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Visiting Ightham Mote with the family

An adult holding the hand of a child, walking on a path between areas of grass. There are orange and yellow leaves covering the ground on the left and part of a tree trunk can be seen. There is a wooden bridge in the background.
Visitors exploring the garden in autumn at Ightham Mote | © National Trust Images/John Miller

At Ightham Mote, families can dive into playful adventures. With a natural play area and plenty of space also to explore, it’s the perfect spot for imaginations to run wild.

Explore the garden

Explore our historic garden, with its ponds, stream and lake fed by natural springs. Our garden isn't suitable for bikes, scooters, frisbees and balls, so please leave them at home, but you don't need them as we have a natural play area at the end of the garden.

Discover the natural play area

We suggest you bring a change of shoes, clothes and even a towel, as our natural play area is there to get messy. Whether you want to practice your balancing skills, create mud pies or make sweet music, come rain or shine just let your imaginations run wild. 

Child sits on wooden piggy in natural play area at Ightham Mote, Kent
Ightham Mote's natural play area is fun all year round | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Wander the estate

Why not extend your visit with a woodland wander or a hill climb on our estate, which is brimming with wildlife and the changing colours of the season. 

Rather than just wandering around, why not set some challenges for everyone to complete such as:

  • Who can walk the quietest
  • Who can find all the colours of the rainbow
  • Who can spot the most different types of leafs

Planning your visit 

  • Toilets - one facility located beside the café and another by the Coach House (near the house) - both have baby changing facilities and steps to help children reach sinks
  • House - baby feeding room, children’s quizzes, baby hip-seats, buggy park
  • Café - high chairs, lunchboxes
  • Shop - pocket money toys
  • Garden - outdoor games and activities, natural play area, picnic area

Download a map of ightham Mote before you visit: Ightham Mote map

Visitors sat with a leaflet on scaffold enjoying the Long Gallery ceiling after conservation work at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

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Eating and shopping at Ightham Mote 

Pop into Mote Café for a tasty snack or lunch. In the shop you can pick up a special gift, plant or homewares. Don’t forget to take a look in the second-hand bookshop.

Interior of the new shop in the visitor centre at Ightham Mote

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