Skip to content

The estate at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Autumn colour by the lakes at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Autumn colour by the lakes at Sissinghurst Castle Garden | © National Trust Images/Kevin Miles

The Sissinghurst estate is 460 acres of beautiful Wealden countryside including 180 acres of woodland. Looked after by a team of rangers, it's a fascinating place to spot native wildlife all year round and a joy for walkers and horse riders alike. Tenant farmer John farms the land and rears Sussex cattle and Romney sheep.

Woodland walks 

The estate is a great place to be during the autumn and winter months. There's wildlife in abundance from cows in the fields to smaller creatures hiding in the woodland.  

However, it's not only wildlife that flourishes at this time of year but also the woodland itself. The trees make for a canopy of yellows, browns and reds which add an extra-special touch to the estate walks. In the wider estate our tenant farmer is hard at work harvesting the fields which makes for a great view across the low Wealden landscape. 

Ideal for explorers of all ages 

With 460 acres to explore there's something for everyone in your family, from a short one-mile walk passing two lakes to a more adventurous three-mile walk taking in all of the estate. 

Wonderful dog walks 

The estate is a fantastic place to explore with your four-legged friends. Whether you're a first-time visitor to the estate, or a regular, there's always something new to see and explore.  

National Trust members can enjoy free car parking at Sissinghurst and make the most of this beautiful countryside. 

Seek out the birdwatching hide 

The ranger team has designed and built the bird hide from Sissinghurst oak. All you 'birders' out there can now watch the comings and goings of our feathered friends in quiet comfort. The bird hide is on the long estate walk near the bottom of the veg garden. 

Photography opportunities 

Located in the Wealden Countryside, these views provide eager photographers with many opportunities to snap that perfect seasonal shot! 

Nigel Nicolson's Gazebo perched at the edge of the garden moat at Sissinghurst
Nigel Nicolson's Gazebo perched at the edge of the garden moat at Sissinghurst | © National Trust Images/Cassie Dickson

Quiet reflections by the water

This gazebo, built in memorium to Harold Nicolson by his sons Nigel and Ben, stands at the edge of the garden moat. It was used in Nigel's lifetime as a space to write, and has in recent years been opened up to conteporary artists to use.

1 of 3

Other sights around the estate 

 

The top of the Vegetable Garden

It is a truly jaw-dropping view at any time of the year with a far-reaching view across the low Wealden landscape. Find out more about the Vegetable Garden here

Lake Field 

Aptly named as its the field that sits just next to the upper side of the lakes. There're lots of great angles to capture a perfect nature scene across the lakes which is brimming with wildlife which changes throughout the seasons. 

The wetland boardwalk

Nestled with in the foliage next to one of the lakes is a marshy wetland that can be navigated via a boardwalk. This area makes for a great photo with its rich biodiversity and views back across the lake. 

If you need help finding any of these areas just pop into visitor reception before you set off and they'll point you in the right direction. 

The tower is seen through the branches of a magnolia tree, with a few pale pink flowers, at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent

Discover more at Sissinghurst

Find out when Sissinghurst Castle Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

You might also be interested in

A lounging pooch at Sissinghurst Castle
Article
Article

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.

A close up of sugar-dredged mince pies with a sprig of holly
Article
Article

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. Serving between 12pm-3pm.

Felt Christmas characters hang on a chain
Article
Article

Shopping at Sissinghurst Castle Garden 

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.

A frosty view of Sissinghurst's Rose Garden roundel from the top of the Tower
Article
Article

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.

A man and a lady walk through a frosty landscape at Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk

Countryside and woodland 

Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.

A man and a lady walk through a frosty landscape at Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk

Countryside and woodland 

Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.

A family walking alongside Lake Windermere at Fell Foot during winter, Cumbria

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.