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We hope you’re well during this unprecedented time. We’re inviting you, your family and friends to take part in The 2.6 Challenge to help to save Painshill.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on charities, like Painshill, with the loss of important income. In response, the organisers of the biggest mass-participation sports events across the country have come together to create a new campaign to raise vital funds to help to save the UK’s charities. The 2.6 Challenge launched on Sunday 26 April, which should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon.

We’re asking you to take part in an activity of your choice based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise or donate to support Painshill via Just Giving.

This is a challenge for all ages and abilities. All you need to do is think of an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26. You could run 2.6 miles. Hop 26 times. Or walk around your garden 26 times – whatever best works for you and whatever you will enjoy the most.

It’s really important to act now – time is of the essence! Please make sure that you register your challenge or donation on the 2.6 link here, as there is also a central pot which will be shared between charities. Making your donation or fundraising go even further.

We know that many of you have already donated, bought Painshill products online, helped deliver wine and gin, and much more and we are extremely grateful. This new campaign is a great way to invite your friends and family to join you in supporting Painshill. Anything you raise will make a huge difference to help Painshill survive this devastating time.

The only requirement is that you must follow Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing. You can do your activity whenever is most convenient for you.

Here’s how to take part:

1. Choose your 2.6 or 26 activity – if you need help there are lots of ideas below
2. Head to Just Giving set up a fundraising page or to donate £26 – or whatever you can afford ­– to Painshill Park Trust
3. Ask all your friends and family to sponsor you and challenge them to do their own 2.6 Challenge
4. Complete your challenge
5. Share a photo or video of your challenge on social media with #TwoPointSixChallenge and #Painshill

Painshill staff and Trustees will be undertaking their own challenges, so if you don’t have time to do your own, you could sponsor one of us.

For further information on The 2.6 Challenge, including a list of partners and supporters, and for more ideas about what your activity could be, visit twopointsixchallenge.co.uk. Or contact us on fundraising@painshill.co.uk.

We hope you’ll join the nation in The 2.6 Challenge to support Painshill and help to save the UK’s charities.

Stay safe – and thank you again for your support,

Team Painshill

Get involved with the 2.6 challenge

Fundraising ideas

Make sure you stay within your limits and make sure what you do is within the Government guidelines for social distancing.

Active

These are a mix of ideas for children and adults, or both.

You could ask your children or grandchildren to get involved

• spot 26 birds or plants in the garden
• tidy your bedroom for 26 minutes!
• 26 star jumps
• 26 cartwheels
• scooter up and down your garden or drive 26 times
• dance for 2 hours and 6 minutes
• jump 26 times on the trampoline
• read a book for 2 hours and 6 minutes

Creative 

The challenge doesn’t need to be active, you can be creative in your fundraising too

• bake 26 cakes and give to neighbours, in return for donations to your page
• knit 26 egg cosies for our left over Easter eggs (get free patterns here)
• share 10 of your photos of Painshill on social media or by email with friends and family, and invite them to donate £2.60 or £26
• share 10 photos of your own garden or flowers and trees and landscapes you have seen on your walks, read 26 books and share reviews inviting donation

Get involved with the 2.6 challenge

We have been talking a lot about Painshill’s survival recently. The Coronavirus pandemic presents Painshill with a challenge like no other in its recent history. People might think us extreme to talk about Painshill potentially not surviving these difficult times.

But the sobering fact, never far from our thoughts, is that Painshill has been lost once before.

Unlike other great gardens, Painshill has never had an historic house and family to fight for it. Charles Hamilton, its creator, couldn’t afford to keep it or hand it down and he was forced to sell it in 1773. The garden went from owner to owner until, in 1939, during another very different national emergency, it was requisitioned by the military. The hardships of war led to decay and the collapse of some of the follies. After the war, in a state of neglect, the estate was promptly sold off in separate lots for agricultural and other purposes.

While the estate was scattered to various separate hands Charles Hamilton’s landscape began to disappear and the beautiful 18^th century design was lost. The Waterwheel was left to ruin and stopped filling the lake, which became swamp-like and overrun with vegetation. The garden buildings crumbled and collapsed, and historic plantings were cleared for commercial forestry.

In the 1980s, with unique foresight for our heritage, Elmbridge Borough Council purchased 158 acres of the original 250-acre estate. Painshill Park Trust was established in 1982 with the sole mission of restoring the garden as closely as possible to the original concept.

