While Sissinghurst Castle Garden was a quicker visit than other nearby places such as Bodiam Castle, Ightham Mote and Scotney Castle, I really enjoyed climbing the Elizabethan Tower and taking photos whilst the garden provided a peaceful walk in the sunshine.
See my photos from my visit, learn about the history and everything you need to know about visiting.
My Photos of Sissinghurst Castle Garden
History of Sissinghurst Castle
Sissinghurst Castle, nestled in the Weald of Kent, has a layered history spanning over 800 years. Originally a Saxon pig farm known as Saxenhurst, the site evolved into a moated manor by the 12th century. In the 1530s, Sir John Baker, Chancellor of the Exchequer under Henry VIII, built the red-brick gatehouse and courtyard house. His son Sir Richard Baker expanded the estate, adding the iconic Elizabethan Tower and entertaining Queen Elizabeth I in 1573.
After the Baker family’s decline, the estate became a prisoner-of-war camp during the Seven Years’ War (1756–63), housing up to 3,000 French sailors in grim conditions. The name “castle” was adopted from the prisoners’ nickname le château. In the 19th century, it served as a workhouse and later a farmstead, falling into disrepair.
In 1930, poet Vita Sackville-West and diplomat Harold Nicolson purchased the property, transforming it into one of England’s most influential gardens. Their romantic and artistic vision turned Sissinghurst into a sanctuary of beauty, literature, and horticultural innovation. The estate was gifted to the National Trust in 1967 and remains a beloved cultural landmark.
10 Interesting Facts About Sissinghurst Castle
- The Elizabethan Tower was Vita’s writing retreat — only her dogs were allowed inside.
- The castle hosted Queen Elizabeth I for three nights in 1573.
- The White Garden is one of the most famous monochromatic gardens in the world.
- The estate was once a prison camp, with graffiti from French POWs still visible.
- The Rose Garden contains over 200 varieties of old roses, many planted by Vita herself.
- The South Cottage was the couple’s private residence, preserved as they left it.
- The Big Room (Library) was used for entertaining literary and political guests.
- The gardens are divided into “rooms”, each with a distinct theme and mood.
- The Delos Garden, inspired by Vita’s travels to Greece, was redesigned in 2020.
- Sissinghurst receives over 150,000 visitors annually, making it one of the National Trust’s most popular sites.
Things to See and Do at Sissinghurst Castle
- Climb the Elizabethan Tower
Enjoy panoramic views of the gardens, estate, and Kent countryside. Peek into Vita’s writing room. - Explore the Garden Rooms
Wander through the White Garden, Rose Garden, Cottage Garden, Lime Walk, and Herb Garden — each with unique planting schemes. - Visit the South Cottage
See the private quarters of Vita and Harold, filled with personal touches and vintage furnishings. - Tour the Big Room (Library)
Admire the oak-panelled space where the couple hosted guests like Virginia Woolf and Winston Churchill. - Walk the Estate Trails
Choose from several routes across 450 acres of farmland, lakes, and woodland. - Browse the Second-Hand Bookshops
Find literary treasures in Laundry Cottage and the Coach House. - Relax in the Orchard or Lakeside
Picnic among daffodils and apple trees or stroll around the tranquil lake. - Enjoy Seasonal Exhibitions
Visit the Oast Exhibition Space for rotating displays on Vita’s writing and garden history. - Dine at the Granary Restaurant or Coffee Shop
Sample fresh produce from the estate’s organic vegetable garden. - Shop for Plants and Gifts
Take home a piece of Sissinghurst with garden plants, books, and locally made items.
Practical Information for Visiting Sissinghurst Castle
- Location: Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB
- Opening Times:
- Garden: 11:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Estate, Café, Shop: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Tower & Library: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Entry Fees (until 28 Oct):
- Adults: £20.90 / £19.00 standard
- Children (5–17): £10.50 / £9.50
- Family (2 adults + 3 children): £52.40 / £47.50
- National Trust members: Free
- Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours
(Allow extra time for estate walks or exhibitions) - Parking:
- Free for NT members
- Non-members: £4 (pay at Visitor Reception)
- Accessibility:
- Step-free routes available; uneven terrain in places
- Wheelchairs available (pre-book)
- Pushchairs not allowed in formal garden
- Dogs:
- Welcome on leads in estate; assistance dogs only in garden
- Food & Drink:
- Granary Restaurant, Coffee Shop, picnic areas
- Toilets:
- Accessible and baby-changing facilities near café and shop
- Transport:
- Train: Staplehurst (5 mi) + taxi
- Bus: Arriva 5 to Sissinghurst village + 1¼ mi walk
- Sat Nav: TN17 2AB (follow brown signs)
- Nearby: Knole Park, Ightham Mote, Great Dixter, Bedgebury Pinetum
- Official Website: Sissinghurst Castle Garden – National Trust
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