Ightham Mote

Heritage Site in Kent Tonbridge and Malling

England

Ightham Mote

The Ightham Mote 'Green Walk' at Wilmot Cottage Wilmot Cottage was formerly an inn and smithy on a packhorse route.
The Ightham Mote 'Green Walk' at Wilmot Cottage Credit: Humphrey Bolton

Ightham Mote is a well-preserved medieval moated manor house located in the village of Ightham, Kent, England. This historic site is managed by the National Trust and is renowned for its picturesque beauty and architectural significance.

Dating back to the 14th century, Ightham Mote is an exceptional example of a medieval moated manor house. The house itself is constructed from a combination of stone, timber, and brick, giving it a unique and charming appearance. The moat surrounding the property adds to its allure, creating a tranquil and idyllic setting.

The interior of Ightham Mote offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants. The house boasts a wealth of original features, including a Great Hall, Tudor painted ceiling, and an oak-panelled drawing room. Visitors can explore the various rooms, each showcasing different periods of history.

The gardens and grounds of Ightham Mote are equally impressive. The estate spans over 500 acres and features beautifully landscaped gardens, an orchard, and a picturesque lake. Visitors can take leisurely walks through the grounds, enjoying the serene atmosphere and taking in the breathtaking views.

In addition to its architectural and natural beauty, Ightham Mote offers a range of activities and events throughout the year. From guided tours and educational programs to seasonal events and exhibitions, there is always something to engage visitors of all ages.

Overall, Ightham Mote is a must-visit heritage site in Kent, offering a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Ightham Mote has something to offer everyone.

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Ightham Mote Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.255/0.258 or Grid Reference TQ5753. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Ightham Mote 'Green Walk' at Wilmot Cottage Wilmot Cottage was formerly an inn and smithy on a packhorse route.
The Ightham Mote 'Green Walk' at Wilmot Cottage
Wilmot Cottage was formerly an inn and smithy on a packhorse route.
On the Ightham Mote 'Green Walk' The view is opening out as the path climbs.
On the Ightham Mote 'Green Walk'
The view is opening out as the path climbs.
Stile on the Ightham Mote 'Green Walk' This is at the highest point of the walk, at the boundary of the Ightham Mote estate.
Stile on the Ightham Mote 'Green Walk'
This is at the highest point of the walk, at the boundary of the Ightham Mote estate.
Beech Tree on the Ightham Mote 'Green Walk' This is one of several veteran trees at the top of Shingle Hill Wood.
Beech Tree on the Ightham Mote 'Green Walk'
This is one of several veteran trees at the top of Shingle Hill Wood.
Sharp bend on the Ightham Mote 'Green Walk' Here the path comes from Wilmot Cottage and zig-zags up the steep hillside. The path behind the camera goes to One Tree Hill.
Sharp bend on the Ightham Mote 'Green Walk'
Here the path comes from Wilmot Cottage and zig-zags up the steep hillside. The path behind the camera goes to One Tree Hill.
Hoppers' huts on the Ightham Mote 'Green Walk' These were used as temporary accommodation for seasonal workers from the towns who came to pick hops in September.
Hoppers' huts on the Ightham Mote 'Green Walk'
These were used as temporary accommodation for seasonal workers from the towns who came to pick hops in September.
George V letter box at Ightham Mote Farm This is a close view of the letter box in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1362663">TQ5853 : Postbox on a farm building, Mote farm, Mote Rd</a>.
George V letter box at Ightham Mote Farm
This is a close view of the letter box in TQ5853 : Postbox on a farm building, Mote farm, Mote Rd.
Path up to the cottages at Ightham Mote
Path up to the cottages at Ightham Mote
The exit from the house, on the west side of the courtyard, Ightham Mote
The exit from the house, on the west side of the courtyard, Ightham Mote
The entrance to the house on the north side of the courtyard, Ightham Mote You enter through the passage on the left, and then go through the room behind the three ground-floor windows.
The entrance to the house on the north side of the courtyard, Ightham Mote
You enter through the passage on the left, and then go through the room behind the three ground-floor windows.
The moat on the south side of the house, Ightham Mote
The moat on the south side of the house, Ightham Mote
The east side of the courtyard, Ightham Mote The tall five-light window of c.1500 according to John Newman (The Buildings of England, West Kent and the Weald) and the doorway are in the wall of the 14C hall of the house. The solar wing is to the left; it has 16C pierced bargeboards.
The east side of the courtyard, Ightham Mote
The tall five-light window of c.1500 according to John Newman (The Buildings of England, West Kent and the Weald) and the doorway are in the wall of the 14C hall of the house. The solar wing is to the left; it has 16C pierced bargeboards.
Tree in the garden, Ightham Mote This tree has small heart-shaped leaves, already turning yellow for autumn.  My best guess is a species of Lindera.
Tree in the garden, Ightham Mote
This tree has small heart-shaped leaves, already turning yellow for autumn. My best guess is a species of Lindera.
Cistern next to the path down to Ightham Mote This building contains a tank of water.
Cistern next to the path down to Ightham Mote
This building contains a tank of water.
Gate into National Trust land from the car park at One Tree Hill, Seal
Gate into National Trust land from the car park at One Tree Hill, Seal
The A227 at the school, Shipbourne
The A227 at the school, Shipbourne
Footpath gate out of the churchyard, Shipbourne This superior de-luxe kissing gate leads to three footpaths.
Footpath gate out of the churchyard, Shipbourne
This superior de-luxe kissing gate leads to three footpaths.
St Giles's Church, Shipbourne According to the Pevsner guide this church was rebuilt in 1880-1 by Mann & Saunders at the expense of Edward Cazalet of Fairlawne.
St Giles's Church, Shipbourne
According to the Pevsner guide this church was rebuilt in 1880-1 by Mann & Saunders at the expense of Edward Cazalet of Fairlawne.
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Ightham Mote is located at Grid Ref: TQ5753 (Lat: 51.255, Lng: 0.258)

Administrative County: Kent

District: Tonbridge and Malling

Police Authority: Kent

What 3 Words

///cage.gained.blur. Near Sevenoaks, Kent

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.255,0.258
Wilmot Hill
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 51.2559831/0.2522986
Bench
Lat/Long: 51.254375/0.2525817
Direction: 206
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 51.2542633/0.2525788
Board Type: board
Information: board
Operator: National Trust
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.2544041/0.2520494
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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