gardens

YOU won’t need to travel far if you want to head to one of the best destinations in Europe this summer, as it is right here in the UK.

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens near Cranbrook in Kent, have been named the third best place to visit in Europe this year.

According to Travel + Leisure, Jim Strong, a member of Travel + Leisure’s Travel Advisory Board and president of Strong Travel Services said: “Kent is known as the ‘Garden of England,’ and Sissinghurst Castle Gardens do not disappoint.

“The lawns and terraced colors of wildflowers of the area are a treat to the soul.

“A stroll around the grounds is tranquil in any weather, but spring and summer are the highlights.”

Originally starting out as a prison for around 3,000 captured French sailors in the 1700s, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens is a great spot for a family day out.

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When visiting today, you’ll mostly see what has been left by Vita Sackville-West – a poet and writer – and her diplomat husband, Harold Nicolson.

According to The National Trust, when Vita first saw the house she said: “I fell in love; love at first sight.

“I saw what might be made of it.

“It was Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.”

Together they transformed the castle in the 1930s adding the garden ‘rooms’ – different, walled areas of the garden – and planting colourful flowers.

One major feature of the destination is the 80-step Tower, which boasts panoramic views of the surrounding estate.

It used to be Vita’s Writing Room where she crafted her novels and poetry, as well as her weekly gardening column that featured in The Observer.

Her novels included All Passion Spent (1931) and Thirty Clocks Strike the Hour (1932).

If you are visiting for a day, you’ll be able to explore the garden ‘rooms’, including the Rose Garden and the White Garden.

There is then a ‘No Dig’ garden with vegetables, fruits and herbs as well.

Another part of the garden is called Delos – it is named after the Greek island and was inspired by the couples’ numerous visits there.

Delos also boasts a number of Greek artefacts including a number of Hellenistic altars that came from the island.

Inside the castle itself, drop by The Big Room (the library), where Vita and Harold used to host events and entertain guests.

If you fancy a little bit of retail therapy and have green fingers yourself, there is a Plant Shop that sells seasonal vegetables and plants that have been grown on site.

Alternatively, head to the main shop which sells a range of items including local products, homeware items and books, including works by Vita and Harold.

If there aren’t enough books in the shop for you though, there is a second-hand bookshop as well.

After all your exploring, grab a bite to eat and something to drink at The Old Dairy Cafe, where you can sit either inside or outside.

At The Granary restaurant, you can grab a bigger meal if you like as well as lunch boxes ideal for kids.

The destination is dog-friendly as well and has two walks you can head off on, which is a great way to see the estate.

For those who want an easier walk, there is a one-mile route but for those who want to enjoy a bit more time in nature there is a three-mile route as well.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden costs from £20 per adult and £10 per child to visit.

If you want to enjoy more time in the gardens, then you can opt to stay at the edge of the gardens in the Priest’s House.

The small brick house is thought to be part of the Elizabethan mansion that made up Sissinghurst Castle, but has been completely renovated inside to make it into a three-bedroom house with cosy fireplaces and wooden beams.

The cheapest Sun Travel could find is for three nights in January 2027, costing £779 (around £43.28 per person per night based on six people staying).

Alternatively, you could stay at Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse which has nine bedrooms on a bed and breakfast basis.

Rooms cost from £235 per night.

Last year, The Telegraph also named the village of Sissinghurst – which is just down the road from the castle – one of the prettiest villages in Kent.

The Telegraph commented that the village boasts “whitewashed, old brick and clapboard houses with a post office, a pub, a church and a village chippy”.

While there isn’t much to do in the village, you could grab some lunch from The Village Chippy such as cod and chips for £9.60.

One recent visitor said: “Stopped by for their seafood platter and oh goodness was it delicious.

“Food quality is excellent and the batter was so good and the chips were delicious – everything was cooked fresh while we waited.

“Highly recommend anyone to go there fantastic food.”

You can also grab a pint from The Milk House, which was the former coaching inn.

Dogs are welcome and there is also a garden area and terrace.

For more villages to explore in the UK, here are the quaint British villages with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs – handpicked by our travel writers.

Plus, here are five pretty English villages that will make you feel like you’re in The Holiday with cosy pubs and cottages.

As soon as I heard about this place, I was desperate to see it.

