I know these things are subjective but I would be interested in your ideas about whether it is preferable to visit Knole of Sissinghurst on a day trip by public transport from London.

Two totally different animals . . .

Into Gardens/Gardening? definitely visit Sissinghurst

Into major Medieval Stately homes? Knole fills the bill. (Very nice gardens there too but they are only open once a week)

If it was me --I'd spend an overnight and see both plus Hever and Chartwell.

Thanks janisj. I have overnight responsibilities in London but might be able to make separate trips. What is the scenery like from train on these trips? Urban perhaps?

Don't choose either property based on the scenery from the train scenery.

If you must do it in one day --Knole would be easiest. The entrance to the grounds is barely a mile from the station in Sevenoaks and you could walk it.

Sissinghurst is really amazing -- but it does get VERY crowded, especially on weekends.

janisj and others, would you say that even if I had a car, Knole and Sissinghurst would be too much for one day?
Thanks

W/ a car things are entirely different. From say the rental cars at LGW, a loop drive to Knole, Sissinghurst and back to LGW covers about 90 miles and the drive alone is less than 3 hours.

LGW > Knole would take 30-45 minutes, get there at opening time and stay a couple of hours. Knole doesn't open til1 10:30 so you'd probably want to eat lunch there.

Then Knole to Sissinghurst takes 45-50 minutes so you could get there by maybe 2 or 2:30 PM and have til closing time at 5:00.

the from Sissinghurst to LGW is maybe 1.25 hours.And back in London before 7PM

Totally impossible by public transport - but fairly easy by car.

Thanks, but I may be having a senior moment but not sure what LGW means.

London Gatwick airport !

Oh yes of course bellini! Thanks. I will look into it janisj, as it sounds a good option. I will need to check directions and roads. I am a capable but not overly confident driver in unfamiliar circumstances.

The thing about Gatwick as a starting point . . . It is an easy/quick train ride from central London and all the national car hire firms are there. Plus - being at a major airport, they are open very extend hours so you can pickup the car any time and drop it any time -- which isn't possible in central London or in towns in Kent/East Sussex.

It is an easy drive from LGW to Knole to get your feet wet so to speak. After that you'll be able to manage the rest of the drives just fine. If you are traveling solo - I'd pay extra to get a GPS w/ the car. Use a map too + the GPS.

Thank you janisj. I will be brave and will let you know how things went but I wont be home in Australia till 22nd July. Cheers.