Lunch and Afternoon at Perch Hill and Evening at Sissinghurst

Venues:

Perch Hill Farm, Brightling, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5HP

Sissinghurst Castle, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB

The day starts with lunch (2 courses) in the new greenhouse at Perch Hill, Sarah and Adam's home. Then listen to Sarah talk about her and Adam's 32 years creating the garden and restoring the farm and what's interesting and particularly lovely in the garden. There is then plenty of time for private wanderings, the Perch Hill shop will also be open.

Then we will travel (everyone in their own cars) to Sissinghurst, approx 45 minutes drive away, meeting at 5.45pm (as the garden shuts to the public) at the garden entrance to be checked in. Not only is the evening light the best light in which to see a garden, but you'll have the added pleasure of being somewhere that you know is often very busy when it isn’t. That combination means that Sissinghurst becomes magical on these evenings.

If the weather is fine the Perch Hill team will serve you canapés and Chapel Down, our local vineyard’s ‘Champagne’, on the entrance lawn and then there will be a couple of talks (starting with Adam - who was brought up there), followed by Sarah. Cushions are provided for everyone to sit on the brick steps and there are a few benches, but do let us know if you’d like a chair provided. And do let us know if you are hard of hearing so we can arrange for you to sit at the front. We do not use microphones as this is not good for the general feel and atmosphere of the place, which is very peaceful with no one else there.

Sarah and Adam lived at Sissinghurst for eight years, raising their children there. So, first, hear about Sissinghurst and its history from Adam and then Sarah will talk briefly about the making of the garden, Vita Sackville West’s garden style and what has happened there since she died in 1962. After talks, you then have a good hour for private wandering - so you can see the rose and white garden at their absolute best. Sarah and Adam will be around for this part of the evening to help with questions on Sissinghurst, the garden and life there. Sarah will be there to help with plant names and queries. It’s a good idea to take a photo on your phone of any plants you want identifying to show Sarah. The Tower will be open through this time so you can climb up for a panoramic view.

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!

Directions to Perch Hill

From the M25Turn off the M25 (junction 5) onto the A21 for Sevenoaks / Hastings, heading south. In good traffic conditions, the journey from this junction to Perch Hill Farm will take approximately one hour. Bypass Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Pembury and continue on the A21 to Hurst Green. Turn right on the A265, signposted to Lewes. Go through Etchingham and continue to Burwash. Turn left by the church in Burwash follow this road down for 3 miles until you get to the crossroads at the top of the hill. Turn right into Willingford Lane (signposted Burwash Weald). Perch Hill Farm is on your right about ½ mile from the crossroads. Follow signs for Car Parking.

From a southerly directionIf you are approaching us from the direction of the coast via Battle take the B2096 Battle to Heathfield road. Go through Netherfield and on to Woods Corner. At The Swan Inn, on your left, turn right (signposted to Brightling) and follow the road for about ¾ mile, take the first left and go up the hill and turn first left into Willingford Lane. Follow the road down into the valley about ½ mile from the crossroads you will see Perch Hill Farm on your right. Follow signs for Car Parking.

From a westerly directionIf you’re coming in from the direction of Heathfield on the A265 travel through the town, up the hill and straight across the traffic lights, take the next right hand turn signposted to Battle (B2096). Continue through Punnett’s Town, Three Cups and on to Woods Corner. You will pass on the left a raised pathway and village post office just before a staggered crossroads with The Swan Inn on the opposite side. Turn left here and follow the road for about three-quarters of a mile, take the first left and go up the hill and turn first left into Willingford Lane. Follow the road down into the valley about ½ mile from the crossroads you will see Perch Hill Farm on your right. Follow signs for Car Parking.

Additional Information

Please note that whilst we have a very good range of seeds in the shop, we don’t always have plants and seedlings for sale as these are available to purchase from our website via mail order.

Please note that gift card's cannot be used at Sarah Ravens shop at Perch Hill.

Please note that Perch Hill Farm is the private home and garden of Sarah and Adam and there are paths and surfaces that are uneven, steps that are quite steep that do not have railings and parking is in one of the farm fields, which can get muddy at times. Please wear appropriate footwear and be aware that not all parts of the garden are accessible by wheelchairs and may also not be suitable for those with walking difficulties.

Terms and conditions apply. Please click here for more information. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Completing and paying for your order shows acceptance of our full terms and conditions.

We very much look forward to seeing you!

Contacting us

For all enquiries contact events_srcg@thecuttinggarden.com