As soon as I heard about Wisley’s tulips, I was desperate to see them. The family attraction is renowned for being a pretty spot but its spring display this year has to be among its best so far. More than 100,000 tulips have been planted at RHS Garden Wisley, just outside Woking, and they are looking their best right now.

Flowering through April, the new displays have transformed one of the attraction’s most iconic views, the historic Old Laboratory building and Jellicoe Canal.

As I entered the garden and walked through its cherry blossom avenue (also sensational by the way), I turned left to find a sea of vibrant colour. Vivid red, deep orange, bright yellow and royal purple blooms lined the strip of still water, and it was absolutely stunning.

With the sun bouncing off the stream and the glorious blue skies sitting above the striking Old Laboratory, it really looked like an idyllic postcard setting.

Celebrating the joyous spring beauty of tulips, the vibrant mass plantings and pot displays across the grounds feature 58 gorgeous different tulip cultivars combined in mesmerising colour effects.

As I walked through the gardens I spotted thousands more tulips, specifically chosen for their bold colours, fabulous shapes and staggered flowering times.

The Royal Horticultural Society was given Wisley in 1903, although at that time only a small part of the 60-acre estate was cultivated as a garden, the remainder being wooded farmland. The original garden was the creation of George Fergusson Wilson, a businessman, scientist, inventor and keen gardener. He had purchased the site in 1878 with the idea of making “difficult plants grow successfully” and the garden acquired a reputation for its collections of lilies, gentians, Japanese irises, primulas and water plants.

Eating and drinking at Wisley

While Wisley does have some lovely cafes and coffee shops dotted along its tulip route, I decided to bring a picnic with me as the sun was shining.

There are lots of places to unpack your lunch. The lawns were still a bit damp for rolling out a blanket when I went, so I tucked into my alfresco sandwich at one of the tables on the patio outside the food hall.

Other places to eat include the World Food Cafe, Glasshouse Kitchen, Wisley Cafe and Terrace Restaurant, all serving different menus , from hearty breakfasts to pizzas.

The iconic Kew Gardens offers a range of activities – many of them out of hours – including sunset and sunrise yoga in the stunning Temperate House

Kew Gardens – the world famous botanic garden in London – attracts millions of visitors every year, with many thronging to the iconic site during the summer months.

However, as a regular to this oasis of calm on the edge of the capital I have to say spring is by far my favourite time to visit the lush landscape.

Yes, in summer the blooms are at their most showy, the trees are all in full leaf. Autumn brings golden leaves, scrunching underfoot, and a raft of bronze colour on the plants and winter is arguably blissfully quiet during the day only to explode in a riot of colour when the incredible Kew at Christmas lights burst into being.

However, there’s something about spring in this stunning place. Crisp days with some sunshine and the first shoots appearing on the trees, letting us all know the cold, dark months of winter are finally over. And that’s before we even get started on the explosion of daffodils, tulips and other spring flowering bulbs bursting into life in immense carpets all over the stunning Kew Gardens.

However, the highlight for me has to be the cherry blossoms. Gracefully coming back to life in pinks and whites, bringing with them a new season, only to shower the lucky visitor with their petals in the breeze.

Nestled close to Kew Gardens’ Temperate House, a gigantic glass house which underwent a huge renovation six years ago and containing more than 3,000 varieties of plants, many of them critically endangered, there is stunning cherry blossom walkway.

An avenue of glorious cherry trees in full bloom, watching over a carpet of proud tulips was the perfect stroll before trying Kew Gardens sunset yoga in the Temperate House. I already felt serene walking into the incredible building but nothing could have prepared me for how I would feel after the season was over and I left.

Inspired by the cherry blossoms just outside, and also the many others around Kew, this yoga experience was centred on lightness and renewal – just like the season itself.

Led by Kew’s resident yoga instructor, Anil Jangi, this sessions are said to “cultivate mindfulness, enhance flexibility and invite a sense of deep calm for both body and mind”.

Held inside one of the most iconic buildings at Kew Gardens – and let’s be honest there’s no shortage to pick from – the sessions are suitable for every level. And believe me when I say if there was a level below beginner, that’s where I’d be, but Anil made sure every ability was catered for as she guided us through the practice.

