Month: January 2023

At this time of year, with February and Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we love looking back over some of the glorious weddings held at Painshill.

One of our favourite weddings of 2022 was when we welcomed Louisa and Jake to the Gothic Temple.

The Temple, with views over the lake and meadows, is licensed for up to 75 people. It stands at the head of a tree lined aisle, right next to the Amphitheatre lawn which can easily hold any size marquee. Jake and Louisa held their ceremony in the garden folly, followed by a drinks reception on the lawn before heading to another venue for their reception.

Louisa and Jake really made the most of the elegance of the 18th century landscape setting.

The flowers added a incredible pop of colour – passionate bright red roses contrasting against the stark white of the Gothic architecture and the bride’s dress. Flowers were by Dobbe.

“I really loved the flowers at Louisa and Jake’s wedding. The simple red roses matched the elegance of the building, while the crates brought in a more rustic tone that matches the woodland around them” Emma, Weddings Co-Ordinator

Canapés were served by Four Gables Group and cold drinks refreshed their guests on what was a hot summer’s day.

Painshill boasts magnificent locations for your wedding photos. A buggy and driver are included in all packages so you and your partner can get around easily to capture beautiful shots in unique places. Jake and Louisa visited the Crystal Grotto, a sparkling cave which is one of the highlights of the garden. The romantic location has been used in the popular television show Married At First Sight.

Photography is by Sara Cooper.

If you are feeling inspired this Valentine’s Day, drop Emma a line on weddings@painshill.co.uk to come and see the views for yourself.

At the end of 2022, Painshill Park Trust were delighted to welcome Jake Lovick to the team. Jake takes on the role of Head of Estates and Landscapes and will lead the gardening, landscape and maintenance team.

Where were you before joining Painshill?

I came from a large private estate in Wiltshire. It is nearly 300 acres. Within that we had a large ornamental garden that was sort of in the English country garden style and very contemporary in its feel, but also we had a traditional rose garden, kitchen garden and long herbaceous borders. In the wider estate, we had lots of wildflower meadows and farm fields and that sort of thing to look after.

What were your first impressions of Painshill?

I was instantly wowed… just by the magic of the landscape. It captures you straight away and there is just something about Painshill. That view from the Gothic Temple is the iconic view and I think it gets everyone.

Would you say that is your favourite view or part of Painshill?

I would say it is my favourite view, yes. I also like the view from the Hermitage window out into the landscape across meadows, that is a less known but a lovely one.  

What are you most looking forward to in the new role?

I am most looking forward to becoming more experienced in managing a historic landscape and learning more about the plants, specifically 18^th century varieties, and the history of each of those plants. And being able to manage that collection and connect people with it. But also the bigger challenge of continuing the restoration of Painshill and making sure we stay as close to Hamilton’s vision as possible.

Is there a particular project at Painshill which you are most excited about?

Yes, so my big project to begin with is to build our ability to grow our own plants. I want to refresh the planting in the landscape, particularly down by the Chinese Peninsula. There are lots of plants down there that are part of the Bartram Heritage collection and, what I want to know, is how many of those plants we have left, if we can possibly bring them back and bring in more interesting things and then connect our visitors to them.

In 2023, why not be part of something special and become a member of Painshill. 

Our extremely valued members support our small independent charity to protect and preserve the historic landscape while gaining fantastic benefits.

Here’s 10 reasons to join up today!

1. Prices will be rising in April 2023

With energy costs rising it is, unfortunately, impossible for us to keep membership prices the same in 2023. However the price rise will not come into effect until April 2023, so now is the time to join!

We are giving new members the chance to join us at the 2022 price if they sign up before the end of March. Get entry all year starting at just £55. Excellent value for unlimited days out.

2. Spring flowers are on their way

January can be a hard time for people, with cold days and long nights. Getting outdoors and spending time in nature can vastly improve mental health. Spotting spring flowers and watching them grow is a wonderful thing to lift the mood. Snowdrops will be out in the next few weeks and daffodils follow closely behind.

3. Family trails are free for members, including our Science and Curiosity Trail.

Throughout the year Painshill put on family trails in the landscape which are included in membership. This February half-term join us for a trail that’s full of fantastic facts! It is perfect for little ones that can’t stop asking why!

4. Statue trails at Easter and Christmas.

We put on two large statue trails every year and members get them included in their membership fee. We are busy planning and Easter and Christmas, dates will be announced soon!

5. Plus our Bugs and Butterflies Trail in May.

Over May half-term, children can go in search of bugs and butterflies with our fun and informative nature trail.

6. Tickets to Live Music Lates are just £12.50 – anytime you book

Our £12.50 early bird offer has sold out for many of our Live Music Lates this summer. Members however, don’t need to worry. £12.50 tickets are available to them anytime until the event sells out. Discounts to many other events and workshops are also available to members.

7. You can take advantage of a priority booking period for our outdoor theatre – going on sale next week!

Next week our popular outdoor theatre will go on sale. Members are entitled to book first. All the theatre events will be available to book from Wednesday 25th January, including Robin Hood, Twelfth Night and Pride and Prejudice.

8. You can receive 10% off in the Tea Room and Gift Shop

Treat yourself to coffee and cake, or Painshill gin, with members discounts across the Tea Room and Gift Shop.

9. Painshill members enjoy 2 for 1 tickets to other Surrey attractions

Our current offers are entry to Brooklands Museum, Denbies Wine Estate and Gilbert White’s House. More days out for less!

10. Enjoy bluebells in April and wildflower meadows in May

As we move further through the year, there is more and more to enjoy at Painshill. Bluebell season is around April and the meadows grow long with wildflowers in May. Come along for a summer picnic on a warm day in June or July and then return for stunning autumn colour in Oct or Nov.

No visit to Painshill is the same as the landscape transforms season to season. Enjoy them all for one price with membership.

1. Walking off all those mince pies!

If you are like me and you have lived on After Eights and turkey sandwiches for about a week, there is nothing better than getting outside and walking. Why not put your best foot forward for the New Year and get 2023 off to a good start by stretching your legs, breathing some fresh air and exploring our historic landscape.

Painshill is 160 acres of open meadows, woodlands and lake. It doesn’t rely on summer flowers to look beautiful. There is plenty to explore in the in winter months including the magical Crystal Grotto and the view from the Gothic Temple.

2. Bare Trees

While the deciduous trees are bare, the landscape can be seen in a new light. The architecture of the follies stands out more when they are not covered by foliage. The bare trees can look majestic against a winter sky.

There is also plenty of bird watching to be done and many species are easier to spot on bare branches. Look out for blue tits, great tits, nuthatches, jays and parakeets. Listen out for the sounds of winter including the call of the robin and the wren. Wagtails can be seen along the edge of the lake as well as a host of lake birds including heron, geese and egrets.  

3. Sunsets

In the mid-winter months, Painshill closes at 4pm due to the sunset. This gives visitors a wonderful chance to watch the sunset just before closing time. We recommend arriving before 3pm and finishing your walk at the top of the vineyard. On a clear day the view is spectacular.

5. Frost and snow

When the weather forecast looks cold, you often feel you have no choice but to stay inside. However, if you are in safe travelling distance to Painshill, there is nothing more beautiful than a snow day. Frost covered follies and mist around the evergreen firs are also a real treat.

5. Spring flower shoots

January is often reported as a month where people struggle with their mental health. Despite New Year’s resolutions and exercise regimes, we are still in mid-winter and sunlight can seem a long way off.

Help avoid the January blues by looking out for the first signs of spring. The first to rise up from the ground is the snowdrops and daffodils.