Discover why Sissinghurst in Kent is famous as the epitome of the English garden and explore its series of garden rooms, each filled with different planting schemes and unique designs. Praised for its beauty and diversity, the garden is a result of the creative tension between Harold Nicolson's formal design and the exuberant planting of Vita Sackville-West, a successful novelist, poet and journalist also known for her connections with Virginia Woolf.
photo:courtesy National Trust
What is there to see and to enjoy?
Sissinghurst Castle Garden claims to be 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.
The Tower with 86 steps: 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 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 which are grown on site.
Secondhand Book Shop: A wide range of donated books ready to start their new chapter in life.
Old Dairy Cafe: Serves hot and cold drinks, tasty light bites and cakes. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
The Day at a Glance
09:15 Meet at the Steyning Centre
09:30 Coach departs from the Steyning Centre
11:15/11:30 Arrive at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Maybe start the day’s explorations with a cup of tea or coffee before embarking on a leisurely walk along the garden paths of this stunning property. Lunch can be had at the Old Dairy Cafe with ample indoor and outdoor seating. See the current exhibition, climb the tower and have a browse in the plant and book shop. There are further walks around the property when you fancy it.
15:15 Departure from Sissinghurst: sit back, chat and relax on the coach ride back to Steyning.
17:00 Approx. return to the Steyning Centre
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Ticket pricing per person:
Option SCG1: National Trust members only £ 25 ▢
Option SCG2: Non-National Trust Members £ 44 ▢
Payment:
If you wish to secure a place and to save our wonderful volunteers time, we would be enormously grateful if you could make payment by bank transfer to:
The Arts Society Steyning
Sort Code 40-43-48 Account number: 71 23 61 99
Please remember to add the respective option code in the reference, e.g. SCG1 and your surname.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to pay by card at the next lecture on 9 March 2026.
Please note:
A reservation is not guaranteed until payment has been received to secure your place. Refunds for tickets are not given, unless the ticket(s) can be resold or the event is cancelled. If you have any questions, please contact Dee Skitch via tassvisits@gmail.com
Booking form:
Let's Make Booking a Breeze!
To secure your spot with ease, please:
Download the booking form using this link.
Print a copy and fill it out at your leisure at home.
Please bring your completed form with your debit or credit card for payment to the next lecture on 9 March 2026 where you will be whisked through our priority queue to quickly secure your place on your chosen TASS visit.
For members who prefer to complete the form on the day, please don’t worry - we will have a separate table set up for you.
Thank you very much for helping us make everything run like clockwork!
We hope this particular outing will appeal to you as it promises to be a lovely day of history, horticulture, fresh air and good company.