Clements Talbot Ambulance, the only wartime ambulance known to have survived the Blitz, fully stocked with medical supplies and equipment from World War II.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Children welcome
- Meeting point
Please ask for details and directions on arrival at the Visitor Centre
- What to bring and wear
It can be chilly in the house in winter so wrap up warm.
- Accessibility
Talks and demonstrations will take place around the house and grounds. Please ask staff for details.
Upcoming events
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.
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.
Sargent’s Palette in Bloom
Discover how Ightham Mote inspired internationally renowned artist John Singer Sargent.
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.