Sissinghurst Castle Garden

June 13, 2023

Sat within the ruins of a great Elizabethan house, framed by the rich Kentish landscape of woods, farmland, lakes and streams, the famous garden with romantic pink brick tower is the result of creative tension between the formal design of Harold Nicolson and the abundant planting of his wife, Vita Sackville-West. The layers of colour, intimacy of different garden rooms and rich herbaceous borders are the epitome of an English garden and provide an ever-changing picture throughout the seasons.

When Vita Sackville-West and Harold purchased Sissinghurst in early 1930 it looked quite different to the present day. The buildings were used to house farm workers, the current famous garden had yet to be laid out and was mostly growing vegetables for the workers. The surrounding farm was growing cereals as well as having well established orchards and hop gardens.

Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson were the last private owners of Sissinghurst Castle. After Vita’s death in 1962, Harold decided that Vita’s beloved Sissinghurst should be given over to the care of the National Trust who started looking after it in 1967.

As well as getting to enjoy the beautiful gardens and surroundings, there is the option of joining us for a two-course lunch with tea and coffee if you so choose.

The National Trust shop offers a lovely range of accessories, books, cards and preserves. Alongside this is a range of products inspired by the gardens including greeting cards and prints from local artists, as well as a large range of books about, and written by, the family. The Plant Shop gives you the opportunity to take a little piece of Sissinghurst home with you, with most of the plants on sale, propagated within the onsite nursery.

Offer Price £35.00 for National Trust Members / £50.00 for non-members

includes return coach and entry to Sissinghurst Gardens.

Add £16.25 to include a two course lunch with tea and coffee.

Pick-up 9.30am
Location: Dorking Halls