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Ightham Mote

Lovely 14 acre garden surrounding a picturesque medieval moated manor house c1320, open for NGS since 1927. Herbaceous borders, lawns, C18 cascade, fountain pools, courtyards and cutting garden provide formal interest; while the informal lakes, stream, pleasure grounds, stumpery/fernery and orchard complete the sense of charm and tranquillity, along with the recently reinstated walled garden.

Owner Info

Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote

About Ightham Mote

Ightham Mote is nestled in a hidden valley at the centre of a sequence of water features of medieval origin. The intimate scale, warm homely, family atmosphere, through mist or with the sun glittering on the moat, creates a fairy-tale picture of England past and present, for all to enjoy and to relax in.

The gardens around the 700-year-old moated manor house provide formal lawns, herbaceous borders, shrubs, roses, spring-fed fountain pools, cascades, courtyards and a cutting garden. While a gentle stroll will reveal the informal pleasure grounds, with trees, north and south lakes, stream, stumpery and orchard for peaceful relaxation. The reinstated walled garden, which housed a car park until recently, is being brought back to life.

The landscape surrounding this country house has provided the backdrop, setting, food and raw materials for life at Ightham Mote. A visit to the garden, house and estate reveals how 700 years of history have left their mark, reflecting changes in the status of the owners, garden design, agricultural methods and woodland management.

Location details

Ightham Mote,
Mote Road,
Sevenoaks,
Kent,
TN15 0NT

Directions to Ightham Mote
E from Sevenoaks on A25 follow brown sign R along Coach Rd. W from Borough Green on A25 follow brown sign L along Coach Rd. N from Tonbridge on A227 follow brown sign L along High Cross Rd.

Ightham Mote openings

You can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Light refreshments in the Mote Café.
Admission Adult: £19.00
Child: £9.50
Opening times 10:00-17:00

Accessibility

  • Please check NT website for access details (map available).
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Yes, coaches are accepted at Ightham Mote. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Ightham Mote. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Ightham Mote, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Ightham Mote are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Ightham Mote seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.