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Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Historic, poetic, iconic: a refuge dedicated to beauty. Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson fell in love with Sissinghurst Castle and created a world-renowned garden.
Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB
Opening times for 3 December 2023
Asset Opening time Garden 11:00 - 16:00 Estate 10:00 - 16:00 Restaurant 10:00 - 16:00 Shop 10:00 - 16:00 Tower 11:00 - 15:30 Long Library 11:00 - 15:30 South Cottage 11:00 - 15:30 Coffee Shop 10:00 - 15:30 Exhibition 11:00 - 16:00 The garden and collection spaces open at 11am. Last entry to the garden is 3:15pm. The collection spaces close at 3:30pm, with the garden, restaurant and shops closing at 4pm.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Per vehicle £4.00 Whole property (until 31 March)
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £14.30 £13.00 Child £7.20 £6.50 Family £35.80 £32.50 One adult family £21.50 £19.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Book shop
Plant shop
Car park
Car parking is free for National Trust members. If you are not a member, car parking is £4 and can be paid at Visitor Reception.
Restaurant
Dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant but are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
Coffee shop
Our coffee shop has reopened and is located near the car park, next to our plant shop. Please visit our Opening Times for the daily opening hours.
Shop
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome around the wider estate but are not allowed in the formal garden or the vegetable garden. If you wish to enter the garden with an assistance dog or another guide animal, please speak to Visitor Reception.
Toilet
Toilets and disabled toilets are available next to Visitor Reception and the Restaurant.
Guided tour
Please visit our Events section for more information on garden and property tours.
Designated disabled parking in the main car park. Adapted toilet on level ground at visitor reception and via ramp at restaurant. Please note that due to narrow pathways, pushchairs are not allowed in the formal garden but carriers are welcome. Unfenced lakes, moat and ponds around the estate.
Accessible route and/or map
Accessibility routes are available on our main map of the site or upon request at Visitor Reception or the Garden Gate.
Level access to shop
Accessible toilet
Disabled toilets are available next to Visitor Reception and at the Restaurant.
Narrow corridors
Changing Places
We offer baby changing facilities on site.
Seating available
Designated parking
We offer several disabled parking bays in our car park. Upon arrival at the car park, our stewards will direct you where to go.
Steps/uneven terrain
Drop-off point
Drop-off and pick up at Visitor Reception, if required.
Wheelchairs available
Wheelchairs are available but must be booked before arrival.
Level access to food outlet
By road
2 miles north-east of Cranbrook, 1 mile east of Sissinghurst village on Biddenden Road, off A262. Keep a look out and follow for the National Trust brown signs, we are on the left if coming from Sissinghurst village and on the right if coming from Biddenden and Headcorn, there are black signs before the turning for our driveway.
Parking: 160 metres, £4 parking (non-members).
Sat Nav: Look out and follow for the National Trust brown signs, the sat nav may take you to the wrong address. The turning for Sissinghurst Castle Garden is on the left from Sissinghurst village and on the right when coming from Biddenden and Headcorn, there are black signs just before the turning for our drive on both sides.
On foot
From Sissinghurst village, go past the church to the footpath on the left, signposted to Sissinghurst Castle. The path can get muddy and is slim on the approach to the main drive. Once on the main drive, there's no designated path for pedestrians. Half way down the drive towards the house and garden, there is a clapper stile on the right where you can go along the hedge line in the field if you prefer.
By train
Staplehurst, approximately 5 miles. Please note that taxis should be booked in advance.
By bus
Arriva 5 Maidstone to Hawkhurst (passing Staplehurst train station), alight Sissinghurst, 1¼ miles walk - From Sissinghurst village, go past church to footpath on left signposted to Sissinghurst Castle. The path can get muddy and is slim on the approach to the main drive. Once on the main drive, there's no designated path for pedestrians. Half way down the drive towards the house and garden, there is a clapper stile on the right where you can go along the hedge line in the field if you prefer.
By bicycle
NCN18, 8 miles. You can cycle to Sissinghurst from Staplehurst station, see this link which takes you down quiet country lanes after a short section on the A229 from the station.
Arriving by Taxi
If you arrive by taxi in the morning, please ensure you have pre-booked a return journey or have arranged transport home for when you leave, so as not to run the risk of not being able to book during peak times.
Planning your visit
A Persian Paradise exhibition at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
Revealing the travels and inspirations of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson to 1920s Iran in a new immersive exhibition.
Article
Seasonal activities for the family at SissinghurstÂ
Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at Sissinghurst Castle Garden this season. With our gardens, lakes and over 400 acres to explore, there's something for everyone.
Article
Visiting Sissinghurst Castle Garden with your dogÂ
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a one pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome so you can feel at ease when strolling through the estate. Here's some useful information to help you enjoy your walk.
Article
Group visits at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
Visiting as a group to Sissinghurst Castle Garden couldn’t be easier; here’s how to arrange a group visit.
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Highlights
The Formal Garden
A symbol of love and horticultural ambition, created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in the early 1930s. Designed in a series of 'rooms' with summer highlights including the Rose Garden and the White Garden.
Vegetable Garden
A No Dig garden bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit, having achieved Organic accreditation in 2023 from the Soil Association.
Tower
Home to Vita's Writing Room. Vast panoramic views of the formal garden, working farm and 450-acre wider estate from the very top.
