Ightham Mote
Sevenoaks, Kent
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If you're searching for a delightful day out with the kids, look no further than Ightham Mote, Kent. This enchanting 14th-century manor house offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families! From exploring ancient architecture to enjoying outdoor activities, Ightham Mote is a treasure trove of fun and education for kids and parents alike.
Feel like a lord or lady at the majestic 14th-century house. 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.
New For Summer Holidays 2024
Discover the shadowy story of the Selby family at Ightham Mote for summer 2024, and their connection to royal mysteries in Tudor times.
Take on code-breaking challenges and follow new spy-themed trails indoors and through the gardens with ‘A Summer of Selby Spies’! Plus, historical reenactments and crafts reveal more about Ightham’s Tudor legacy...
Things To Do
Walking through the gates of Ightham Mote is like stepping back in time. The stunning medieval manor house, surrounded by a serene moat, is a sight to behold. Kids will be fascinated by the storybook-like setting with timber-framed buildings and lush gardens. As you wander through the manor, the rich history of the house comes to life with each room offering a glimpse into the past. The house has been remarkably well-preserved and restored, allowing visitors to see original features like the Great Hall, the Chapel, and the Tudor courtyard.
Kids will also 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, 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 ranged from knights, Tudors, Victorians, and American businessmen! Ightham Mote 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.
The Garden
After exploring the house, the adventure continues outdoors. Ightham Mote's grounds are wide open, offering plenty of space for kids to run around and explore, from flower borders and secret glades to a formal lawn.
The walled gardens are beautifully maintained, with seasonal flowers adding bursts of colour throughout the year. Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the gardens, take a picnic by the lake, or follow one of the many walking trails that wind through the estate.
Whether you visit during the Snowdrop season in the winter or when the daffodils bloom in the spring. You'll even find a beautiful orchard with apple trees growing - did you know there's over 15 types there? From dessert and sweet apples to those that can be made into cider.
Fun Activities for Kids
Get messy in the natural play area, peer into the ponds and explore acres of open space and woodland. With nearly 700 years of history to discover, there’s something for the whole family at Ightham Mote near Sevenoaks.
Meander through the beautiful gardens to the cool, shady natural play area - and get stuck in! Practice your balancing skills, create mud pies or make sweet music. Just remember to bring a change of clothes.
Grab a children's estate map with three-way marked walks from one to five miles. Spot different birds and wildlife whilst giving little legs a much-needed stretch.
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. There's also kids' lunchboxes with a choice of sandwiches and sides! Make sure to grab a cup of speciality tea and coffee with your delicious homemade cake!
Or pack a picnic and throw down a comfy blanket in the picnic area in the garden.
Accessibility
- There are accessible routes in the garden and at the South Lake. Ground floor of the house is accessible.
- Accessible toilet
- Braille (guide or menu)
- Blue badge parking and Buggy Service available
- Large print (guide or menu)
- Level access to food outlet & shop
- Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow
- Registered assistance dogs welcome in all areas of the site. All dogs welcome on the café veranda all year round.
Why We Suggest Ightham Mote For Families
Ightham Mote is more than just a historic house; it's a gateway to the past and a haven for family fun! With its enchanting architecture, beautiful gardens, and a host of activities designed for kids, it offers a perfect day out for families looking to explore, learn, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique and enjoyable day out with the kids, Ightham Mote has something to offer.
BRAND NEW Spy Themed Trail
Channel your inner detective and uncover the BRAND NEW spy-themed trails and code-breaking challenges that will take you through the gardens with 'A Summer of Selby Spies'.
It's your chance to discover the untold story of the Selby family and their royal mysteries... It's the perfect summer activity for kids!
14th Century Manor House
Explore the Ightham Mote’s 14th-century manor house, as you transport back in time. Gaze at the medieval architecture, complete with a picturesque moat, discover beautifully preserved rooms, including the Great Hall, the Chapel, and the Tudor courtyard.
Beautiful Gardens and Outdoor Spaces
Take in the beautiful seasonal flowers, tranquil water features, and lush greenery, as you explore the stunning gardens. Perfect for leisurely strolls or a family picnic, the grounds also include well-marked walking trails through the estate’s woodland area!
Facilities
Toilets
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
During the winter, Ightham Mote closes at 16:00.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-17) : £8.00
- Adult (18+-18+) : £16.00
Under 5's free
Family (2+2) £40.00
Family (1 adult + 2 kids) £24.00
National Trust Members:Free entry and parking Non-National Trust members: Parking £3.00 per car
Small suggested donation for craft activities. Other activities are free with normal admission (free for National Trust members).
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Head to Ightham Mote cafe for a selection of light bites and homemade treats. There's a range of hot and cold drinks here too.
Kids can also grab lunchboxes here.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Foot
Ightham Mote is just off The Greensand Way - the long-distance walking route across Surrey and Kent.
By Train
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.
Verification
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Ightham Mote Reviews
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