Since then teams of historians, archaeologists, gardeners and volunteers have been piecing Painshill back together. Through archaeology and archive research they learned where buildings stood, what they looked like, what plants framed them, and what views and emotions a visitor should experience whilst they traverse the grounds.

The first buildings to be restored were the Gothic Temple and the Ruined Abbey. In the 1990s a two acre vineyard, which had been changed into a rockery during Victorian era, was replanted. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund the Crystal Grotto was rebuilt in the 2010s, the roof having caved in and the crystal ceiling destroyed. Most recently, in 2019, the Temple of Bacchus exterior was completed.

The preservation of Painshill would not be possible without nearly two hundred volunteers giving thousands of hours of work for free, generous donations, heritage grants and the money that is made from admission, membership fees and Tea Room treats. The money that Painshill makes and raises goes back into the upkeep and running of the landscape.

In recent weeks, since appealing for help, we have been overwhelmed with kind words, comments, donations, new memberships and purchases of Painshill wine and gin. We cannot thank people enough for their generosity and support. Please keep spreading the word so we can protect Painshill for future generations. We believe that garden history shouldn’t just be read about in a book – living examples of historic designs should be available to learn from and enjoy. Thank you so much to you all for making this happen.

5 ways to help Painshill survive

While we are closed, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we will be endeavoring to bring you beautiful pictures and interesting content digitally. If you can’t come to Painshill, maybe Painshill can come to you!

In a series of video tours, Painshill volunteer guides will be taking you through the landscape and giving you some fascinating insights into the history of the gardens.

Video tour 1 – Fir Walk, the Amphitheatre and the Gothic Temple

In the first of our video tours we start at the beginning of Charles Hamilton’s work of art. Follow us on a stroll up the first hill to discover the views across the Serpentine Lake. Learn some of the ideas behind the English Landscape Movement, about the Painshill vineyard and discover the Gothic Temple. Painshill guide Graham Dash provides the commentary.

Video tour 2- The Ruined Abbey

Find out about the history of the Ruined Abbey, who Charles Hamilton built it and how the lake was formed with commentary from Garden Historian Cherrill Sands

Video tour 3 – The Crystal Grotto

“The finest of its type ever built”: that is how German landscape designer Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell (1750 – 1823) described the Grotto at Painshill. Take a look inside and learn more about it’s history and restoration. Painshill guide Graham Dash provides the commentary.

Video tour 4 – The Hermitage

Have you ever been to the Hermitage at Painshill? In this video tour Garden Historian Cherrill Sands takes you through the woods to discover it.

Video tour 5 – The Turkish Tent

Why a Turkish Tent? A question Painshill Guide Barry Hylton-Davies gets asked a lot. In this video tour he takes you through the history and design of Hamilton’s piece of the orient.

Follow us on social media, sign up to our mailing list or check back soon for more video tours!

Can you support Painshill while we are closed? Find out some of the ways you can help us survive the Coronavirus crisis.

As many of your will know Painshill is a small independent charity. We cannot survive without ticket admissions, events, Tea Room sales and membership income.

During 2020 we were closed for nine week to help stop the spread of Coronavirus, we are asking if people would be kind enough to support us through these troubled times. Even a small donation will make a huge difference to us, your contribution could mean that we survive this crisis.

1. Donate today

The easiest way to support Painshill is to make a donation. We have a set up a donation page via Just Giving where you can securely and easily donate any amount. This can be a one-off or a monthly donation.

You can also use JustGiving to:

• Celebrate an occasion, by asking friends for donations rather than birthday gifts for example
• Remember someone – you can pay tribute to a loved one by collecting donations in their memory
• Do your own thing – such as a head shave, or giving up chocolate (just make sure you follow guidelines for social distancing)

2. Become a member

Our members are our key supporters and when you join the Painshill family you will get free entry, a newsletter and discounts across the site.

We urge all members to keep up their membership direct debits or renewals at this time. Your support has never been needed more than it is now.

3. Buy a membership for a local key worker

If you are already a member or you would like to do something for the local community as well as Painshill why not consider a gift membership?

One of our long standing supporters started this when he came to us and asked if he could gift a membership to an NHS worker. He wanted to support Painshill but also offer thanks to amazing local people working on the front line.

To do this, all you need to do, is go to gift memberships. When asked for the members details pop in ‘NHS worker’ into the boxes and we will see it. We have been reaching out to local NHS and care workers on our Facebook page and people have been nominating key workers to receive these memberships. If you purchase a gift membership for a front line worker Painshill will match it!

