Painshill Park might be the most beautiful park in the UK.
Stowe House, Scotney Castle and Bateman’s garden come close maybe, but, I don’t know. Painshill Park has a certain fairytaleness to it. It’s easy to see why Taskmaster and MAFS UK choose the location to film challenges and the final vows.
Photos of Painshill Park
I mean, how many UK parks have a crystal grotto?!
Apparently they decorate it for Christmas. This I gotta see.
I also love this destroyed house reflected on the lake.
There are also a ton of romantic bridges too.
Another Disney-esque landmark to see – a Turkish tent!
And there are gorgeous views from this structure at the top of the hill. It really gives you an idea how large Painshill Park is.
The History of Painshill
The story of Painshill starts with a man named Charles Hamilton. He loved to travel around Europe in the 1700s and was inspired by the ancient ruins and stunning landscapes he saw in paintings. When he came back to England, he decided to create his own perfect landscape.
From 1738, Hamilton spent over 30 years turning a simple piece of land into something truly magical. He didn’t want neat, straight gardens. Instead, he wanted a “picturesque” garden – like a series of beautiful pictures you could walk through. He shaped the land, dug a winding lake, planted trees from all over the world, and carefully placed buildings that looked like old ruins or exotic temples. These buildings, called “follies,” weren’t just pretty; they were meant to catch your eye, frame lovely views, and make you think.
Hamilton put all his money into this dream project. Many important people visited and loved Painshill, including two future US Presidents! But eventually, Hamilton ran out of money and had to sell the park. Over the years, Painshill sadly fell into disrepair. Buildings crumbled, and plants grew wild.
But then, in 1981, a group called the Painshill Park Trust stepped in. They started an incredible project to bring Hamilton’s masterpiece back to life, just as he imagined it. This amazing restoration work has won awards, meaning that today, you can explore Painshill almost exactly as it looked in the 1700s. It’s a truly special achievement!
What to See and Do At Painshill Park
- The Crystal Grotto: This is probably the most famous part of Painshill. Step inside this magical, man-made cave, and you’ll be dazzled by thousands of shiny crystals, rocks, and dripping stalactites. Light bounces off the water, making it feel truly out of this world. It’s often busy, so be prepared to wait a moment for your turn inside.
- The Ruined Abbey: This building looks like an ancient, crumbling church and sits beautifully by the lake. It’s a perfect spot for photos and makes you think about history and how things change over time.
- The Gothic Temple: Perched high on a hill, this temple offers some of the best views of the whole park. Its tall, arched windows frame amazing “living pictures” of the landscape, connecting the building to nature.
- The Turkish Tent: This colourful and unique tent sits on a little island in the lake. It’s a favourite spot for visitors to relax, enjoy the quiet views, and feel like they’ve been transported to a faraway land.
- The Temple of Bacchus: A grand building inspired by old Roman temples. It stands proudly on a hill and looks impressive from many parts of the park.
- The Winding Lake and Bridges: The large lake is central to Painshill. You can walk all around it, crossing charming bridges like the Five Arch Bridge (you might recognise it from TV!). The lake is also home to ducks and graceful swans, making your walk even more peaceful.
- The Vineyard: Painshill still grows grapes, just like Hamilton did hundreds of years ago! The vineyard slopes gently down towards the lake, adding to the beautiful scenery.
- The Waterwheel: This large, working waterwheel shows how the lake was originally filled with water. It’s a fascinating peek into the park’s clever design.
- The Hermitage: Hidden away in a quieter part of the garden, this simple, thatched cottage was designed to feel like a place for quiet thought and reflection.
Plan Your Visit: Easy Tips for Your Day Out
To make sure you have a great day at Painshill Park, here’s some helpful information:
- Getting There: Painshill is in Cobham, Surrey, and it’s easy to reach from major roads like the A3 and M25. There’s plenty of free parking.
- Opening Times & Tickets: The park is usually open every day of the year, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Times change with the seasons, so check the website for exact hours. It’s a good idea to book your tickets online before you go. They’re often cheaper that way, and booking helps the park manage visitors, making your experience better.
- What’s There: You’ll find a Visitor Centre, Mr Hamilton’s Tea Room (for drinks and snacks), a gift shop, and toilets. You can also bring your own picnic – there are many lovely spots to eat!
- Walking Around: The paths are good, but some areas have gentle slopes or uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are a must! The Crystal Grotto often has specific visiting hours, so ask about those when you arrive.
- Dogs: Your well-behaved dog is welcome at Painshill, but please keep them on a lead at all times.
- What to Bring: The weather in England can change quickly, so it’s smart to wear layers and bring something for rain. And don’t forget your camera for all those amazing photos!
Always check the official Painshill Park website (painshill.co.uk) right before your visit. This will give you the most up-to-date information on opening times, ticket prices, and any special events or changes.
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