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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. This autumn discover The Pikachu Art Adventure in the garden and house. With a natural play area and plenty of space also to explore, it’s the perfect spot for imaginations to run wild.

The Pikachu Art Adventure at Ightham Mote

Thursday 1 October to Sunday 1 November | 10am-5pm (last entry 3.30pm to allow enough time to find all artworks)

Think you know art at the National Trust? Think again. Discover a unique art adventure at Ightham Mote this autumn – with Pikachu as the star.

Calling all Pokémon fans – old and young! Join us to celebrate the Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th Celebration with The Pikachu Art Adventure. Discover 30 Pikachu cards, each brought to life by a different illustrator, find out fun facts about the iconic character, and design your own Pikachu trading card.

There’s no need to book, and nothing extra to pay (normal admission applies).

Pikachu Art Adventure Autumn Banner
Discover a unique art adventure at Nostell this autumn – with Pikachu as the star.​ | © Pokémon

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

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