Sissinghurst Castle Garden, near Tenterden, has over 460 acres to explore, with a Formal Garden, routes around the lake and a working vegetable garden. Tour the castle rooms, visit a gatehouse exhibition, the tower and the library. The castle has a rich and varied history: once a Saxon pig farm, its Tudor buildings were used as a prison for 3,000 French sailors captured during the Seven Years War (1756-1763). It has been used as a poor house where inmates worked on the farm. In the early 1930s, it was purchased by the poet, novelist and garden designer Vita Sackville-West, and her husband Harold Nicolson. They opened it to the public in the late 1930s.

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Opening Hours
Garden
11am-5.30pm
Estate
10am-5.30pm
Long Library,  Exhibition
11am-5pm
Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Last entry: 4.45pm.

Price
Admission
Whole property - until 27th October
National Trust Member: Free
Gift Aid/Without Gift Aid
Adult: £22/£20
Child - 5 to 17 years: £11/£10
Child - under 5 years: Free
One adult family: £33/£30
Family: £55/£50
Parking
National Trust Member: Free
Non-member: £4.50.

Accessibility
There is a step-free route around the property and garden, but it may be difficult to navigate due to uneven terrain. There are unfenced lakes, a moat and ponds around the estate. Wheelchair loan available, must be pre-booked.
Accessible Maps: Accessibility routes are available on the main map of the site or upon request at Visitor Reception or the Garden Gate.

Parking
National Trust members: Free
Parking charges for non-members: £4.50.

Train
Staplehurst station -  5 miles.

Bus
Arriva 5 Maidstone to Hawkhurst (passing Staplehurst train station), alight Sissinghurst - 1¼ miles walk, though there is no designated path for pedestrians on the main drive. The path can get muddy and is slim on the approach to the main drive.

Dog
Dogs are welcome on a lead, but not allowed in the formal garden or the vegetable garden. Not allowed inside the restaurant, but are allowed in the outdoor seating area.

Good To Know
Look out for brown signs, as your 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.

Facilities
Cafe • Picnic Areas • Toilet • Disabled Toilet • Baby Changing Facilities

Picture Credit: © National Trust/Andrew Butler

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