For many of us, stepping into Painshill feels like entering another world—one filled with sweeping landscapes, sparkling water, winding paths, and moments of pure stillness. It’s a place to breathe deeply, to learn, to imagine, and to simply be.
But for some schools, especially those facing financial or social barriers, visiting spaces like Painshill isn’t always possible. That’s exactly why we created the Painshill Access Fund—to ensure that everyone, regardless of circumstance, can experience the beauty, calm, and inspiration our landscape has to offer.
Children today spend less time outdoors than ever before. Many lack regular contact with nature, which affects wellbeing, confidence, concentration, and emotional resilience. And, for schools in areas of high deprivation, budget pressures can make trips to green spaces feel out of reach.
The Painshill Access Fund tackles this head-on by offering fully funded school visits for schools with a high level of pupil premium, English as a second language and a high level of SEND. A visit to Painshill becomes more than a day out—it becomes an opportunity to think, feel, and learn in new ways.
A New Way of Learning
The moment children walk across the bridge to Painshill, a new learning adventure awaits. They are encouraged look up, to look around and suddenly, the constraints of their lives have been removed and they are free to explore.
The education team offers hands-on learning among trees, water and wildlife amongst the backdrop of our historic landscapes. There is space to ask questions, build independence, and discover our biggest resource – the landscape – at their own pace. The wonder that is Painshill means that there is a sense of calm and confidence that’s hard to recreate in a classroom. Teachers often tell us that Painshill brings out the very best in their pupils—especially those who struggle in traditional learning environments.
The Impact of the Access Fund
In its first year, the Education Access Fund has enabled 350 additional students from local schools to experience the wonders of Painshill. Through enrichment sessions led by the education team, students have been able to discover, explore, and learn in a safe and inspiring environment. These visits have offered a sense of freedom, a break from daily pressures, and the chance to create meaningful, lasting memories.
“I learnt that nature needs a bit more care – like all of us really.”
Student on an enrichment session
Thanks to the support of our visitors and donors, we’ve seen the Access Fund begin to transform the way local children experience the outdoors. Now, as we move into our 2nd year, our aim is to go even further.
Thanks to grants received from the Surrey Heritage for All Fund and CVSA Sparks Fund, in 2026 we will continue to build on the success of our launch year and expand our reach to even more schools and communities – offering them the chance to learn, explore, and grow in a setting that nurtures both mind and body.
We are so grateful to our funders for their support but successfully achieving our 2nd year goal will require significant support and the need is undeniable. With rising living costs and stretched school budgets, we need to support educational and community groups more than ever before and your generosity will make all the difference.
“I could sit here all day – this view makes me calm.”
Student on an enrichment session
How You Can Help
Every donation—no matter the size—creates real impact.
By adding a contribution to your purchase or giving directly to the Access Fund, you help us:
- Remove financial barriers
- Provide nature-based learning to children who need it most
- Support teachers delivering enriching outdoor education
- Ensure Painshill remains a place of wonder for future generations
Together, we can create more opportunities for children to access our landscape than ever before.
Thank You
We want to thank our funders Elmbridge Partnership Fund supported by Walton Charity (and others) and Elmbridge Community Fund, and the many individual supporters who have made donations to this Fund in it’s first year.
To everyone who has supported the Painshill Access Fund so far: thank you. You are helping us share the magic of this historic landscape with children who may never have experienced anything like it before.
And to those just discovering the fund—we hope you’ll join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of local families and schools.
We look forward to welcoming you to Painshill soon.