4. Spread the word on social media

If you would like to tell your followers that you have donated or share our donation page we would be very grateful. A recommendation coming from you to your friends can be far more powerful than anything we can say.

5. Come along and visit us!

We have now reopened. Come along and enjoy the landscape after what has been a long lockdown. Social distance easily in 158 acres with our new procedures. Tickets are limited and must be booked online in advance for everyone’s safety.

Thank you so much and we hope to see you very soon.

Never has it been clearer to the team at Painshill that open, beautiful spaces are important. They promote well-being, allow people to be mindful and offer peace in stressful modern times.

While we tried to stay open we had a number of messages of support as people showed their gratitude for having access to nature.

Even though we are now closed we still want to promote what we stand for. We would love to share with you some of our ideas about how you can look after yourselves and your health during these uncertain times.

1. Follow Painshill and other gardens on social media

We will be endeavouring to bring you images, videos and stories of Painshill while we are closed. Many gardens across the country will be doing the same. Some are live streaming calming scenes, others are running a podcast or video blog. There has never been a better time to get online. We all need beautiful things to look at… even if it is just digitally!

2. Take your daily exercise outside

We are allowed to leave the house once a day for exercise. Try to use that trip to go somewhere natural. Take your online workout video into your garden, enjoy a walk in an open park (as long as it’s not too busy) or, if you are lucky enough to live in the countryside, get out for walks, runs and bike rides. Our friends at Visit Surrey might be able to help with where to walk in Surrey. Known for its big, green, open spaces, like the Surrey Hills, there are places you can go where you will not see other people. Just remember to keep it local to you and stay 2 metres away from others.

3. Get out in your garden

We have been advised to treat our gardens as an extension of our house as long as we are careful when seeing neighbours. Likewise, those with allotments can still visit them. Interest in gardening and vegetable growing is increasing as people turn to nature for comfort in these troubled times. We recommend The English Garden as a wonderful source of how to guides. Their next issue will be on how to make the most of a small space.

4. Make a difference to the natural world

Seeing as you have a little more time in your garden, why not make some small changes that will make a big difference to the environment. Climate change might have gone out of the headlines but it is still a major challenge. The National Lottery Heritage Fund, who have supported our restoration work, have some brilliant ideas on how to get started.

5. Tend house plants

House plants can brighten your rooms, purify your air and boost your mood. If you don’t have a garden or you would like to bring your garden indoors why not start a collection on your windowsill or make use of a balcony. The shops might be closed but there are places to buy them online. Take a look at the recommendations from Gardener’s World.

6. Get bird spotting

One way you might stay connected to the natural world is to start watching out for the wildlife that’s all around you. Pop some bird seed out and see how many different species come along. You don’t necessarily need a garden – there are bird seed dispensers that can stick onto a window pane or hang from the side of a balcony.

7. Get the kids involved

With the kids stuck at home nothing could be better for their mental health, in our opinions, than getting stuck into some gardening. Why not make your garden wildlife friendly? The Surrey Wildlife Trust have resources to help you build a bug house or a home for hedgehogs.

8. Take a walk through Painshill with BBC Radio Four

Did you know you can take a walk through Painshill without leaving your couch? BBC Radio Four were with us in November 2019 to take a walk and record their experience. You can listen to the programme on playback here.

9. Stream your favourite wildlife documentary

You can’t beat a bit of David Attenborough. While you have some time for TV while not re-visit some of your favourites. Personally I don’t think you can beat the opening of Blue Planet 1. Surely nothing is more awe-inspiring than a Blue Whale. Blue Planet 2 is available on i-player. 

10. Try your hand at wildlife photography

In your garden or on your daily exercise take your camera with you. Capturing wildlife and landscape scenes can be a great way to connect with them more. Why not see the world slightly differently by trying out a macro or a zoom lens? Share your pictures with family and friends.,, and on our social media channels! We all need to keep our spirits up. We are all in this together!

Stay safe and best wishes from the Painshill team.

Painshill is situated on the River Mole with the river marking the boundary of Painshill’s land. The Mole runs the entire length of the estate and almost encircles the Visitor Centre and Kitchen Gardens.

The river is vital to the landscape design. Our Waterwheel raises water from the River Mole and feeds the Cascade. Without it the man-made Serpentine Lake, a key feature in the Painshill views, would not exist.

However being situated on the river has it’s difficulties. This winter’s heavy rainfall led the river to burst its bank twice. The first was just before Christmas and during our Santa event in the Crystal Grotto. It was heart-breaking for the Painshill team to let down families hoping to see Santa but we were forced to cancel 2 days and refund tickets. Our events raise vital funds to protect and restore the landscape for all to enjoy.

