Ightham Mote

Feel like lords and ladies at the majestic 14th-century Ightham Mote, Kent. Explore a piece of local history and take a step back 700 years into the past. This historic house offers acres of beautiful gardens for kids to explore and lots of wonderful trails. 

 

Step back in time for an action-packed Tudor summer at Ightham Mote, with five weeks of exciting family displays, trails, performances and activities.

Kick things off at the Tudor Festival weekend with historical displays, interactive talks and demonstrations on the 29th & 30th of July.

There are plenty of exciting activities that bring the history of the medieval house to life. Hunt down five famous shields from Ightham Mote's past on the shield trail - it's set in acres of gardens. 

Ever wanted to become part of the monarchy? On Tuesdays in August, little ones can join Tudor-inspired craft workshops with the chance to create a crown, design a dragon and more (suggestion £1 donation, plus admission). All that's left to decide afterwards is, what kind of ruler will you be...? 

Each week throughout the holidays, there are themed hands-on history demonstrations and family-friendly talks. Meet costumed characters, discover Tudor food and feasting, sponge throw in the stocks choir and turn your hand to jousting.

On the final weekend of the holidays, there will be spectacular Tudor-inspired falconry displays (2 & 3 September). Learn about different types of birds and see them soar above iconic Ightham Mote. 

 

Kids will love the moat surrounding the house. It’ll send their imaginations wild as they think of keeping dragons, knights and all sorts of magical intruders away from their prized castle. When you enter the house you’ll discover fascinating true stories about this important location. We’re sure you’ll learn something fascinating as well as the kids!

Owners of the house range from knights, Tudors, Victorians and an American businessman. This stunning house has plenty of stories to tell, and the experts on hand will be more than willing to tell you about the house’s curious past. It’s time for your family to uncover the secrets of Ightham Mote...

 

 Food & Drink

After you've finished your outdoor adventure head over to Ightham Mote's café and enjoy tasty homemade treats, light lunches and refreshing drinks. Make sure to grab a cup of speciality tea ad coffee with your delicious homemade cake! 

 

 

 

Ightham Mote is just off The Greensand Way - the long distance walking route across Surrey and Kent.

Hildenborough (4 miles) and Sevenoaks (7 miles) are both on the London Bridge / London Charing Cross to Hastings mainline. Sevenoaks (7 miles) is also on the Thameslink line from Bedford. Borough Green and Wrotham (3½ miles) are on the London Victoria to Ashford line. Taxi ranks / phones are available at most stations. Show your train ticket in the Mote Cafe to receive a free cup of tea or filter coffee.

Book ahead the Go To Service Bus from Sevenoaks Station by calling 01732 463964 or download the 'Go to Sevenoaks' app and book online.

The roads around Ightham Mote are single carriage-way country roads with National Speed limits. The nearest cycle route is the Tonbridge to Ivy Hatch Loop (see www.cycle-route.com for more details). Bike racks are available near Visitor Reception. If you've arrived by cycle, please let the cafe know and you will receive a free cup of tea or filter coffee.

6 miles north of Tonbridge on A227 - follow the brown sign to the left along High Cross Road, towards Ivy Hatch and turn left onto Moat Road; 6 miles south of Sevenoaks on A25 - follow the brown sign to the right along Coach Road. 16 miles west of Maidstone on A20/A25 - follow the brown sign to the left along Coach Road.

Parking: Free parking for National Trust members. Non-members; £3 per car. Coin payment only. Please follow instructions from staff and signage on site when you arrive.