The little village of Sissinghurst in Kent is most well known for the famous gardens in the ‘Castle’, and is surrounded by woodland in the far east of the region of Tunbridge Wells.
For horticultural hobbyists and garden groupies it is a stalwart on the garden tours of the Garden of England!
Situated between the town of Cranbrook and the village of Frittenden, Sissinghurst makes the perfect stop on a tour of the Wealden countryside in Kent.
It is also on the edge of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, off the A229 Hastings Road between Maidstone and Hawkhurst.
Originally called Mylkehouse, the name was changed to a derivation of De Saxingherste, a former family name at Sissinghurst Castle.
Things to see and do in Sisssinghurst
Although, it is a small village, it has everything one needs to admire in an English country village: a church, a school, an independent local grocery shop, a restaurant, a pub, a collection of pretty white clapboard cottages, including a stripey one (as above), as well as a handful of shops for browsing.
Come and have a rummage, perhaps lunch or afternoon tea in this quaint village that is just next to the famous Sissinghurst Castle.
This is a National Trust treasure of a manor house and guardian of the White Garden made known by Vita Sackville-West.
It has a long history going back to the 1500s and has made royalty very comfortable over its lifetime.
After feeding the soul, feed the body by trying out The Milk House Pub or The Granary Restaurant, purveyors of delicious local Kent and Sussex produce.
You could also combine your visit with other famous gardens such as Hole Park Gardens, Great Dixter and Pashley Manor Gardens not to mention Leeds Castle.
Alternatively there are some lovely rambles on public footpaths in this area too.
Take a look at the delightful accommodation options to prolong your enjoyment of the English countryside at its best.
Contact the Tourist Information Centre for more details.