WHERE IS SISSINGHURST? |The Garden of Eaden

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Acquired by Vita Sackville West with her husband Sir Harold Nicolson in 1930, Sissinghurst Castle gardens have become one of the brightest jewels in a spectacular crown of English country gardens. It was their unique vision and uncommon single mindedness that took this dilapidated Tudor estate and moulded it into a breathtaking series of compartmentalised gardens. But there is something at Sissinghurst which makes it quite unique, a quality of peace and tranquillity that has enabled it to become regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.

Of course, there have been any number of magazine articles, books and television programs about this iconic, yet enigmatic estate. However, you can only experience the true flavour of Sissinghurst but visiting it yourself. Appropriately nestled in the 'Garden of England', Sissinghurst is set back from the main road in the picturesque Weald of Kent.

You will find that Sissinghurst is located about 9km south of Staplehurst train station - which itself is an hours train journey from London, Charing Cross - near where the A229 and A262 cross.

However you do not need to walk as there is a special bus that is in service on Tuesdays and Sundays from the 9th May up until the 29th August.

Alternatively, there is the Kent and Sussex bus 4 and 5 that runs between Maidstone and Hastings. It stops 2 km from Sissinghurst castle so I would ask the driver to let you know which is the best stop to get off at otherwise you will be in for a ridiculously long walk.

Of course, most visitors will arrive by car and so the address you will need is:

Sissinghurst Castle

Biddenden Road,

near Cranbrook,

KENT,

TN17 2AB

Note: Sissinghurst is only open from mid March to the end of October, and from the hours of 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last admission is one hour before closing (or before dusk if earlier) and please be aware that Sissinghurst is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays!