Sissinghurst Castle Garden
A Perfect Day Trip from London
In the heart of the Kent countryside, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is one of England’s most beloved gardens. And one of the world’s most famous.
Designed by author Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, this garden is a masterpiece of romance, structure, and colour. It’s best known for its series of garden rooms, each with a distinct personality, and the iconic White Garden, which has inspired gardeners worldwide.
Photo credit: Mark Wordy
If you’re looking for a peaceful, picturesque escape from London, Sissinghurst offers beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and an atmosphere of pure tranquility. It’s the kind of place where you can wander, relax, and feel transported to a world of beauty and creativity.
Origins of Sissinghurst
A Medieval Beginning
The origins of Sissinghurst date back to the Middle Ages, when it began life as a Saxon pig farm. Over the centuries it evolved, serving various purposes, including a Tudor mansion, a prisoner-of-war camp, and a working farm, before becoming the iconic garden it is today. Each era left its mark, contributing to the rich tapestry of history that defines the estate.
Vita Sackville-West - The Visionary Gardener
Vita was not just a gardener but also a poet and writer who infused her artistic sensibilities into the garden’s design. She saw Sissinghurst as a living canvas, where each flower was chosen for both its beauty and its role in the garden’s narrative. Her love of wild yet controlled planting shaped Sissinghurst’s distinct character.
Harold Nicolson - The Structural Genius
While Vita brought creativity and passion, Harold provided the architectural structure and order. His background in diplomacy and design helped create the layout of Sissinghurst, ensuring that the garden was both formal and free-spirited, structured yet wild.
Essential Information for Your Visit
📍 Address: Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB
Opening Hours
Opening times vary throughout the year.
The garden is typically open daily from mid-March to October, with reduced hours in winter months.
Check the National Trust website for the latest opening times before your visit.
National Trust Property
Sissinghurst is managed by the National Trust. Entry is free for National Trust members. Even if you’re a visitor to England, an annual membership may be worthwhile if you plan to visit multiple properties. Find out more at the National Trust Membership Page.
GraceKelly, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to Get to Sissinghurst from London
🚆 By Train & Taxi – The easiest way is to take a Southeastern train from London Charing Cross or London Bridge to Staplehurst Station (about 1 hour). From there, you can get a taxi (15 minutes) to Sissinghurst. Taxis are usually available outside the station, but it’s best to pre-book a local cab to avoid waiting. Be sure to book your return taxi as well!
Find train timetables and book tickets.
Find a local taxi company in Staplehurst
🚗 By Car – Sissinghurst is about 1.5 to 2 hours from London by car. Take the M25, then the A21 towards Hastings, and follow signs to Cranbrook and Sissinghurst. Paid parking is available on-site.
🚌 By Tour – Several companies offer guided day tours from London, often combining Sissinghurst with another nearby attraction, like Leeds Castle or Chartwell.
Sissinghurst Tour Ideas
Luxury Vacations UK - Gardens of Kent Tour
This full-day private tour will takes in both Sissinghurst Castle and Great Dixter. Travel in style with a professional driver-guide in a luxury vehicle. The itinerary is flexible, allowing for customisation to match your interests and pace. Lunch can be arranged at a charming country pub or even a nearby vineyard for a wine tasting experience.
British Pullman - Sissinghurst Castle Garden Excursion
For a truly opulent experience, the British Pullman offers a journey aboard their 1920’s art-deco train carriages. Begin with a sparkling Bellini as you enjoy a three-course brunch en route to Sissinghurst. Upon arrival, coaches transfer you to the gardens where you're free to explore. The return trip features a four-course dinner accompanied by Champagne.
Tourist England - Sissinghurst Private Tours
Tourist England offers a 5-hour private tour to Sissinghurst from London. This package includes a professional guide and luxury transportation, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.
British Tours Ltd. - Sissinghurst Visit
Specialising in personalised tours, British Tours Ltd. provides trips to Sissinghurst as part of their English Gardens Tour. Their knowledgeable guides offer insights into the history and design of the gardens, making for an enriching visit.
Each of these tours offers a unique experience - whether you're seeking luxury, in-depth knowledge, or a broader exploration of England's gardens, there's an option to suit your preferences.
Best Things to See in Sissinghurst Garden
The Garden Rooms - A Unique Layout
One of the most fascinating aspects of Sissinghurst is its series of "garden rooms," each offering a distinct atmosphere and planting scheme. Unlike traditional gardens, these enclosed spaces create a sense of discovery as you move from one room to another.
The White Garden – Perhaps the most famous of all the garden rooms, this space is a symphony of monochromatic beauty. Every plant is chosen for its white flowers or silver foliage, creating an ethereal and peaceful atmosphere. The interplay of light and shadow makes this garden particularly dynamic throughout the day. Expect to see delicate white roses, irises, pompom dahlias, and Japanese anemones, interwoven with silvery artemisias and santolinas, forming a textural masterpiece. It’s breathtaking in early summer.
The Rose Garden – A vibrant celebration of colour and fragrance, featuring hundreds of varieties of roses. This garden is bursting with life, with climbing roses adorning trellises and bush roses filling the beds. Designed with passion, its layout encourages you to wander through a maze of floral abundance, where each bloom offers a different scent and shade. The roses bloom at different times, ensuring a changing display from early summer into late autumn. in shades of pink, red, and apricot. Best in June and July.
