The estate at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Mist rising over the fields beyond a wooden gate at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent — Mist rising over the fields at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

The Sissinghurst estate is 460 acres of beautiful Wealden countryside including 180 acres of woodland. Looked after by a team of rangers, it's a fascinating place to spot native wildlife all year round and a joy for walkers and horse riders alike. Tenant farmer John farms the land and rears Sussex cattle and Romney sheep.

Blossom season

Blossom season kicks off on the estate with the blackthorn bushes. Blackthorn blossom can be found in hedgerows throughout the estate with a good hot spot being in park field on the long estate walk. The flowers start to come through in their numbers in late February, and present a contrast of bright white against the twiggy hedge.

As the flowers wither, the hawthorn blossom takes over and the leaves emerge from their buds, transforming the thick foliage.

The next phase of blossom is willow, always an exciting sight, with its unusual patterns and large size. Willow can bloom as early as late February, but March is the best time to see these blossoms, which are a good reminder that spring is right around the corner.

Blossom in the largest orchard at Sissinghurst, beyond the car park | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Ideal for explorers of all ages

With 460 acres to explore there's something for everyone in your family, from a short one-mile walk passing two lakes to a more adventurous three-mile walk taking in all of the estate.

Wonderful dog walks

The estate is a fantastic place to explore with your four-legged friends. Whether you're a first-time visitor to the estate, or a regular, there's always something new to see and explore.

National Trust members can enjoy free car parking at Sissinghurst and make the most of this beautiful countryside.

Seek out the birdwatching hide

The ranger team has designed and built the bird hide from Sissinghurst oak. All you 'birders' out there can now watch the comings and goings of our feathered friends in quiet comfort. The bird hide is on the long estate walk near the bottom of the veg garden.

Photography opportunities

Located in the Wealden Countryside, these views provide eager photographers with many opportunities to snap that perfect seasonal shot!

Views of Sissinghurst Castle from the Estate walks | © National Trust Images/Penny Tweedie

Picturesque views

The Elizabeth Tower and Barn, and Oast Houses are visible from across the fields on the Estate walk.

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Other sights around the estate

The top of the Vegetable Garden

It is a truly jaw-dropping view at any time of the year with a far-reaching view across the low Wealden landscape. Find out more about the Vegetable Garden here.

Lake Field

Aptly named as its the field that sits just next to the upper side of the lakes. There're lots of great angles to capture a perfect nature scene across the lakes which is brimming with wildlife which changes throughout the seasons.

The wetland boardwalk

Nestled with in the foliage next to one of the lakes is a marshy wetland that can be navigated via a boardwalk. This area makes for a great photo with its rich biodiversity and views back across the lake.

If you need help finding any of these areas just pop into visitor reception before you set off and they'll point you in the right direction.