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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 9 May 2025
Asset Opening time Garden 11:00 - 17:30 Estate 10:00 - 17:30 Restaurant 10:00 - 17:30 Shop 10:00 - 17:30 Tower 11:00 - 17:00 The Big Room (Library) 11:00 - 17:00 Coffee Shop 10:00 - 16:30 Exhibition 11:00 - 17:00 The garden opens at 11am and closes at 5:30pm. The collection spaces open at 11am and close at 5pm. Last entry to the garden is at 4:45pm.
MTWTFSS282930123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930311OpenPartially openClosedWhole property (until 28 October)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £20.90 £19.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £10.50 £9.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £52.40 £47.50 One adult family £31.40 £28.50 Car parking (pay at Visitor Reception)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid £4.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
- 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.
- 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.
- Dogs allowed
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.
- Guided tour
Please visit our Events section for more information on garden and property tours.
- Plant shop
- Restaurant
Dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant but are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
- Shop
- Toilet
Toilets and disabled toilets are available next to Visitor Reception and the Restaurant.
Designated disabled parking in the main car park. Adapted toilet on level ground at visitor reception and via ramp at restaurant. Due to narrow pathways, pushchairs are not allowed in the main garden but carriers are welcome. There is a step free route around the property and garden, but please note that this may be difficult to navigate due to uneven terrain. 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.
- Accessible toilet
Disabled toilets are available next to Visitor Reception and at the Restaurant.
- Changing Places
We offer baby changing facilities on site.
- Designated parking
We offer several accessible parking bays in our car park, and offer bicycle parking down by Visitor Reception. Upon arrival, our stewards will direct you where to go.
- Drop-off point
Drop-off and pick up at Visitor Reception, if required.
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access to shop
- Narrow corridors
- Seating available
- Steps/uneven terrain
- Wheelchairs available
Wheelchairs are available but must be booked before arrival.
- 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.
- Cycling
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
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Planning Your Visit
There are lots of things to consider whilst planning your visit to Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Whether it's your first visit or your 100th, find out all the need to know information here.
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Upcoming events at Sissinghurst
Browse from our selection of tours, talks, and workshops throughout the year here.
Project
Project
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.
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.
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Group visits at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Visiting as a group to Sissinghurst Castle Garden couldn’t be easier; here’s how to arrange a group visit.
Highlights
The 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.
The Big Room (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. See opening times for more information.
Spotlight events
Between the Covers: An exhibition (Until 7 September)
A new exhibition at Sissinghurst Castle, hosted in the Oast Exhibition Space, offers an in-depth exploration of best-selling author Vita Sackville-West's work, showcasing her trailblazing works on themes of love, identity, and legacy.
Dragonfly Trail: May Half Term (24 May - 1 June)
This May, follow our self-guided dragonfly trail of the Sissinghurst estate to explore and discover the bugs, birds, and animals that live here.
Things to see and do
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The garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Explore the spring garden at Sissinghurst, with soft blossom, vibrant daffodils, fritillaria, wisteria, irises, and roses, and discover why it ranks among the most famous gardens in England.
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Between the Covers with Vita: An Exhibition
Discover the life and works of Vita Sackville-West in this exhibition at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, accompanied by artwork and animation by Sarah Tanat-Jones.
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Exploring the buildings at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Climb the Tower at Sissinghurst for views of the whole garden and peruse thousands of books in the Library.
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Family activities at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at Sissinghurst Castle Garden this season. With an Easter Egg Hunt, seasonal trails, gardens, lakes and over 400 acres to explore, there's something for everyone.
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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.
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The vegetable garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
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.
Eating and shopping
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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.
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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.
Top trails
Trail
Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Estate walk
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 House
Sitting on the edge of Sissinghurst Castle’s gardens, this is the perfect spot for garden lovers.
2 Bettenham Cottages
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 Farmhouse
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
'Between the Covers with Vita' Exhibition (10 February 2025 - 7 September 2025)
This exhibition explores the literary prowess of author Vita Sackville-West, accompanied by colourful commissioned artwork by Sarah Tanat-Jones. Runs 10 February 2025 - 7 September 2025. Booking not required.
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Dragonfly Trail: May Half Term
Join us on a Dragonfly Trail for this Half Term’s Minibeast May!
Event
Private Morning Tours at Sissinghurst
Experience a private tour of our historic garden in the early morning light before we open to the public.
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Summer of Play at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Join us for a fairy-tale themed Summer of Play at Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
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Outdoor Theatre - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Experience outdoor theatre this summer at Sissinghurst with the Three Inch Fools.
Event
Dear Future: I Leave This Place For You - Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Find out how a gift in your will can help us protect and preserve the special places in our care.
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.
Our work
Project
Project
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.
News
Gardeners' Cuttings
Discover what Sissinghurst Castle's garden team is up to each month with their popular Gardeners' Cuttings updates.
Article
Flood management and frogs at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Learn about our flood-management project and how the work that we’re doing is helping to further increase biodiversity on our estate.
History
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Who was Vita Sackville-West?
Discover the life of prolific writer and passionate gardener Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson at Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
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LGBTQ+ History at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Discover the LGBTQ+ heritage at Sissinghurst Castle Garden and how this history has shaped the world-famous garden that is enjoyed by many visitors today.
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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.
Art and collections
Sissinghurst Castle Garden's collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Sissinghurst Castle Garden on the National Trust Collections website.
Hidden Treasures of the National Trust
Go behind the scenes and hear from the experts and conservators who look after many treasured objects in this BBC programme, including Vita's Writing Room and a Terracotta pot at Sissinghurst Castle Garden which feature in episode 2 of season one. Catch up on the series so far on BBC iPlayer here.
Support us
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Volunteering at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
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.
Supporter Groups
Learn more about our local Supporter Groups who help with important conservation work at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, and at other properties across the UK. Donations from these Groups have gone towards conserving historic items such as the pictured storage jar, known as a butter jar, in the White Garden at Sissinghurst.