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Summer of Play

Step into a Wonderland of summer fun from 19 July to 31 August.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Join us for a magical season of play at Ightham Mote inspired by Alice in Wonderland, with five themed activity zones including, flamingo croquet, and Mad Hatter’s tea parties every weekend on the North Lawn—just bring your own picnic. Plus, enjoy weekly Alice-themed craft sessions and explore the new and improved natural play area for even more adventure. Summer of Play is supported by Starling Bank.

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

What to bring and wear

This activities mostly take place outdoors. Please dress for changeable weather conditions.

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
20 Jun to 28 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 100 other dates or times
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 summary

on
20 Jun to 2 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 16:30
+ 135 other dates or times
Event

Sargent’s Palette in Bloom 

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

Event summary

on
20 Jun to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 135 other dates or times
Event

The Allegri Singers 

The Allegri Singers return to Ightham Mote singing Madrigals in the Courtyard.

Event summary

on
29 Jun 2025
at
14:00 to 15:00