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.
Our favourite UK hotels
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Margate House, Kent
This stylish boutique hotel is in a seaside townhouse, a short walk from Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants. Decked out with plush velvet sofas, candles flickering and striking independent art, inside feels like a warm welcome home. Rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.
The Alan, Manchester
The Alan looks extremely grand, being built into a beautiful Grade II listed building. Spread across six floors, with 137 rooms, each one looks like a fancy design magazine. From the concrete coffee tables to the pink plastered walls, the industrial-inspired designs perfectly replicate the history of the city.
The Queen at Chester Hotel
This historic hotel has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry through its doors. Rooms have richly-patterned carpets with super soft bed linen and premium toiletries in the bathroom. Go for a superior room for extra goodies including bathrobes and snack boxes.
The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge
This Cambridge hotel is in the ideal spot, within walking distance to bars, shops and hotspots like the university colleges and Parker’s Piece. The inside couldn’t be prettier, with huge stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and rooms with enormous clawfoot bathtubs.
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.