Library
Nicknamed 'The Big Room', this atmospheric space was originally used for entertaining by Vita and Harold and is now home to exhibitions throughout the year.
Plant Shop
Take home a living piece of Sissinghurst with plants and seasonal vegetables that are grown right here on site.
Shop
Seasonal gifts ranging from stylish homeware, locally produced products, books and more.
The Second-hand Bookshop
A wide range of donated books ready to start their new chapter in life.
The Old Dairy Cafe
Serves hot and cold drinks, tasty light bites and cakes. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Spotlight events
Article
A Persian Paradise Exhibition at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
A Persian Paradise: a new immersive exhibition exploring the artistic significance of Vita and Harold's trips to 1920s Iran.
Things to see and do
Article
The garden at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
Explore the garden at Sissinghurst, with its vibrant planting schemes and architectural planning, and discover why it ranks among the most famous gardens in England.
Article
Exploring the buildings at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
Climb the Tower at Sissinghurst for views of the whole garden, peruse thousands of books in the Long Library and explore the South Cottage, a retreat at the centre of the garden.
Article
The vegetable garden at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
Find out more about the veg, fruit and herbs we grow in the vegetable garden at Sissinghurst and what happens to the produce after it’s picked.
Article
Seasonal activities for the family at SissinghurstÂ
Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at Sissinghurst Castle Garden this season. With our gardens, lakes and over 400 acres to explore, there's something for everyone.
Article
The estate at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
With 460 acres of beautiful Wealden countryside there’s plenty of space to explore, run around, walk the dog, cycle and spot wildlife on the estate at Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
Try tasty dishes in the Granary restaurant or a quick pitstop in the Old Dairy coffee shop at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, using ingredients fresh from the vegetable garden.
Article
Shopping at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
Find a souvenir of your visit with plants grown in the nursery, gifts and souvenirs telling the stories of Sissinghurst in the gift shop and a vast collection of second-hand books.
Top trails
Trail
Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Estate walkÂ
Explore highlights of the 450-acre estate around Sissinghurst Castle Garden on this circular walk, taking in a 16th-century tower and Sissinghurst Castle Farm.
Places to stay
Priest's HouseÂ
Sitting on the edge of Sissinghurst Castle’s gardens, this is the perfect spot for garden lovers.
2 Bettenham CottagesÂ
Immerse yourself in rolling farmland and peaceful countryside. This cosy cottage is the perfect getaway for friends, family and one well-behaved dog.
Sissinghurst Castle FarmhouseÂ
Located on the grounds of Sissinghurst Castle Garden, this stunning Victorian Farmhouse offers a luxurious bed and breakfast service in the very heart of the Weald of Kent.
Upcoming events
Event
A Persian Paradise exhibition (14 October 2023 - 24 March 2024)Â
Discover reunited love tokens from Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson's travels to 1920s Iran in this immersive exhibition.
Event
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop - SOLD OUTÂ
Unleash your creative side and make a beautiful festive wreath with winter greenery from Sissinghurst's own garden and estate.
Event
Miniature Painting at 'A Persian Paradise': Art and Tradition UnveiledÂ
Journey into the enchanting world of Persian Miniature painting with artist Yasmin Hayat and curator Nicci Obholzer, and create your own masterpiece in the heart of 'A Persian Paradise'.
Event
Natural Dye WorkshopÂ
Join Natural Dyer Isobel Spence in a hands-on workshop to learn more about this sustainable craft and experiment with natural dyeing yourself.
About Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Vita Sackville-West, the poet and writer, began transforming Sissinghurst Castle in the 1930s with her diplomat and author husband, Harold Nicolson. Harold's architectural planning of the garden rooms, and the colourful, abundant planting in the gardens by Vita, reflect the romance and intimacy of her poems and writings.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden was the backdrop for a diverse history; from the astonishing time as a prison in the 1700s, to being a home to the women’s land army. It was also a family home to some fascinating people who lived here or came to stay. We've undertaken research to find out more about Vita and Harold's original design and we are taking steps to recapture the vision that they had. Keep an eye out for changes we are making around the garden this year. Don't miss the vast panoramic views from the top of the Tower, the working farm and the 450-acre wider estate.
Latest news
Article
Conservation Work on Vita's Writing RoomÂ
Find out more about the extensive conservation work carried out on Vita's Writing Room.
Hidden Treasures of the National TrustÂ
Go behind the scenes and hear from the experts and conservators who look after many treasured objects in this new BBC programme, including Vita's Writing Room and a Terracotta pot at Sissinghurst Castle Garden which feature in episode 2. Catch up on the series so far on BBC iPlayer here.
History
Article
The history of Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
From castle to prison, working farm to world-renowned garden, Sissinghurst's past is nothing but varied and each of its incarnations have added to its story.
Article
Who was Vita Sackville-West?Â
Discover the life of prolific writer and passionate gardener Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. 
Our work
Article
Recreating Delos at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
The gardening team have completed a conservation project to re-imagine an area of the garden at Sissinghurst that was never quite completed by Vita and Harold.
Article
Flood management and frogs at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
Learn about our flood-management project and how the work that we’re doing is helping to further increase biodiversity on our estate. 
Art and collections
Sissinghurst Castle Garden's collectionsÂ
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Sissinghurst Castle Garden on the National Trust Collections website.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at Sissinghurst Castle GardenÂ
Whether you’d like to make a difference, take up a new hobby or share your skills and experience with us, we're always on the lookout for new members to join our volunteering team.