Accompanied by live sound bath music, enhanced by gongs, crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, we began lying on the floor of the Temperate House. Before closing my eyes to start breath work I was struck by a sense of awe in what was described as a “cathedral of plants”.

The soft green of the fronds – some giant, many at risk of extinction – floating above us, the gentle singing of birds and a sense of being somewhere truly special couldn’t help but wash over everyone taking part in this yoga session.

This was a gentle practice, full of stretching, strength poses, balance, restoration and relaxation. I could feel any stress melting into the floor of the Temperate House.

As the sun gradually set, the warm spring light was replaced with gentle candlelight, deepening the sense of calm and closeness to the incredible plants we were surrounded by.

It ended with a blissful sound bath before a warming mug of herbal tea.

As I walked out of the Temperate House almost two hours later, I was filled with such a sense of peace and calm – something we’re all finding increasingly hard to come by in these troubled times.

Kew Gardens is holding both sunset and sunset yoga, all accompanied by live acoustic music, on a variety of dates between now and September.

For more information, visit the website.

The world famous botanical gardens at Kew offer so much more than plants – we tried a sound bath in the iconic Nash Conservatory

Kew Gardens – the world-famous botanical gardens with the largest collection in the globe.

Internationally renowned and vitally important to our understanding of plant life, not to mention the millions of specimens also held in this stunning corner of West London, Kew also boasts being a World Heritage Site.

This oasis of calm, serenity and beauty is also one of the capital’s most visited tourist attractions – and my ultimate happy place.

Be in the depths of winter, the first blooms of spring, the sun-kissed height of summer or the golden autumn days, Kew always has something to entrance and amaze.

It doesn’t matter how many thousands of people might flood through the gates each day, this vast site always has an air of peace and calm.

So, when it came to my first ever sound bath experience – have no fear there is no water involved – what better place to try it than surrounded by nature at Kew.

And what exactly is a sound bath? In short it’s a meditation experience using gongs, Tibetan bowls and crystal bowls, along with chimes to create a dream-like state somewhere between sleep and waking.

Said to help ease stress and anxiety – and with the state of, well, everything, at the moment – who doesn’t need a bit of that?

On Kew’s website, it states: “Therapeutic sound has been proven to offer a wide range of health benefits, helping to boost your immune system by making you feel more grounded, balanced, and connected.

“No previous experience is needed for this expert-led session, making it the perfect opportunity to try a new way of reaching deep meditation and relaxation.”

It’s also recommended to have a stroll around the incredible gardens before you step into the Nash Conservatory for the hour long session.

Gently strolling through the vast expanse of Kew, surrounded by blossom trees and areas filled with sunshine-coloured daffodils, I could already feel my stress melting away even before the session began.

Held in the glorious Nash Conservatory, close to Kew Palace with the Elizabeth Gate the closest entrance, this sunshine-filled spaced already felt welcoming and calm the moment you stepped in.

You’re advised to bring a blanket, cushion and eye mask so you can be comfortable and fully immersed in the experience, which is led by Jez Smith FRSA, a historical musician and qualified sound therapist, who has been practising for 35 years.

Lying in the space, eyes closed, eye mask on and cosy in my blanket, the session began. Gentle noise filled the room, within minutes I could feel my shoulders relaxing.

As the sound slowly builds – it never feels overwhelmingly loud but does fill the entire space – I could feel every muscle in my body slowly sinking into the floor.

Still awake but only vaguely aware of my surroundings, there was a moment where I felt my entire face and jaw relax – I had no clue I was holding so much tension there.

Advised by Jez to focus on the noise and try to push away thoughts as they popped into your head – something which became increasingly easy to do as the session progressed – I became totally unaware of time and before I knew it, our hour was up.

Brought back to full consciousness by the gentle sound of chimes, as we all slowly returned to sitting I was stunned to feel I not only felt relaxed but more care-free than I had for months.

Another slow stroll through Kew before heading home and I can firmly say sound baths are not only good for easing stress, they’re also good for the soul.

Sound baths at Kew Gardens

Kew is holding regular sound baths on selected dates between now and October.

For more information, visit the website.

