Most gardens are open on a seasonal basis, and many are not open every day. Always inquire before planning a visit to avoid disappointment. Please note that phone numbers in England require an international access code. For more information on reaching these numbers, contact your long-distance carrier.
A brochure called Britain's Gardens is available from British Travel Authority, which is a fountain of information on all aspects of travel and tourism in the country. Call toll-free, 1- 800-go-2-BRIT (1-800-462-2748). from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern time.The gardens:
Directions are from London. The National Train, Bus, and Coach Hotline is (0891) 910910. There are many other gardens in the area that are well worth visiting. The more remote gardens are most easily reached by private car or coach tours are often available.
Scotney Castle is at Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8JN. Telephone (01892)891081. Located one mile south of Lamberhurst on A21. Public transportation: take train to Wadhurst located 5.5 miles away. Bus service is available to Lamberhurst Green located one mile from the property.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is near Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB. Telephone (01580)715330. Located 2 miles NE of Cranbrook, 1 mile from Sissinghurst village. Staplehurst station is 5.5 mile from the property. Bus is available to Sissinghurst and then walk 1.5 miles.
Hever Castle is in Hever near Edenbridge, Kent. TN8 7NG. Telephone (01732)865224. Directions are signposted from M25 Junction 6 and from A21 Sevenoaks turnoff. Trains run from Victoria Station to Edenbridge where taxis are available, or it is a 1-mile walk.
Great Dixter is at Northiam, East Sussex TN31 6PH. Telephone (01797) 52878. Located 12 miles north of Hastings on A28. Follow signposts from Northiam. Buses are very infrequent to the local post office, and the gardens are about one half mile from that stop.
Kew gardens is at Richmond Surrey TW9 3AB, Telephone (0181) 9401171. Take A 307 Kew Road to the gardens. Public transportation Kew Bridge on rail and Kew Gardens on Underground District Line or Buses 65 and 27. River steamers run on the Thames to Kew Bridge during the summer months.
Wisley, home of the Royal Horticultural Society is near Ripley, Surrey GU23 6QB. Telephone(01483) 224234. Take M25 Junction 10. Public transport is available by bus from several areas in London or take train from Waterloo to Esher or to West Byfleet for bus or taxi connections.
One convenient way to save money when visiting these gardens and historic homes is by purchasing the British Heritage Pass. Passes are available for seven, 14 or 30 days from 26 Westchester Avenue White Plains NY 10604; telephone 1--888--BRITRAIL or fax 1--888--288--6093.
Gardens administered by the National Trust are featured in their map guide available from The National Trust Trade Office at 36 Queen Anne's Gate London SW1H 9AS or telephone (0171) 447-6700.