Gardens of Kent and Sussex
Suggested Duration: 4 Days
A private journey through the gardens, historic estates and landscapes of Kent and Sussex, including Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Nymans and Petworth.
Explore some of England’s finest gardens, historic estates and landscapes on a private four-day journey through Kent and Sussex.
Expert Driver & Guide
Local knowledge that brings every destination to life.
Private Travel Experience
Comfortable touring at your own pace with no groups.
Tailored Itineraries
Every journey personalised to your interests and travel style.
Personal Planning Support
Friendly guidance from your first enquiry through to your final day.
Tour Overview
Gardens of Kent and Sussex: A Private Garden Tour
Discover the Gardens of Kent and Sussex on a private four-day journey through two of England’s most celebrated garden regions.
From the romantic gardens of Nymans and the horticultural artistry of Great Dixter to the iconic garden rooms of Sissinghurst, this tour explores different traditions of English garden design and landscape gardening.
Along the way, visit some of the region’s most remarkable historic estates, including Arundel Castle, Petworth House, Penshurst Place, Hever Castle and Chartwell — each offering its own gardens, landscapes and fascinating connection to English history.
Travelling privately with your own Driver & Guide, the journey combines outstanding gardens with historic houses, castles and beautiful countryside, at a relaxed pace designed around your interests.
Tour Highlights
England's Great Gardens
Explore Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and Nymans, each offering a very different interpretation of English garden design and planting.
Historic Gardens & Estates
Discover the gardens and landscapes of Arundel Castle, Penshurst Place, Hever Castle, Chartwell and Petworth.
English Landscape Gardening
Experience the evolution of the English landscape, from formal garden rooms and intimate planting to the sweeping parkland of Petworth.
Private 4-Day Garden Journey
Travel privately with your own Driver & Guide, with a carefully planned itinerary that can be adapted to your interests and preferred pace.
Discover the Gardens of Kent & Sussex
English Landscape Gardening
Explore the evolution of the English landscape, from the sweeping parkland of Petworth, shaped by Capability Brown, to the terraces and gardens of Chartwell overlooking the Kent countryside.
Historic Estates & Gardens
Discover historic estates where gardens form an integral part of the story, including Arundel Castle, Penshurst Place and Hever Castle, combining architecture, history and beautiful landscapes.
England's Great Gardens
Explore some of England’s most celebrated gardens, including Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and Nymans, each offering a distinctive approach to planting, garden design and horticultural tradition.
English Landscape Gardening
Explore the evolution of the English landscape, from the sweeping parkland of Petworth, shaped by Capability Brown, to the terraces and gardens of Chartwell overlooking the Kent countryside.
Historic Estates & Gardens
Discover historic estates where gardens form an integral part of the story, including Arundel Castle, Penshurst Place and Hever Castle, combining architecture, history and beautiful landscapes.
England's Great Gardens
Explore some of England’s most celebrated gardens, including Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and Nymans, each offering a distinctive approach to planting, garden design and horticultural tradition.
4-Day Gardens of Kent and Sussex Itinerary
Day 1 — Arundel Castle & Petworth: The Great Estates of West Sussex
Your journey begins in West Sussex with two remarkable historic estates, exploring the relationship between grand houses, gardens and the wider English landscape.
Begin at Arundel Castle, one of England’s most impressive historic castles, where medieval heritage meets extensive gardens and a beautiful setting overlooking the town and surrounding countryside.
Continue to Petworth House & Park, where the focus turns to English landscape gardening. The sweeping parkland, shaped in part by Capability Brown, provides an opportunity to appreciate the development of the naturalistic English landscape and its influence on the English country estate.
Today combines:
- Historic castle and gardens
- English landscape gardening
- Capability Brown’s landscape
- Sussex countryside
A fascinating introduction to Sussex, combining historic estates with the gardens and landscapes that have helped shape the English country-house tradition.
Tomorrow, your journey continues through Sussex, exploring two very different approaches to garden design and horticulture.
Day 2 — Nymans & Great Dixter: The Gardens of Sussex
Today focuses on two of Sussex’s most distinctive gardens, each offering a very different approach to planting and garden design.
At Nymans, explore a romantic garden of intimate spaces, woodland walks and exceptional plant collections, set around the ruins of the historic house.
Continue to Great Dixter, the celebrated home and garden associated with Christopher Lloyd. Its exuberant planting, bold colour combinations and informal garden spaces provide a fascinating contrast to Nymans.
Today combines:
- Garden design and planting
- Horticultural heritage
- Woodland and naturalistic landscapes
- Christopher Lloyd’s Great Dixter
Tomorrow, cross into Kent to discover two historic gardens, including one of England’s most celebrated garden creations.
