An Afternoon at Perch Hill and Evening at Sissinghurst

The day begins at Perch Hill, Sarah and Adam’s home in East Sussex, with a relaxed two-course lunch served in the new greenhouse overlooking the garden. You’ll hear Sarah talk about the making of Perch Hill over the last three decades — the planting combinations she loves most, what’s looking particularly beautiful right now, and the ideas and experiments shaping the garden today.

There will then be time to wander freely through the garden at your own pace, with opportunities to ask Sarah questions, discover favourite plants and soak up the atmosphere of a garden that has become one of the most influential in Britain. The Perch Hill shop will also be open exclusively for guests.

In the early evening, we travel (everyone in their own cars, approx 45mins away, arriving at 5:45pm) on to Sissinghurst (everyone in their own cars, approx 45mins away) for what is the true highlight of this extraordinary experience: private access to the garden after closing time.

As the gates shut to the public and the evening light settles over the garden, Sissinghurst becomes something completely different — peaceful, intimate and quietly magical. With far fewer people there, you can experience the famous rose garden, white garden and winding paths at their most beautiful and atmospheric.

Guests will be welcomed with River Cottage sparkling wine and canapés on the entrance lawn before hearing Adam speak about growing up at Sissinghurst and its remarkable history. Sarah will then share her thoughts on Vita Sackville-West’s planting style, the evolution of the garden over time and what continues to make it such an enduring source of inspiration.

Afterwards, you’ll have time for private evening wandering through the garden, with Sarah and Adam on hand throughout for conversation, questions and plant recommendations. The tower will also be open for panoramic views across the estate in the evening light.

For anyone passionate about gardens, this is a genuinely special chance to experience two deeply personal and iconic places through the eyes of the people who know and love them best.

“A rare chance to experience two extraordinary gardens through the eyes of the people who know them best.”

Wet Weather Plan - Checking in by a Perch Hill member of staff and ‘Champagne’, canapés and talks (with slides) in the top of the oast. We will then go into the garden and the evening will proceed as above. Please bring umbrellas and realistic coats and shoes – just in case of showers/rain.

This course takes place at Perch Hill Farm, TN32 5HP and Sissinghurst Castle, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB.

Attendees should park in the clearly marked carpark at Perch Hill, and then in the main National Trust Sissinghurst Castle and Garden Car Park, then make their way to the entrance following our signs. They will be greeted and directed from there by one of the Perch Hill team.