Sissinghurst Castle
I'd like to see some of Kent (I'll be staying in London in late April/early May). Sissinghurst (and maybe another place like Scotney). Maybe even stay over one night. I can get from London to Staplehurst, and I assume there would be taxis I could take to Sissinghurst (true? ). I was also interested if anyone knows if one can rent a car for a day easily from there. I tried to look on the map, but couldn't tell.
Thanks very much
Laurel
Northern California 1/19/13
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Renting a car would make life easier and make for an enjoyable drive through the Kent countryside. You will be able to pick up a car in the towns of Royal Tunbridge Wells or Ashford, they are both on rail lines from London.
You might want to add Bayham Abbey and Bodiam Castle, two evocative ruins also in that area, to your list. Igtham Mote is also intriguing, especially if you have ever read Green Darkness by Anna Seton. Check opening times for Sissinghurst - we accidentally tried to visit on the "closed" day.
Will you be in London for the Chelsea Flower Show? We saw it one late April and then drove through Kent for a few days basing outside RTW. We saw many beautiful gardens and sights, including those mentioned. It is well worth some drive time if you can manage it. If I recall, we picked up the car at Gatwick and then drove to RTW, probably less than one hour away.
The official webpage for Staplehurst at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/spu/details.html shows that there is a taxi rank.
I do agree that a hire car would be very helpful for visiting Kent stately homes and National Trust properties - many of the front doors are a fair distance from the road.
You may want to check out Hever Castle, one-time home of the Boleyn family, in Kent. Also Leeds Castle is quite lovely.
The best way to travel from Staplehurst station to Sissinghurst is by taxi MTC taxis 00441580890003 it is a 10 minute drive to Sissinghurst. Local car hire CB Motors in Teneteden but if you are only here for a day probably better to use taxis .. Good Luck and let me know if you need more help Sue
Hi Laurel, one other place of interest if you have a car. About 10 miles west of Sissinghurst. Tudeley Church - a tiny church - its 12 stained glass windows are by Marc Chagall. Fabulous little church.
Thank you all! Excellent info and ideas!