Sissinghurst Castle Garden

 Historic, poetic, iconic; a refuge dedicated to beauty. Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson fell in love with Sissinghurst Castle and created a world renowned garden.

Victoria (Vita) Mary Sackville-West (1892-1962) was a prolific fiction writer, prize-winning poet, and gardener. Her husband, Harold Nicolson, was a diplomat and important diarist. Their younger son Nigel Nicolson also became a writer, as did his son Adam. The Sackville-Wests and Nicolsons were involved in the activities of the National Trust 

Vita became increasingly reclusive as the Second World War began, and spent her last decades ensconced at Sissinghurst, writing novels and gardening books in its famous tower and creating the splendour of its gardens.

Bodiam Castle

 

Archetypal 14th century moated castle 

with ruined interior 

- a glimpse of medieval splendour

Bodiam Castle was built to impress. It stands free from outbuildings and is magnified by its reflection in the moat. The castle dates to around 1385, the age of Chaucer, wars with France, the Black Death, royal disputes and social change. 

The castle was built for Sir Edward Dallingridge and his wife Elizabeth Wardedieu. It was a luxury home and an expression of their status.Over time the interior fell into ruin. Remarkably the walls, towers and setting survived. From the 18th-century it became known for its appeal as an ancient monument.