Do you love gardens? Are you a an obsessive and passionate gardener? You need to know about these two English gardens, RHS Wisley and National Trust property Sissinghurst. I have spent countless hours at both and they are amazing at any time of the year. Check out our European Vacations Page as well.

RHS Wisley

LOCATION: Wisley, Woking. A short drive south of London
WEBSITE: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
DESCRIPTION: This is the showpiece of the Royal Horticultural Society—60 acres in size and ever-changing.  From the spectacular herbaceous borders  and the Alpine House to Battleston Hill, a woodland garden,  home to hundreds of azaleas and rhodendrens, it is fantastic and a wonderful learning experience.  I can’t tell you how many gardening tips I have picked up from wandering around.  

Sissinghurst

LOCATION: Kent 1 ½ hours southeast of London
WEBSITE: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden
DESCRIPTION: Sissinghurst is the garden of Vita Sackville-West,  a novelist, poet and garden designer, a diplomat’s wife and a close friend of Virginia Woolf.  It is home to the famous white garden,  ten garden  “rooms” and the castle  tower where Vita wrote her novels and poetry.  The tower has a wonderful view of the garden and the surrounding woods with many walks (especially delightful in the spring when the bluebells are  blooming).  To say it is a fabulous garden is an understatement. 

A Sample Itinerary for 5 to 7 day tour including Wisley and Sissinghurst

– Arrive into London Heathrow Airport and rent a car.
– Spend two nights in the area in a Guildford hotel or a bed and breakfast close to Wisley.
– Drive to Kent and spend 3 to 4 days. (I always spend at least part of 2 days at Sissinghurst.)
– Spend either a night near Heathrow or on to another part of England.

Other gardens in the area include Pashley Manor, Scotney Castle (a small garden, but the moated castle is wonderful), Great Dixter and Hole Park.