Days out: Ightham Mote, Kent

Kent is one of my favourite English counties, where I spent many childhood summers and collected lots of wonderful memories. A couple of years ago my husband and I spent our summer holiday with my Great Aunt at her home in Kent, and we visited so many fantastic country houses and historic sites which utterly delighted and amazed us! When we were down in Kent recently, we revisited Ightham Mote. This most picturesque and sprawling manor house dates from the fourteenth century, and is surrounded by a moat and beautiful gardens.

Views of the inner courtyard.

A famous feature of the house is this original hand painted Chinese wallpaper, which has survived (I believe with some restoration) since the drawing room was last decorated in the eighteenth century!

Looking over the moat.

Enjoying the lovely gardens.

V not as keen to pose as I am!

This is a spectacular place to spend a morning or afternoon soaking up the beautiful scenery and centuries of history. Definitely a National Trust property not to be missed if you're in the South-East. It also has friendly staff and a nice cafe to visit (although a picnic in the grounds would be recommended if the weather is good!) Check out the website here for more information.