Exploring Kent’s Fairytale Castles and Gardens: Scotney Castle & Sissinghurst
Kent has always felt a little off my radar because it’s been easier to head southwest for me. But this time I stepped in a new direction. Armed with my National Trust membership and a sense of adventure, I made the short journey east, keen to uncover what the Garden of England had to offer. And what greeted me at Scotney Castle was nothing short of magical.
The moment I rounded the bend, I was greeted by an image straight out of a storybook: a turreted ruin draped in ivy, perched above its moat like a bohemian Rapunzel tower. The old castle, dating back to the late 14th century, was once a fortified manor and later became a romantic folly when the Hussey family built their new country house in the 1830s. They kept the ruin as a centrepiece in the landscaped gardens, blending Gothic charm with Victorian elegance.
Wandering between the “old” and “new” castles feels like walking through a living painting - rhododendrons, azaleas, and wisteria framing every view. Inside, the newer house remains much as it was left by its last residents, its rooms steeped in warmth and character. From the gardens, I followed winding paths into the wider estate which includes 780 acres of parkland, woodland, and even a working hop farm.
I lingered over coffee and cake in the courtyard, browsed the second-hand bookshop, and simply soaked in the atmosphere. Scotney Castle had given me a reminder that beauty and history don’t have to be far from home.
My next stop was Sissinghurst Castle Garden, perhaps one of the most famous and beloved gardens in England. While “castle” might conjure up visions of medieval battlements, Sissinghurst is instead a romantic Elizabethan manor house, framed by its iconic red-brick tower that rises above a patchwork of flower-filled ‘rooms’. Created in the 1930s by poet and writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, these gardens have become a masterpiece of design - intimate, atmospheric, and bursting with seasonal colour.
I wandered the White Garden, every bloom a soft shade of ivory or cream, and then through the Rose Garden, where the air was sweet and heady. The view from Vita’s tower was breathtaking - a sea of Kent countryside rolling into the horizon. There’s something grounding about seeing such beauty curated with care, yet still in harmony with the wild landscape beyond the walls.
The gardens at Sissinghurst were, without question, some of the most exceptional I have ever seen. Every corner felt thoughtfully composed, yet never overly controlled, as though nature itself had decided to dress for the occasion. It was the kind of place that makes you slow your step, notice the details, and linger just a little longer than planned.
Driving back toward London, I felt grateful that I’d ventured east for a change. Kent had charmed me completely - its history, its landscapes, and its gardens left me wondering why I don’t make the trip more often. Sometimes the best escapes aren’t hundreds of miles away; they’re just waiting in a different direction.
Travel Notes: Exploring Kent’s Castles and Gardens
Getting There from London:
Kent is easily reachable from London by car (around 1.5–2 hours depending on your route) or train. Trains from London Charing Cross or London Bridge will take you toward Tunbridge Wells or Staplehurst, from where local buses or taxis can connect you to Scotney Castle and Sissinghurst.
When to Visit:
Late spring through early autumn offers the most vibrant garden displays, but autumn visits can be equally beautiful with the changing foliage. Both Scotney Castle and Sissinghurst are National Trust properties, so members enjoy free entry and parking.
Highlights at Scotney Castle:
The romantic moated old castle with its turret and ivy-covered walls.
Strolling through landscaped gardens and wildflower meadows.
Exploring the Victorian ‘new’ house, which tells the story of the Hussey family.
Highlights at Sissinghurst Castle Garden:
World-famous garden rooms designed by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson.
The iconic white garden, rose garden, and tower views over the estate.
A café serving seasonal, locally sourced lunches and cream teas.
Tips for Your Day Out:
Wear comfortable shoes - both properties have expansive grounds with uneven paths.
Arrive early to avoid the midday rush, especially in peak summer.
If travelling by car, it’s possible to visit both sites in one day, as they’re only about 20 minutes apart.
Why not become a National Trust member?
It’s super easy to sign up and offers free entry to over 500 places across the UK.
Offers free parking.
There are different style of membership from individual to family size - something for everyone!
