Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent, England is one of the most famous and iconic historic gardens in the world. It is owned by the National Trust and has been carefully maintained and preserved since it was created in the 1930s by the celebrated author and gardener Vita Sackville-West and her husband, diplomat and author Harold Nicolson. The garden is renowned for its unique and beautiful garden design, which has been described as “an English garden of the imagination”. It is a popular destination for garden tours, garden photography, and garden history enthusiasts.
History
Sissinghurst Castle Garden has a long and fascinating history. The land was originally part of a medieval deer park, which was then used as a farm in the 16th century. In the 1930s, Vita Sackville-West and her husband purchased the property and began the process of transforming it into the garden it is today. Vita and Harold worked together to create a series of distinct garden “rooms”, each with its own unique design and planting scheme. The garden has been carefully preserved and maintained by the National Trust since 1967.
Attractions
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a must-see for anyone interested in historic gardens and garden design. Visitors can explore the various garden “rooms”, including the White Garden, the Rose Garden, the Lime Walk, and the Sunk Garden. There are also a variety of other attractions, such as the Orangery, the Tower, and the Elizabethan-style Priest’s House. Visitors can also take a stroll through the woodland and wildflower meadow, and explore the Elizabethan tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
What to Expect
A visit to Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a truly unique experience. The garden is a tranquil oasis of beauty and tranquility, and visitors can spend hours exploring the various garden “rooms” and admiring the stunning views. There are also a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as guided tours, garden photography, and garden history talks.
Tours
Guided tours of the garden are available for visitors who would like to learn more about the history of the garden and the work of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will explain the history of the garden and provide insight into the design and planting schemes of the various garden “rooms”. Tours typically last around two hours and must be booked in advance.
Admission
Admission to Sissinghurst Castle Garden is free for National Trust members, and tickets for non-members are available from the garden’s website or at the gate. Guided tours must be booked in advance and cost £7.50 per person.
Tips for Tourists
- Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the garden.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the garden is quite large.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds.
- Book in advance to take a guided tour of the garden.
- Visit the gift shop to buy souvenirs.
Practical Information
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is open from 10am to 5pm daily, except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The nearest train station is Staplehurst, which is a 10-minute drive from the garden. There is a car park on-site and the garden is accessible by wheelchair. Dogs are welcome in the garden, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