Day 3 — Penshurst Place & Sissinghurst: The Gardens of Kent
Cross into Kent to explore two gardens with very different histories and characters.
At Penshurst Place, discover a remarkable medieval and Tudor estate surrounded by historic gardens and beautiful countryside.
Continue to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson and now regarded as one of England’s most influential gardens. Explore its
celebrated garden rooms, distinctive planting and intimate spaces.
Today combines:
- Historic Kent
- Tudor heritage
- Garden design
- Sissinghurst and Vita Sackville-West
Your final day brings together two of Kent’s most famous historic homes and their gardens before returning to London.
Day 4 — Hever Castle & Chartwell: Gardens with Stories
Your final day explores two historic Kent properties whose gardens reflect very different periods and personalities.
At Hever Castle, discover the historic castle and its extensive gardens, including formal planting, water features and the Tudor setting associated with Anne Boleyn.
Continue to Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s former home, where terraces, colourful borders, woodland and views across the Kent countryside reveal a more personal approach to gardening and landscape.
After your visit, return to London.
Today combines:
- Tudor history
- Historic gardens
- Churchill and Chartwell
- Kent countryside
Planning Your Gardens of Kent and Sussex Tour
As every MyUKtour tour is private, your itinerary can be adapted to your interests, preferred pace and accommodation preferences. You will have your own Driver & Guide throughout the tour.
April–May: Spring bulbs & blossom
Fresh spring planting, flowering trees and woodland gardens bring Kent and Sussex to life.
June–July: Peak rose season
Roses, herbaceous borders and abundant summer planting make this one of the most rewarding periods for garden enthusiasts.
August–September: Late summer colour
Mature borders, dahlias and late-season planting provide rich colour across the gardens and historic estates.
Explore More English Garden Tours
Gardens of Kent & Sussex is one of several private English garden journeys offered by MyUKtour, each exploring a distinctive region and tradition of English gardening.
Discover more English garden journeys, from the Arts & Crafts gardens of the Cotswolds to the spectacular gardens and landscapes of Cornwall, each carefully designed to showcase a different aspect of England’s rich horticultural heritage.
Why Choose MyUKtour?
Gardens of Kent & Sussex combines carefully selected gardens, historic estates and beautiful landscapes with expert planning and a relaxed pace. Travel privately with your own Driver & Guide and discover the character, history and horticultural traditions of this remarkable corner of England.
- Private Guided Touring – Travel comfortably between gardens and regions with your own dedicated driver and expert guide, allowing you to focus on the experience.
- Knowledge of England’s Garden Heritage – From the Arts & Crafts gardens of the Cotswolds to the historic gardens of Kent and Sussex and Cornwall’s subtropical landscapes, our itineraries explore different traditions of English gardening.
- Carefully Selected Hotels – Stay in handpicked 4-star and 5-star hotels chosen for their location, character and suitability for a relaxed garden tour.
- Tailored Garden Itineraries – Choose one garden region or combine several into a longer private journey, with your itinerary adapted to your interests and preferred pace.
What Guests Say About MyUKtour
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a fully private tour designed exclusively for you and your travelling companions. You’ll travel in your own vehicle with your Driver & Guide, with the flexibility to explore the gardens at your own pace.
The suggested itinerary includes Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Nymans, Penshurst Place, Hever Castle, Arundel Castle and Petworth. Each offers a different perspective on English gardening, from historic garden design and horticulture to formal gardens and landscape gardening.
No. The itinerary is designed around a relaxed pace, typically with one or two principal visits each day. This allows time to explore each garden properly and appreciate its character rather than simply moving from one attraction to the next.
Yes. As a private tour, the itinerary can be adapted to your interests, preferred pace and travel plans. We can adjust the gardens visited, time spent at each property and other elements of the journey to create an itinerary that suits you.
The main garden season runs from spring through early autumn. April and May are particularly good for spring bulbs, blossom and fresh planting, while June and July bring abundant roses and summer borders. August and September offer mature late-summer colour. The best timing depends on the gardens you most want to see, and we can help plan your journey accordingly.
Your personalised proposal will normally include accommodation, garden and attraction entrance fees, private transportation and your Driver & Guide. We can also arrange other elements of your journey according to your requirements. You are, of course, free to choose your own accommodation or make alternative arrangements if you prefer.
Simply send us your preferred travel dates using the enquiry form. We’ll discuss your interests and requirements before preparing a personalised itinerary and confirming availability. There is no obligation to proceed until you’re happy with your proposed journey.
Start Planning Your Gardens of Kent and Sussex Journey
Tell us about your travel plans and interests, and we’ll create a personalised Gardens of Kent & Sussex itinerary featuring exceptional gardens, historic estates and beautiful English landscapes. We typically respond within 24 hours.