Visitor information

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The poet’s garden inspired by the land

The legendary poet and writer, Vita Sackville-West, with her diplomat and author husband, Harold Nicolson, began the transformation of the land at Sissinghurst Castle in the 1930s. Harold's architectural planning of the garden rooms, and the vibrant planting by Vita, reflect the romance and intimacy of her poems and writings, and it's the White Garden and Rose Garden in particular that we all admire in late June and July.

But that’s not all...

There’s so much more to explore and learn: from the architecture of the buildings to the astonishing history of the place and the people who lived here; the wonderful views from the top of the tower; the farm animals, and the huge wider estate. We have a very special link with another nearby National Trust place, and this year, we are open every day (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), and have new and exciting exhibitions to enjoy.

Not just a day's visit...

Spend more than a day with us to discover it all, and return at different times of the year to enjoy the changing colours and scenery and join in with our special events; there’s so much going on in 2013.

Sissinghurst Castle is for garden lovers, historians, aspiring farmers, walkers, ‘foodies’ and families, a forever place, for everyone.

Vita's wedding skirt makes its public debut as part of the exhibitions © National Trust / Tim Stubbings

Vita's wedding skirt makes its public debut as part of the exhibitions

© National Trust / Tim Stubbings

New exhibitions

From 1 May we will open two new exhibitions in the tower and the oast. They tell the story of Vita and Harold's wedding and marriage and how they saved the garden from ruin. On show for the first time is part of Vita's wedding trousseau and a newly discovered poem to one of her lovers. There are also photos, drawings, press cuttings, annotated books and diaries.

Arts Week

Charming portrait of Vita, painted in 1910

Arts Week, 1-9 June

Celebrate creative people past and present who lived at our places. Featuring local artists and craft makers. There's FREE entry for this event. (Normal admission charges apply.)

Our own antiques roadshow

Our valuation experts are on hand to help you value your antiques

Wed 5 June, 11am-4pm. Valuation day in association with Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions.
£5: first item, £2: each item thereafter.

Eric Knowles and colleagues will be on site. Proceeds to National Trust.

Sing-along with our flicks

Spend a relaxing summers evening watching a film at Sissinghurst Castle

For the first time in our 700-year-history we're hosting The Luna Cinema for films under the stars. The two dates are:

  • Sat 8 June, Singin' In The Rain
  • Sat 13 July, Les Miserables