Plan your next visit today
You can find more information about what family-friendly events we have coming up at Ightham Mote here
Visiting Ightham Mote with the family
This spring at Ightham Mote, families can dive into playful adventures, including a Ruby Plants a Radish trail. With natural play area and plenty of space to explore, it’s the perfect spot for little imaginations to run wild.
Road closure near Ightham Mote
From 26 May to 30 May, Coach Road on the approach to Ightham Mote is closed. Access to Ightham Mote is still possible. Please follow the signed diversion route via Copt Hall Road and Sandy Lane.
Ruby Plants a Radish trail
Saturday 23 May - Sunday 31 May | 10am - 5pm
Free trail; normal admission applies
Join Ruby on a delightful garden adventure as her story springs to life across the grounds in a playful half-term trail.
Little explorers can follow the clues, discover what plants need to grow, and uncover the magic of the garden along the way. From digging and planting to spotting busy bugs and colourful vegetables, the trail is packed with fun discoveries. Along the route, there’ll be opportunities to play, learn and get creative.
Grab your wellies and join us for a half term full of fresh air, imagination and nature-inspired fun.
Ruby Plants a Radish is written by Kate Petty with illustrations by Axel Scheffler and is published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust.
Radish plantings sessions
Thursday 28 May | 11am and 2pm
Get little hands growing this May half term with fun-filled radish planting sessions, perfectly paired with the Ruby Plants a Radish trail.These hands-on sessions, lead by our garden team, bring the beloved story to life as young gardeners discover just how easy—and exciting—it is to grow their own food.
After following Ruby’s journey around the trail, children can roll up their sleeves, plant their very own radish seeds, and learn what plants need to grow. It’s a brilliant way to spark a love of gardening and growing produce to eat. Best of all, they’ll take home their planted pot and watch their radishes grow—just like Ruby!
£5 per child, booking recommended.
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.
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 - interactive trails, natural play area, picnic area
Coming soon - Summer of Play at Ightham Mote
Saturday 18 July - Sunday 31 August | 10am - 5pm
Free; normal admission applies
There’s lots of fun to be had this summer at Ightham Mote. From Saturday 18 July to 31 August, join us for games and activities. Put your sun hat on and come and make the most of being outdoors this summer.
Check back for more details on acitivties that will be available.
