Ightham Mote Review & Guide

I absolutely loved walking around Ightham Mote and taking photos – it’s a very photogenic place. See my photos. learn about it’s history and everything you need to know before visiting.

My Photos of Ightham Mote

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History of Ightham Mote

Ightham Mote is a remarkably preserved medieval moated manor house in Kent, dating back to the 1340s. Built around a central courtyard and surrounded by a square moat, it’s considered by architectural historian John Newman as “the most complete small medieval manor house in the county.” Its name is pronounced “item moat,” derived from Saxon roots (Ehta’s homestead) and possibly referencing a moot (meeting place).

The house has passed through many hands — from Sir Thomas Cawne, a knight of the Hundred Years’ War, to Richard Clement, a Tudor courtier under Henry VIII, and the Selby family, who owned it for nearly 300 years. In the 20th century, it was rescued by Charles Henry Robinson, an American philanthropist who gifted it to the National Trust in 1985. A £10 million restoration followed, preserving its medieval, Tudor, and Victorian features.

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10 Interesting Facts About Ightham Mote

1. The house is surrounded by a complete square moat, crossed by three bridges.
2. It contains over 70 rooms, all arranged around a central cobbled courtyard.
3. The Grade I listed dog kennel was built in 1891 for a St Bernard named Dido.
4. A skeleton of a young woman was discovered behind a bricked-up door in 1872.
5. The New Chapel features a Tudor barrel roof painted with roses and Catherine of Aragon’s symbols.
6. The porter’s squint allowed gatekeepers to inspect visitors through a narrow slit.
7. The Great Hall was remodeled in the 1470s with a massive fireplace and chimneys.
8. The house hosted John Singer Sargent, Henry James, and Ellen Terry during its Aesthetic Movement years.
9. The library was restored by Robinson and features pale blue bookshelves and 17th-century furnishings.
10. The house inspired Anya Seton’s novel “Green Darkness”, based on her 1968 visit.

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Things to See and Do at Ightham Mote

• Explore the Great Hall
  Admire medieval timber beams, Tudor fireplaces, and Victorian paneling by Norman Shaw.
• Visit the New Chapel
  Marvel at the painted ceiling and memorials, including a tribute to Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson VC.
• Walk the Courtyard and Moat Bridges
  Enjoy the tranquil setting and reflections of the house in the water.
• Tour the Drawing Room and Library
  Discover Jacobean fireplaces, Chinese wallpaper, and Robinson’s elegant furnishings.
• See the Grade I Dog Kennel
  A quirky Victorian feature built for a beloved pet — one of Britain’s only listed kennels.
• Browse the Second-Hand Bookshops
  Located in Laundry Cottage and the Coach House, offering vintage finds and local history.
• Stroll the Gardens and Orchard
  Explore formal lawns, flower borders, and seasonal blooms across 14 acres.
• Walk the Estate Trails
  Choose from 1–5 mile routes through ancient woodland, lakes, and Kentish farmland.
• Join a Guided Tour or Tower Visit
  Learn about the house’s architecture, owners, and restoration efforts.
• Relax at the Café or Picnic Area
  Enjoy homemade cakes, hot meals, or a packed lunch in peaceful surroundings.

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Practical Information for Visiting Ightham Mote

• Location: Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT
• Opening Times:
  • House: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)
  • Garden, Café, Shop: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Estate: Dawn – dusk
• Entry Fees (March–Nov):
  • Adults: £18.00 / £19.80 Gift Aid
  • Children (5–17): £9.00 / £9.90
  • Family (2 adults + 3 children): £45.00 / £49.50
  • National Trust members: Free
• Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours
  (Allow extra time for walks or guided tours)
• Parking:
  • Free for NT members (scan card at machine)
  • Non-members: £3 (coin only)
• Accessibility:
  • Ground floor accessible; steep garden paths and cobbles
  • Tramper mobility scooter and manual wheelchairs available (pre-book)
• Dogs:
  • Welcome on leads in gardens and estate; assistance dogs only indoors
• Food & Drink:
  • Café open daily; seasonal kiosk and picnic areas available
• Toilets:
  • Accessible and baby-changing facilities near café and shop
• Transport:
  • Train: Hildenborough (4 mi), Sevenoaks (7 mi), Borough Green (3.5 mi)
  • Bus: Go To Service from Sevenoaks Station
  • Sat Nav: TN15 0NU
• Nearby: Knole Park, Hever Castle, Sissinghurst Castle
• Official Website: Ightham Mote – National Trust

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