The Herb Garden – A paradise for culinary and medicinal plant lovers, this garden is filled with fragrant lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs used for centuries in cooking and healing. If you’re interested in the rich history of herbal remedies you’ll love this garden. The air is alive with scent and texture. It invites a hands-on approach - gently rubbing the leaves releases their natural oils, making it an immersive sensory experience., adding both beauty and practicality to the garden.
The Cottage Garden – A vibrant explosion of warm colours - reds, oranges, and yellows - that create a bold contrast to the cooler tones found elsewhere in the garden.
Video Credit: Ian Wilson Garden Design
The Tower - A Panoramic View
No visit to Sissinghurst is complete without climbing the iconic tower. From the top, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the gardens and the surrounding Kent countryside. This vantage point provides an aerial perspective of the garden's layout and the beauty that unfolds below. The tower itself is an architectural gem, originally part of the manor house and steeped in history. With its medieval design and construction, climbing its narrow staircase feels like stepping back in time.
From above, you can fully appreciate the garden rooms and their distinct designs, as well as the picturesque landscape beyond Sissinghurst. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the entire estate.
Whether you’re gazing over the garden or soaking in the quiet beauty of the countryside, the tower offers a place to pause, reflect, and appreciate the vision of Sissinghurst’s creators. You can also see Vita’s writing room, left as it was when she worked there.
Other things to see in the garden
The Nuttery – A shaded, woodland-like area filled with hazel trees and seasonal wildflowers, offering a peaceful retreat from the more structured parts of the garden.
The Purple Border – A striking display of deep purples and rich jewel tones, designed for maximum visual impact throughout the summer months.
The Moat Walk – A peaceful stroll beyond the main gardens, offering a more wild, natural beauty and views across the surrounding farmland.
Private Morning Tours
For an exclusive experience, Sissinghurst offers Private Morning Tours before the garden opens to the public. Led by expert guides, these early-morning visits provide a unique chance to see the garden in peace, learn about its history, and enjoy the beauty of Sissinghurst without the crowds. Booking is essential—check the National Trust website for details.
Best Time to Visit Sissinghurst
Sissinghurst offers something special in every season:
Spring (March–May): Tulips, blossom trees, and fresh green growth bring the garden to life.
Summer (June–August): The White Garden and Rose Garden are at their peak, filling the air with fragrance.
Autumn (September–November): The warm tones of the Cottage Garden and the golden hues of the surrounding trees create a stunning autumn display.
Winter (December–February): While less colourful, the garden’s structure and frost-covered hedges make for a magical, peaceful visit.
Where to Eat
There are some great places to grab a bite before or after your garden visit:
The Granary Restaurant – A relaxed setting offering fresh, seasonal dishes made with produce from the estate’s own garden. A great option for lunch or a classic Kentish cream tea.
The Old Dairy Café – A charming café serving light lunches, homemade cakes, and barista-style coffee. Ideal for a quick refreshment before or after your garden visit.
The Milk House (Sissinghurst Village) – A charming country pub just a 5-minute drive from the garden. Great for Sunday roasts, pub classics, and local Kentish ales.
Bring a Picnic – If the weather’s nice, there is a dedicated picnic area next to the Vegetable Garden, providing a lovely spot for a relaxed outdoor meal. Please note that picnics are not allowed inside the garden itself.
What Else Can You Do Nearby?
If you want to make the most of your day trip, consider adding another stop:
Leeds Castle – Just 30 minutes away, this fairy-tale castle is set on a lake and offers beautiful gardens and a fascinating history.
Scotney Castle – A romantic ruined castle with stunning gardens and a woodland estate, about 20 minutes from Sissinghurst.
Biddenden Vineyards – If you love English wine, take a tour of this local vineyard, just 15 minutes away.
FAQ: Visiting Sissinghurst
❓ How much does it cost to go to Sissinghurst?
The entry fee varies by season but is approximately £18 for adults and £9 for children.
For up to date prices, visit the Sissinghurst Garden website.
❓ Do I need to book a ticket in advance?
Tickets can be purchased on arrival at Visitor Reception - there is no need to pre-book.
❓ Are dogs allowed in Sissinghurst Castle Garden?
Dogs are welcome in the wider estate but not permitted inside the main garden, except for assistance dogs. There are designated walking areas outside the garden where you can enjoy a stroll with your dog.
❓ Is Sissinghurst wheelchair accessible?
Many areas of the garden are accessible, but some paths are gravel or uneven, making navigation challenging in places. There is a mobility vehicle service available to and from the carpark during peak season. Wheelchairs are available for hire from Reception (advance booking required). Accessible routes are marked on the official garden map. View the map and access routes here: Sissinghurst Garden Map
❓ How big is Sissinghurst?
460 acres or 186 hectares, including forested areas.
❓ What is the closest train station to Sissinghurst?
The closest train station is Staplehurst which is 4.6 miles (7.4km) from the gardens.
Top Tips for Visiting Sissinghurst
Arrive early – The garden is most peaceful in the morning before crowds arrive.
Wear comfortable shoes – There are some uneven paths, especially if you explore beyond the main gardens.
Check for events – Sissinghurst often hosts talks, seasonal garden tours, and literary events linked to Vita Sackville-West.
Is Sissinghurst Worth a Day Trip from London?
Absolutely! If you love gardens, history, or simply a peaceful escape into the English countryside, Sissinghurst is a perfect destination.
It’s easy to reach from London, offers one of the most famous gardens in the UK, and provides a relaxing, inspiring experience.
Whether you’re climbing the Tower for stunning views, getting lost in the White Garden, or enjoying a traditional cream tea, this is a day trip that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
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