Old Soar Manor
A rare 13th-century knight's house in Kent, offering free, unstaffed exploration of medieval architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful exploration, fewer crowds
Old Soar Manor
Best Time
Peaceful exploration, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare 13th-century knight's house in Kent, offering free, unstaffed exploration of medieval architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
"A real hidden gem in the Kent countryside, fascinating architecture and so peaceful."
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is extremely limited (approx. 3 cars). Arrive early or consider alternatives if driving.
🚶♀️ Mind the Stairs!
The spiral staircase is steep and floors can be uneven. Not ideal for those with mobility issues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
13th Century Knight's House
A rare surviving medieval dwelling with a remarkable timber-framed roof and stone spiral staircase.
Impressive Timber-Framed Roof
Marvel at the intricate medieval craftsmanship of the roof structure, a testament to its historical significance.
Stone Spiral Staircase
Navigate the historic spiral staircase connecting the two floors; a rope is available for assistance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Self-Guided Exploration
Limited Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is extremely limited (approx. 3 cars). Arrive early or consider alternatives if driving.
🚶♀️ Mind the Stairs!
The spiral staircase is steep and floors can be uneven. Not ideal for those with mobility issues.
🕰️ Check Opening Times
Open daily except Tuesdays, April-September. Always verify on the National Trust website.
🗺️ Combine with Nearby Sites
Pair your visit with Ightham Mote or Knole Park for a fuller day out.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is extremely limited (approx. 3 cars). Arrive early or consider alternatives if driving.
🚶♀️ Mind the Stairs!
The spiral staircase is steep and floors can be uneven. Not ideal for those with mobility issues.
🕰️ Check Opening Times
Open daily except Tuesdays, April-September. Always verify on the National Trust website.
🗺️ Combine with Nearby Sites
Pair your visit with Ightham Mote or Knole Park for a fuller day out.
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
Enjoy the serene atmosphere; you might have the place all to yourself!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Old Soar Manor as a 'hidden gem' for its free entry and authentic 13th-century architecture, particularly its timber roof and spiral staircase. The peaceful, unstaffed atmosphere allows for a unique, self-guided experience. However, the very limited parking and accessibility challenges due to uneven floors and steep stairs are noted drawbacks.
"Interesting little National Trust house that's free to visit and open daily (except Tuesdays) between 10:00 and 18:00 from April to September. It's unstaffed so visitors can look around the house at their own pace.
The house is a rare survival of a 13th century knight's house, with an impressive timber framed roof and stone spiral staircase. A little onsite visitor room is rich with information about the house and the nearby village of Plaxtol. There's a small parking space by the road right outside the house.
An unusual National Trust property a little out of the way, but worth a look while in the area, not too far from larger sites like Ightham Mote and Knole Park."
Andrew Thomas
"A real hidden gem in the Kent countryside.
Small in size, over 2 floors.
Spiral staircase connects the 2 floors and not for the faint hearted, a rope is fixed to help.
The floors are abit uneven so not the best for any disability issues, care is needed.
Fascinating architecture.
So peaceful and relaxing.
No staff on site and free admission.
Half hour visit time but it's just stunning in my opinion.
Im in love with the building and happily move in.
Parking is limited as on a narrow lane, enough space for probably 3 cars at max."
david
"A rare, surviving 13th-century stone manor house built for a wealthy family in the Kent countryside. Most notably, the private family quarters, including the solar, chapel, and garderobe, remain intact, while the timber great hall was demolished centuries ago. Owned by the National Trust but is FREE for everyone."
Pete / Hel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Soar Manor is located in the Kent countryside. Driving is the most common method, but be aware of very limited parking on a narrow lane. Public transport options are less direct, so checking local bus routes and train connections to nearby villages like Plaxtol would be advisable.
Parking is extremely limited, with space for only about 3 cars on the road directly outside the house. It's recommended to arrive early or consider alternative transport if possible.
While not directly served by major transport hubs, you can reach the vicinity via train to nearby stations and then potentially a local bus or taxi. Researching routes to Plaxtol or surrounding villages is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Soar Manor is a National Trust property with free admission. You do not need to purchase tickets to enter.
The manor is open daily from April to September, except for Tuesdays. It's advisable to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Old Soar Manor is unstaffed, allowing visitors to explore the property at their own pace without guided tours.
Most visitors find that a visit to Old Soar Manor takes around 30 minutes to an hour, as it's a small property.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, Old Soar Manor is a rare survival of a 13th-century knight's house. It features an impressive timber-framed roof and a stone spiral staircase connecting its two floors. There's also a small visitor room with information about the house and village.
Due to its historic nature, including uneven floors and a steep spiral staircase, Old Soar Manor may not be suitable for visitors with significant mobility issues.
It's a significant example of a 13th-century knight's domestic dwelling, likely surviving due to its later use as a barn. Its architecture provides a glimpse into medieval life.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but always be respectful of the historic nature of the building and any signage.
Old Soar Manor is close to other National Trust properties like Ightham Mote and Knole Park, as well as Down House (Charles Darwin's home) and Eltham Palace.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique medieval architecture, especially the timber-framed roof and the stone spiral staircase. The exterior and surrounding countryside also offer picturesque shots.
Absolutely! Old Soar Manor is a fantastic spot for historical photography, offering authentic medieval features and a sense of stepping back in time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no specific play areas, the manor's compact size makes it manageable for younger children. It's a great opportunity to introduce them to history in a tangible way, far removed from textbooks. Remember to check opening times and be prepared for the very limited parking.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs
It's a perfect spot to absorb the atmosphere of a medieval dwelling without the crowds. The onsite visitor room provides context, and the architecture itself tells a compelling story. Consider combining it with nearby historical sites for a richer exploration of Kent's past.
🚗 Day-Trippers from London
Plan your route carefully, especially if relying on public transport, as it's a bit off the beaten path. If driving, aim for an early start to secure one of the few parking spots. It offers a peaceful historical interlude away from the city bustle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Life
Visitors can explore the two floors, connected by a fascinating stone spiral staircase. The manor boasts an impressive timber-framed roof, a testament to the craftsmanship of its era. While unstaffed, the onsite visitor room provides valuable context and information about the house and the nearby village of Plaxtol, enriching the self-guided experience.
The peaceful and often solitary atmosphere of Old Soar Manor adds to its charm, allowing for a contemplative visit. It's a place where you can truly imagine life centuries ago, making it a compelling stop for history enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet, authentic historical site.
Navigating Old Soar Manor: Practicalities
Accessibility is a key consideration. The manor has uneven floors and a rather steep spiral staircase, which may present challenges for visitors with mobility issues. A rope is available to assist those using the stairs. Parking is also very limited, typically accommodating only about three cars on the narrow lane outside.
Despite these practicalities, many visitors find Old Soar Manor to be a 'hidden gem' and a worthwhile detour. Its small size means a visit is usually brief (around 30-45 minutes), making it an ideal stop if you're in the area and looking for a quick, historically rich experience.
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