The Garden of England

Book excerpt: Kent is traditionally known as the Garden of England, but the term could just as easily apply to Sussex and Surrey, for in addition to hopgardens, orchards and vineyards the region boasts some of the country's greatest gardens, such as Sissinghurst, Nymans, Sheffield Park and Wisley. Also found here, within easy reach of London and the coast, are romantic ruins like Bodiam and Scotney, great cathedral cities like Canterbury and Chichester, magnificent castles like Hever, Leeds and Arundel, princely residences like the Royal Pavilion at Brighton and historic houses like Chartwell and Bateman's -- all set in England's most fruitful countryside. Book jacket.