Discover more at Ightham Mote
Find out when Ightham Mote is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Group and education visits to Ightham Mote
With plenty of rooms to explore, over 700 years of history to discover, and set within a 546-acre estate, Ightham Mote is the perfect place for a group day out. Find out all you need to know about bringing a group to Ightham Mote and why it provides an inspiring place to learn for education visits.
Group visits
Ightham Mote welcomes groups every day, not including Bank Holidays and Bank Holiday weekends. Groups must be a minimum of 15 people. Discounted rates are available for any non-members in the group.
Please note, pre-booking is essential for all group and education visits. Contact us on 01732 810378 (ext 101) or ighthammotegroups@nationaltrust.org.uk
Talks and tours
As part of your group’s visit, you can join a free talk or tour (subject to volunteer availability and weather, details on site):
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Introductory talks last approximately 15 minutes and provide some background to Ightham Mote
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The tower tour offers some spectacular views over the gardens
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The garden tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and takes you on a journey around the garden, including a visit to the South Lake
Private guided house tours
If you'd like a little more from your visit, you can pre-book your group onto a guided tour of the house (additional charges apply). Starting at 10.30am, this tour provides you with access to the house before it opens to the public. This is a fantastic way of getting a more detailed understanding of the house and learning about some of its secrets.
Self-guided tours
You are free to visit the house at your leisure. To help you in the house, purchase our souvenir guidebook, look out for the interpretation sheets or talk to one of the friendly room guides.
We also have leaflets available in Chinese, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian and Spanish.
Catering for your group
The Mote Café has seating for 54 inside, with additional external seating available on the patio for 60. If you wish to use this facility, please contact the team on 01732 811314 to discuss your requirements.
Education group visits
Schools or education groups can benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives the whole group free admission and parking at most of the places in our care for a year. At the current time we do not offer educational activities at Ightham Mote. However, we look forward to welcoming your school group on a standard self-guided visit.
Free familiarisation visits for group leaders
If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk
Who is eligible for free entry?
Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.
Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.
Get in touch about bringing a group to Ightham Mote
If you would like to book a group visit please contact the team on 01732 810378 or email ighthammotegroups@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Group visits frequently asked questions
Visiting us with a group? Then our answers to your frequently asked questions might help with any question you may have.