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10 Things to do at Painshill over the Summer Holidays

Family photoshoot
Sunlit Grotto

1. Write a story about the Crystal Grotto

After being closed for much of 2020 we are delighted that the Crystal Grotto is open for visitors this summer (closed on Mondays for maintenance). Bring along your camera and take some fabulous family photos in this sparkling crystal cave.

We are celebrating 250th years since it was first created by Charles Hamilton. Write a 250 word story, inspired by the Grotto, and you could win a free family membership!

2. Bring along a picnic

Summer is the time to spend a whole day at Painshill. After walking the grounds and discovering the follies, spread out your blanket by the lake or on top of a hill.

While the children run free in acres of meadow you can enjoy the location that was used in smash hit Netflix show Bridgerton for the characters’ picnic.

Bridgerton
Butterfly at Painshill

3. Spot butterflies

The Painshill meadows and woodlands are full of butterflies at this time of year. Take a walk and see which species you can spot.

If you would like to record your findings why not get involved with the National Big Butterfly Count and see what else has been sighted in the area.

4. Enjoy Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is back at Painshill and children are welcome to join. Children’s prices are available because everyone loves cake and scones!

The price of the tea includes entry into the grounds so you can also enjoy the landscape before or after you indulge in some yummy treats.

Painshill Afternoon Tea
forest school

5. Pick up a summer holiday activity card

This summer holiday free activity cards can be found at the Visitor Centre.

Each card has a different Forest School activity on it. Whether you create a piece of wild art or make a fairy home these activities are a brilliant way for children to engage with nature.

6. Paint Your Own Pottery

On 17 August join All Fired Up for a paint your own pottery session.

Children’s figures are available to paint including a knight, a princess or a dragon. Get the creative juices flowing with this hands-on family workshop.

bunny
Play Area

7. Visit the Natural Play Area

The Painshill natural play area is a great spot to include in your visit. Natural balance logs, dens and stepping stones allow little ones to get back to nature.

8. Treat yourself to ice-cream

Luxury, creamy and utterly delish ice-cream (believe us – we have tried it!) is available from the catering hut or in the Tea Room.

On a hot summer day why not try some of the fabulous flavours.

Jazz on the Amphitheatre

9. Listen to some Jazz

Every Sunday afternoon in August there will be Jazz music on the Amphitheatre. Perfect for all generations of the family, everyone can enjoy the view over the vineyard, listen to the music and take some time together.

Plus there will be a bar for the adults in the party!

10, Watch The Greatest Showman on the big screen

Children’s tickets are available for the PG screening of The Greatest Showman on Sunday 22 August. Watch the sun go down over the landscape, enjoy dinner from our food and drink stalls and then sit back and delight in the feel good film.

Open Air Cinema Painshill