Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Estate walk
After exploring Sissinghurst's garden, try this circular walk to see highlights of the wider estate, including the 16th-century tower and the Castle Farm. Nestled in the heart of the Kent Weald, this landscape inspired the creation of a world-class garden and the prolific writing of Vita Sackville-West.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
Sissinghurst Castle Garden National Trust car park, grid ref: TQ807384
Step 1
From the car park, follow the path towards the castle. Walk to left of the castle and continue along the medieval moat, following it round to the right at the Gazebo. Continue along this path, through a gate and down the hill towards the lake. At the bottom of the field, go through the gate and turn left around the lower lake.
Step 2
After crossing the second bridge, turn right and continue along the ride through the traditional coppice woodland.
Step 3
After 380yd (350m) you will reach a waymarker. Here, you have two options. For the shorter route (marked on map with dotted line), turn right and continue up the hill across Park Field towards the car park. For the longer route, bear left then right and continue 460yd (420m) along the ride until you reach the edge of the woodland, where you will find another waymarker. Turn right down a narrow path and continue over the stile into Park Field.
Step 4
Bear slightly to the left across the parkland, taking in the views of the castle and estate. At the next stile, cross the drive and enter Bull and Birches Woods. Follow the path for 66yd (60m) then turn right along the public footpath up the field. At the top turn right, pass through the second double gate then bear diagonally left across the orchard.
Step 5
Cross the track and join the bridleway, passing the vegetable plots on your right, and continue along this track until you reach a waymarker. Turn right into the field and follow the margin until you come to a metal gate.
Step 6
At the gate, bear right onto the lane and follow it to the next gate on your right. Go through this gate onto the path, taking in the views before continuing over the stream back to the castle.
End point
Sissinghurst Castle Garden National Trust car park, grid ref: TQ807384
Trail map
More near here
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.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
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.
The garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
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.
Eating at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
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.
Visiting Sissinghurst Castle Garden with your dog
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.