Seven wonders of the Weald: glorious places to visit in Kent

The historic houses, stunning gardens, vineyards and arboreal treasures of this verdant county make for a perfect English escape

Kent is home to some of the England’s most famous gardens, notably Sissinghurst, created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in the 1930s. Laid out as a series of “rooms”, it has become an icon of garden design, with different sections unfolding around the 16th-century castle. Stroll through the rose garden, admire the white garden and climb the tower for a bird’s-eye view, before dipping into the exhibition on Sackville-West’s life and work. Afterwards, check into the Milk House on the high street, a charming former coaching inn with four bedrooms and a welcoming bar and restaurant.
Doubles from £90 B&B; themilkhouse.co.uk