March 2019 - Part 1

 Coming back from Albania, I had a couple of days left of annual leave, so me and James headed down to Kent for the weekend. Now I'd watched a documentary about acoustic mirrors, and how they were designed to capture the sounds of enemy aircraft approaching Britain. Loads were built in the interwar period, but a combination of radar technology and increasing speed of aircraft meant the technology quickly became obsolete. But they were built to last, and when we visited the one at Abbotts cliff, you'd never think it was approaching 100 years old. Indeed, only the microphone is missing.

Its easy to find, you just follow the cliff top walk along, and you'll pass some other old military huts and fortifications too. Just don't get too close to the edge, the cliffs are steep, in places unstable and its a long way down! 

The beautiful acoustic mirror

At the end of the walk, there's some old abandoned, presumably military buildings. We had a little nose through them, and I saw this really fun chain like graffiti around one of the doors.

We then grabbed a spot of lunch and had a lovely roast dinner before heading to Igtham Mote.

Igtham Mote is an interesting medieval manor house with parts dating back to the 1350's. It has gradually evolved over time, with various things added, like a new gatehouse, chapel and courtyard. However, its one of the best preserved medieval houses in England, and has a charming yet hodge podge style, particularly one the side of the building as you approach.

It sits with a square moat running around the property, which gives you some beautiful reflections on calm days, as well as giving a place for the local ducks to hang out.

The coach house

The main entrance, which brings you into a cute little courtyard

And in the chapel, there is this lovely stained glass window, as well as some beautifully decorated ceiling panels, well worth keeping an eye out for, especially as this seems to be a bit of a bottleneck for visitors, and you may not be able to move on with your visit for a little while.

Ightham Mote is a National Trust property, so members get in free. Otherwise you're looking at £16 (or £17.60 with gift aid) for an adult ticket. I sometimes think that National Trust's pricing is steep at times, and I think it must sometimes put people off, especially if you've got family/kids coming with you, family tickets start at £40. And thats before you've even paid for car parking, ice cream and something from the shop. Thank god I don't have kids!