The 13th-century National Trust castle features the UK’s largest private collection of South and East Asian artefacts and Britain’s best baroque terraced gardens

Nestled close to the English-Welsh border, in the town of Welshpool, stands a genuine fairy-tale fortress which appears straight out of a storybook and provides a vibrant splash of colour against its sprawling green backdrop.

Built in the 13th century, this mediaeval stronghold is brimming with stories and continues to evolve, much to the delight of those who visit.

For the perfect day spent appreciating historic architecture, discovering a different heritage and exploring the most spectacular of gardens, Powis Castle is the destination to seek out.

Its most recent ownership belonged to the same family, who resided in the castle from as early as the 1570s – the Herbert family. This continued until the castle and its grounds were handed over to the National Trust in 1952 by the 4th Earl of Powis.

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One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “This site is stunning. I was blown away by how picturesque the place is.”

Another wrote: “This place really exceeded my expectations. The interior is super detailed and interesting, with some spectacular pieces of furniture.

“The gardens are truly beautiful on a lovely warm hillside and some stupendous giant yew trees. Has to be seen.”

History

The heritage of this fortress stretches back hundreds of years, encompassing numerous owners, as the property expanded and transformed, whilst preserving its original character throughout.

However, it all started in the 13th century when a Welsh prince, Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, established some independence. When he and the remainder of his direct lineage died in 1309, leaving no male heir, the castle passed to an heiress called Hawise. She then married Sir John Charlton from Shropshire.

The fortress came under attack during this period from Hawise’s uncle, who was trying to claim the lordship he believed he was entitled to instead of her, but was unsuccessful.

In response, they chose to repair the damage and constructed two imposing drum towers on either side of the castle’s west entrance. Charlton’s descendants remarkably remained lords of Powis for more than 100 years, until no male heir could be found.

Consequently, in 1421, the castle was split between two daughters, after which the fortress entered a sharp decline, desperately needing restoration following years of abandonment. Before long, it was taken over and lovingly rebuilt before being leased to the Herbert family.

Most significantly since that time, one of the most substantial changes occurred when the Clive family introduced what is now recognised as the Clive collection. A collection teeming with South and East Asian artefacts exhibited in the castle, and the largest private collection of its kind in Britain.

Clive Collection

What makes this fortress particularly unique is its fascinating array of artefacts housed within it. Originally assembled by two generations of the Clive family, comprising Robert and his son Edward, who had wed Henrietta Herbert, the daughter of the 1st Earl of Powis.

The collection was assembled during Britain’s colonial rule of India, when these artefacts were removed from their country of origin and brought to the castle, starting in the 1800s. Today it houses more than 1,000 pieces originating from South and East Asia.

According to its website, visitors can expect to discover an extensive array of ivories, textiles, statues of Hindu deities, decorative silver and gold, weapons and ceremonial armour.

Naturally, this remarkable collection carries with it a troubling past, one which connects the castle to a proprietor who played a role in the invasion of India. Robert Clive was directly employed by the East India Company, which sent armies to both invade and subjugate India.

In doing so, they exploited the nation financially and profited from the natural resources it possessed. This contributed to establishing the British Empire’s presence within India and, consequently, secured a lifetime of riches and prosperity for Clive, which is evident in the castle’s magnificence.

Gardens

Beyond the striking castle itself, the true highlight of the estate lies in its grounds and immaculately-maintained gardens. Part of its impressive display of flowers, plants and trees is attributed to the captivating hedging that encircles the castle.

It covers up to 8,500 square metres of the estate, with the yett, tumps and top terrace contributing an extra 7,000 square metres to that figure. And with this comes some extreme-gardening methods adopted by the National Trust to guarantee it stays in impeccable condition.

To put that into perspective, it states that one skilled gardener can spend up to 10 weeks annually working at height, using a hydraulic cherry picker to trim and sculpt the towering hedges. That represents just one element of these magnificent gardens.

What makes them particularly remarkable is their Italian-influenced design dating back to 1680. The gardens at Powis Castle are regarded as the finest surviving example of a baroque terraced garden in the entire country – blending both Italian and French influences.

Without a National Trust membership, it costs £18 for entry to the castle and gardens for an adult, excluding gift aid. Meanwhile, children will be charged £9, while families can choose a family ticket for a reduced price.

It’s worth noting that ticket prices are reduced during off-peak periods of the year.