Discover more at Sissinghurst
Find out when Sissinghurst Castle Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Group visits at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Whether you’re a regular visitor to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, or planning your first trip, make your group visit a happy and memorable one.
Planning your group visit
Nestled within the Kent countryside, the internationally renowned Sissinghurst Castle Garden is the result of creative tension between the formal design approach of Harold Nicolson and the abundant planting preferences of his wife, Vita Sackville-West.
What's available for your visit?
- Discounted rates for groups of 15+
- Seasonal planting, offering interest in all four seasons of the year
- Welcome and familiarisation talk on arrival, upon request
- Exhibitions in the Oast House or Library
- Shop with gifts and souvenirs inspired by the garden
- Group table bookings in our Granary Restaurant, seasonal menus and offers are available upon request
Enjoy an early-bird tour at Sissinghurst
From March to October on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, from 9am-11am, there’s exclusive garden access for early-bird groups, before normal opening hours. This is a guided visit where you can find out more about the garden, the wider estate and its history and then stay a while to explore on your own.
The guided tours are in English and large groups are often split into smaller groups of approximately 10, with one guide per group. Please make sure that you have sufficient interpreters, if required.
Due to the garden’s narrow paths it’s not possible to lead a guided tour after 11am. If you have any questions during your visit please don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff or volunteer.
How to make a group booking or an early-bird booking
For a group booking, or early-bird booking, there must be a minimum of 15 visitors, maximum 35 visitors, and the visit must be booked in advance.
The earliest possible coach arrival time for standard group visits is 10.30am.
To check availability for your chosen date email: sissinghurst@nationaltrust.org.uk or telephone 01580 710700.
These tours can sell out quickly and we suggest that you provisionally book your group as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
Please tell us the following when you contact us:
- Whether you are making a group booking or an early-bird booking
- Contact details including the name of your group, your group leader, phone number and email address
- Visit date
- Coach arrival time. Please note this is not your garden entry time
- Approximate group size
- Group catering and dietary requirements
Once a provisional booking is made we’ll send you a provisional confirmation email.
Approximately one month before your arrival, we will send a booking form. Please complete and return a copy of this up to a week before your arrival. Once we’ve checked everything, we’ll send you a confirmation.
On the day
If you’re delayed, it’s important that the driver or group leader contact us in advance. The telephone number for the car park will be provided upon confirmation of your booking.
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by a member of our car park team, who will show you to your parking space.
Upon parking, we ask that all members of the group make their way to Visitor Reception where the group leader will collect or purchase entry tickets.
If you've booked onto an early bird tour, your group will be met at the car park by the guides.
Between March and October, a buggy service is available from the main car park to transport you to and from various points on our site. Please note this service does not go inside the garden and is dependent on volunteer availability.
If any of your group members have additional access requirements, please inform us in advance so we can make sure your group has the best experience they can have.
A map of the garden with a recommended step-free route is available at Visitor Reception.
Free familiarisation visits for group leaders
If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk
Who is eligible for free entry?
Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.
Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.
You might also be interested in
The garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Explore the garden at Sissinghurst this season and discover why it ranks among the most famous gardens in England.
The history of Sissinghurst Castle Garden
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.
Reimagining Delos at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Find out more about the final phase in developing the Delos garden at Sissinghurst Castle, reimagined from Vita and Harold’s original vision.
The estate at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
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.
Education Group Access Pass
If you’re planning educational group visits to National Trust places, then you could benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives you free admission for a year.
Explorer Pass
If you're planning a trip in England, Wales or Northern Ireland this year, buy a National Trust Explorer Pass for entry to most of the places in our care. With 4-, 8- and 14-day options available, the pass can be tailored to fit your trip. Discover where you can visit with the Explorer Pass and how to buy yours.
Group visits frequently asked questions
Visiting a National Trust place with a group? Then our answers to your frequently asked questions might help with any question you may have.
