National Trust Ightham Mote

12/06/2026

Can you help us fill the bookshelves at Ightham Mote?

With the summer holidays fast approaching, we're looking for donations of children's books for the second-hand bookshop at Ightham Mote. If you have books that you would like to donate, please drop them off at the Visitor Centre (open 10am-5pm).

Any money raised in the second-hand bookshop stays at Ightham Mote, so thank you for helping us to look after this very special place.

📷©National Trust/Jen D'Souza

09/06/2026

Come and join us for Father's Day Fun at Ightham Mote!

On Sunday 21 June, from 10am-2pm, there'll be lawn games and hook a duck to have a go at. Challenge the rest of the family to a game of quoits or boule, or see who can hook a duck the quickest.

Westerham Brewery will also be offering tastings of their locally crafted ales, and the café will be selling ploughman's lunches alongside the usual sweet and savoury treats.

Normal admission applies. Ightham Mote open 10am-5pm, last entry 4.30pm.

Westerham Brewery

📷©National Trust Images/James Dobson/Trevor Ray Hart

05/06/2026

02/06/2026

It's Volunteers' Week, and we're celebrating and saying thank you to all the volunteers at Ightham Mote.

From gardening to maintenance to the shop to visitor welcome and more, each and every one makes a valued contribution.

If you're considering volunteering, why not come along to a free coffee morning at Ightham Mote on Tuesday 9 June? You can chat to some current volunteers and find out what roles are available.

Please book your place as spaces are limited. You can book online or call 0344 249 1895. The coffee morning starts at 11am.

📷©National Trust/Clive Swift

29/05/2026

It's the last weekend to catch the Ruby Plants a Radish Trail at Ightham Mote!

Make your way around the garden and discover the delightful story of Ruby as she finds out what happens when she plants some radishes.

Stop by the natural play area for some outdoor fun too!

Ightham Mote open daily, 10am-5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Trail free with normal admission.

Ruby Plants a Radish is written by Kate Petty with Illustrations by Axel Scheffler and is published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust.

📷©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra (2&3)/ ©National Trust/JC (4)

Nosy Crow National Trust London and South East

26/05/2026

Discover the story of Ruby Plants a Radish at Ightham Mote this half term.

Follow the trail around the garden as Ruby finds out more about gardening and discovering what plants need to grow. Trail finishes Sunday 31 May. Free trail, normal admission applies.

On Thursday it's time to get hands-on, as the garden team will be hosting some seed planting sessions in the garden (we'll find a nice shady spot!). come along at 11am or 2pm to plant your own radish seeds, then take them home and watch them grow. £5 per child - book online or buy a ticket on the day.

Ruby Plants a Radish is written by Kate Petty with Illustrations by Axel Scheffler and is published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust.

Text ©Kate Petty 1997, Illustrations ©Axel Scheffler 1997, 2023
📷©National Trust/JC/National Trust Images/James Dobson/Penny Tweedie

21/05/2026

We’re looking for two Welcome Managers to join the teams at Ightham Mote and Knole.
You'll lead the Visitor Services teams and oversee the welcome areas, encouraging high standards of service and helping to grow our charitable income.

There are two full time, permanent roles available, with an annual salary of £29,367.
To find out more and apply, please visit nationaltrustjobs.org.uk

Closing date for applications is 31 May 2026, references IRC175358 (Ightham Mote) and IRC175359 (Knole).

📷©National Trust Images/Megan Taylor/Andrew Butler/Laurence Perry

15/05/2026

What's on at Ightham Mote next week...

🌸 Wednesday 20th - Walled Garden Tour, 2.40pm: explore the walled garden on a tour led by knowledgeable garden volunteers. £5 per person.

📆 Thursday 21st - Volunteer Coffee Morning, 11am: Come along to a free coffee morning to find out more about volunteering at Ightham Mote.

🎺🧺 Sunday 24th - Biggin Hill Band and picnic on the North Lawn, performances at 1pm and 2.15pm: Bring a picnic to the North Lawn and enjoy an afternoon of live music with one of Kent's favourite concert bands, the Biggin Hill Band. Normal admission applies.

🎨 Daily until Sunday 31 May - Ruby Plants a Radish trail: explore the garden on a trail inspired by the much-loved children's book Ruby Plants a Radish.

📆 House and garden open daily.

🎟️ For more information, including tickets, times, prices and how to book, visit the Ightham Mote website.

©National Trust/Chris Jonas/JC/Chris Lacey/Hayley Chester



Ruby Plants a Radish is written by Kate Petty with Illustrations by Axel Scheffler and is published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust.