The very popular gardens of Sissinghurst Castle are located 4km east of Cranbrook in Kent and are an excellent day trip from London for visitors of all ages.

The estate has a long history, much of which has been lost but fortunately some survives. 

Parts of the moat from the medieval manor are still visible; the archway, gatehouse and tower from the Elizabethan house; the farmhouse buildings date from the mid 19th century.

The wonderful gardens we see today have been built in the ruins of the Elizabethan house. 

They were created in the 1930s by the owners, Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicholson.

The gardens are divided into a series of walled or hedged gardens which flow from one to the next. 

Each garden has its own sense of colour and character and each offers a glimpse of the next.

They include:

- The Rose Garden, an absolute delight in early summer (June is best) with a large array of species roses, old garden and modern hybrids.

- The White Garden - a concept created here by Vita Sackville-West and copied ad infinitum elsewhere around the world.

- The Cottage Garden, celebrating the best of English domestic garden plantings and at its best in late summer and autumn with an array of gold to warm red flowers.

- The Herb Garden  - where Europen gardening all started - a sensory delight for sight and smell.

- The Lime Walk, a wonderful tradition in France and the UK with narrow lines of pleached Limes.   At its best in spring with its long beds of tulips, fritillaries and hyacinths.

- Delos, built in 2020 to re-create the garden started by Vita and Harold to evoke the Greek island of Delos.  Quite beautiful in early spring with a carpet of pink chinodoxias, scillas and white anemones.

- The Nuttery - predominantly hazelnuts, which grow in profusion in southern England in summer.

- The Moat Lawn.

- The Tower Lawn - one of many perfectly manicured lawns.

If you have time it is worth climbing the 78 steps of the spiral staircase to the top of Vita's Tower, it is the epitome of a ‘Grand Folly’, with such a beautiful house you'd have to ask why add this ??  But she did and your reward is a great view across the whole garden and the surrounding countryside.

For those who would like walking, it is possible to take a 1 mile walk around the perimeter of the estate, the path takes you through woodland (carpets of bluebells in spring) and passes two small lakes.  Beware if it has been raining though, as the path can be quite muddy.

These wonderful gardens are very popular and become very crowded especially during summer holidays and at weekends. 

For an enjoyable visit choose your timing carefully, the earlier in the day the better.