Ightham Mote
Kent, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
Mote Rd, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT
Telephone 01732 810378
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Ightham Mote is a moated medieval manor house dating from around 1320, described by the Trust as the most complete medieval moated manor house in England, and reviewers back that up with consistent praise for its historic character. The house is full of interesting antiques, with flat, easy walks around the property and its two lakes. A natural play area and well-stocked shop and cafe make it manageable for a family visit.
Worth the trip
The moat itself and the near-complete medieval manor house structure it surrounds, rated as the property's defining feature.
Before you go
It's a compact site well suited to a shorter visit - reviewers describe a leisurely few hours as enough time to see garden, house, and lakes without feeling rushed.
Reviewers consistently praise Ightham Mote as a well-preserved medieval moated manor house with knowledgeable and welcoming staff, easy flat walks around the house and lakes, and a good cafe. The house's interior, including the Tudor ceiling in the New Chapel, is repeatedly called stunning, and the property is described as ideal for a relaxed few hours rather than a full day. A natural play area for children and an introductory talk are mentioned as nice extras. Parking and access are described as easy, making it a popular and hassle-free visit.
Moated medieval manor house dating from around 1320
“Lovely day out. Garden was amazing. Full of sunflowers all different kinds and colours. Moted house was very informative. Well worth a visit.”- Heather Miles, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Easy parking and entrance.” - JL
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Ightham Mote is a truly magical place to visit, steeped in over 700 years of history.” - Miss B's Plan B
- Facilities
- “The grounds offer wonderful walks, a natural play area for children, and a lovely café with delicious, reasonably priced options.” - Miss B's Plan B
Common questions about Ightham Mote
Where is Ightham Mote?
Ightham Mote is in Kent, England, at Mote Rd, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT.
Do you need a ticket to visit Ightham Mote?
Yes - Ightham Mote is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Ightham Mote?
The moat itself and the near-complete medieval manor house structure it surrounds, rated as the property's defining feature.
Is Ightham Mote a ruin or still intact?
Ightham Mote is largely intact - Moated medieval manor house dating from around 1320.