The river then rose again in February causing Painshill to close for 24 hours.

Here are some of the photos of the aftermath.

One of the main features to be affected is the Crystal Grotto, which has previously won awards for its restoration. When the flood water recedes it leaves behind a layer of silt across the crystals and they must be painstakingly cleaned by our team of Grotto Maintenance Volunteers. It has damaged the emergency lighting meaning we can’t open the Grotto safely without a member of the team until the electrics are fixed.

We are open again and the landscape is looking beautiful! However as a small independent charity these events have hit Painshill hard. We are currently raising money to help make spring a better season! If you would like to make a real difference to this very special place please consider donating today.

Ways that you can help

Donate today

Come and visit us (the daffodils are looking lovely!)

Become a member (and gain brilliant benefits!)

Volunteer with us

Visit us for an event

Treat yourself in the Tea Room or Gift Shop (all profits go to the Painshill Park Trust)

Spread the word about Painshill on Social Media

Millions of viewers saw Painshill on prime time Saturday night TV as our 18th-century landscape featured on BBC1’s The Greatest Dancer.

The show, in which dance acts compete for a £50,000 prize and the chance to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, had an international theme this week and contestant Hannah Martin was tasked with performing a routine based on Greece.

Painshill’s replica of the Temple of Bacchus was used in a video segment in which Hannah, a former British Rhythmic Gymnastics champion, practised her routine before performing it to judges Oti Mabuse, Cheryl Cole, Matthew Morrison and Todrick Hall.

Paul Griffiths, Director of Painshill, said: “This shoot was great fun to do and a brilliant opportunity to show Painshill off on one of TV’s biggest shows. We’ve had lots of positive feedback, with plenty of comments about how beautiful the park looked!”

Despite appearances, the Temple of Bacchus isn’t actually Greek – the original was built to house a statue of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and busts of Roman emperors. The architectural order used on the Temple was a variety of Roman Doric including high and thin columns and molded column bases. The version at Painshill is one of several eccentric follies dotted around the 158-acre garden, developed in the 18th century by the honourable Charlies Hamilton.

Painshill is a popular location for film crews – its lake currently features in an advert for insurance company Experian, and it also featured in the Netflix hit Black Mirror.

Watch the episode on playback now

Find out more about filming at Painshill

Many badgers make Painshill their home.

A day visitor however will never seen them. Hardly any of the staff have.

Recently the team have set about trying to get some footage of the elusive and shy creatures. Armed with a night vision camera and a little knowledge of what sets might be active we set up in the day and then left the area.

Take a look at the footage from the first night below and catch a glimpse of the animals living on site.

On the first weekend we managed to get the badger back with a friend!

And badger CAM is not just for badgers!

 

Take a look at the first footage of badgers in the daylight!

We have teamed up with the West Surrey Badger Club to get more camera on the ground and they got footage of some badger families! Take a look at some badger cubs:

We will not be giving out the exact location in the park. We ask people to please respectfully leave the badgers in peace when visiting the landscape.

Follow us on Facebook to get updates on them. We hope to collect more footage of them and other wildlife in the area.

Pancreatic Cancer Action’s annual flagship walk, Striding for Survival will take place in the beautiful grounds of Painshill this year.

The first walk was held in 2011 organised by Rachael Rogan who lost her father to pancreatic cancer and it has gone from strength to strength! It’s their 10 year anniversary. Join Painshill and Stride for Survival to make the 2020’s the decade of change for pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Action’s mission is to improve the survival rates of pancreatic cancer by ensuring more people are diagnosed early and in time for surgery – currently the only potential cure.

Choose between 2k, 7k and 10k and rasise money for a this important cause.

Find out more and sign up.

 

Put your best foot forward this New Year and join George’s Dragons to raise money for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

Walk 5k around the beautiful gardens of Painshill while enjoying stunning views, spring flowers and baby birds. Finish your morning with a cream tea and a medal!

Four legged friends are welcome on short leads.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices are a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. They support families across Surrey and London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care. It costs £10 million a year to maintain their current level of care and just 10% of that income comes from government funding, so they really rely on supporters like you!

Sign up to make a difference in 2020. Enter the 5k before the end of January and get £2 off.

Sunday 15 March 9am – 11am 

This event is organised by George’s Dragons as part of a year of fundraising starting on St George’s Day 2019. Find out more about them and read their blog at George’s Dragons.

Enter the 5k family fun walk here