The house is really not a main attraction at Sissinghurst. The exterior is lovely and the library is interesting. But it is really just serves as a backdrop for the gardens.

When we visited a couple of years ago, the gardens at Sissinghurst were in such poor shape that summer. Even the head gardener displayed a sign apologizing for the conditions of the garden that year. We were very disappointed having read that it is one of the most fascinating gardens in the world. I could imagine in the springtime in full bloom with the separation of "rooms" it should be wonderful.

However, that same time we visited Hever Castle and the grounds were magnificent. Somehow they managed to have beautiful flowers blooming in the garden areas. Plus they have a lake which you can take a little boat ride if so inclined.

My favorite places we visited that time were Chartwell, Hever and Dover Castle.

Hi EUROPEANNOVICE,

Thanks for weighing in. Sorry about Sissinghurst. Do you think the weather that year or lack of funds contributed to its disarray?

In any case, I hope to make to Chartwell via a train to Sevenoaks then a taxi to the house. Just reading a bio of Clementine Churchill. In many ways, the estate was a burden to her, thus her many travels and vacations.