Month: February 2024

Explore the history of Painshill with one of our knowledgeable Guides. See the stunning views through the eyes of its creator’s, Hon Charles Hamilton. 

Painshill are re-launching the ever so popular mid-monthly guided walks with a knowledgeable member of the team. They will be taking a group of ‘explorers’ out in the landscape to learn about the history, facts and behind the scenes details.

Discover the vision of Hamilton’s vision, the trees, bridges, buildings, lake, all the follies and so much more. You can see some of the many species of plants and trees that thrive within the Landscape, and don’t forget to bring a camera should you want to capture any of the staggering views you will see.

Book online to avoid disappointment of these tours being sold out.

Availability: 

Once a month, middle Friday:

15^th March

19^th April

17^th May

14^th June

19^th July

16^th August

Bookable online in advance (recommended) or on the day (depending on availability)
Price: includes entry:
£15.00 – non- members
FOC – Members
FOC – Volunteers

For any further information please email: info@painshill.co.uk

Joint tours between Painshill and West Horsley Place are now available.

After an introductory talk on the History of Painshill and its creator, Hon. Charles Hamilton, your group can explore the beautiful landscape at their own leisure.

Allow time for lunch before going to West Horsley Place, just 20 minutes drive away, for a tour of the historic house.

For the first time in 600 years, West Horsley Place, no longer in private hands, has opened its gates for groups to enjoy.

This hidden gem has over 1,000 years of amazing history.

Discover what Henry V111 had for lunch in the Stone Hall and see the bag that Walter Raleigh’s head was carried in; Enjoy Lord Crewe’s impressive library and Sir Anthony Browne’s glorious Tudor ceiling.

This is a joint trip not to be missed!

For Groups of 20 or more
Availability: Availability excluding 13th May – 31st July
Price: £26 per person* 
Extras: 10% off Painshill gift shop

For more information please email: groups@painshill.co.uk

Painshill needs to raise £250,000

Created in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton as a living painting, Painshill invites visitors to walk around a work of art, discovering dramatic follies, calming waters and stunning views along the route.

Within this work of art lies the Chinese Bridge, a vital part of the landscape, linking the park to Grotto island which is where the staggering Crystal Grotto lies. It is a crucial gateway of the journey to continue through the park as Hamilton had envisaged in his plans. Without the bridge, the journey is broken as is Hamilton’s vision.

After a routine inspection, by civil engineers, the Painshill Park Trust was advised in March 2023 that the Chinese Bridge had severe structural issues. Of course, the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff is of top priority and there was no choice to be had, the bridge had to close. Further investigations were carried out by divers and engineers.

Unfortunately, the findings were that the Chinese Bridge will need to be replaced. The Bridge was restored in the 1980s and, after 40 years of use, the supporting pillars have become unstable.

The first version of the Chinese Bridge was built in 1760 and was created when all things “Chinoserie” were in fashion. It created a beautiful way to take the walker across the lake to explore the Crystal Grotto, which is hinted at by the rock arch the bridge heads towards. Painshill Park Trust restored the Chinese Bridge using the traditional wooden materials in the 1980s and it was opened by the then Prince Charles.

In order that visitors could continue to access the correct historical route in 2023, Painshill installed a floating pontoon as a temporary measure. This allows visitors to safely cross the lake at this important point in Charles Hamilton’s circular walk of discovery.

Painshill’s Chinese Bridge has featured in television shows such as in the first season of Netflix’s popular series Bridgerton, through to classic BBC TV children’s favourite, ChuckleVision.

The Painshill Park Trust is now in the position whereby the bridge needs to be replaced, at an expected cost of £250,000. This is a huge amount of funds which needs to be raised by Painshill and as a small independent charity, we are incredibly grateful for any help that you would be able contribute. The Trust is asking its supporters to help, however they can, with this latest restoration project to ensure that Painshill is available to be enjoyed in the future by the many generations to come.

Click here to make a donation: Donate – Donation amount – JustGiving

Supporting Painshill could be through one of the following ways:

• Make a donation towards the Chinese Bridge appeal.
• Become a member of Painshill.
• Book a day visit to Painshill for a walk in a work of art.
• Volunteer in one of the many roles available at Painshill.
• Sponsorship of an event, bench or plaque at Painshill.
• Leave a legacy in a will.

Painshill is regarded as one of the foremost and finest examples of the English Landscape Movement. A style of landscape design that has been described, by architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner, as “Britain’s’ greatest contribution to the visual arts”.

It’s a fantastic day out for all the family that’s full of heritage, beauty, adventure and outdoor fun.

As a small independent charity, we are incredibly grateful for any help that you would be able contribute. A new bridge would allow Hamilton’s vision to continue for future generations to explore and enjoy this wonderful landscape and a walk of art.

Become a part of Painshill’s history and future.

Click here to make a donation: Donate – Donation amount – JustGiving