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On Saturday 6 May 2023, the trustees, staff and volunteers of Painshill Park Trust will join the nation in celebrating the coronation of King Charles III.

As The Prince of Wales, His Majesty King Charles was the Royal Patron of Painshill Park Trust. Preserving the nation’s heritage and protecting green spaces are causes close to King Charles’ heart and he visited Painshill a number of times to show his support.

King Charles, who at the time was Prince of Wales, made his first visit to Painshill in 1987. The Trust was only a few years old and the restoration process in its very early days. His Majesty learnt about the new charity, met with staff and volunteers and took his first tour of the grounds.

The Prince of Wales with Janie Burford, the first Director of the Trust, in 1987

The Prince of Wales inspecting archaeology work around the Ruined Abbey, in 1987

On this first visit His Majesty opened the newly rebuilt Chinese Bridge.

The Prince of Wales opening the Chinese Bridge

It has recently come to the attention of the Painshill Park Trust that, after nearly 40 years of use, the wooden bridge is in a poor state of repair. The structure was recently closed to the public as a safety precaution, highlighting the fragility of the landscape and the work needed to protect and preserve it. Painshill Park Trust, now in its 5th decade, has needed to restore some features for the second time. The Woollett Bridge was recently replaced in steel, rather than wood, to ensure a longer lifetime as the Trust looks to preserve Painshill for the future.

It is poignant that, as His Majesty becomes King, the feature he opened in 1987 may need to be restored again in the very near future.

His Royal Highness returned for later visits and in 1995 he opened the rebuilt Turkish Tent.

The Prince of Wales talks to school children on his 1995 visit

The Prince of Wales meeting David Taylor and Michael Singleton with his Private Secretary, Sir Stephen Lamport, who is the current Chairman of the Painshill Park Trust

The Prince of Wales with Karen Bridgeman and Kath Clark in 2011

In 2011 His Royal Highness inspected the progress of the restoration of the Crystal Grotto. A grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund allowed the Trust to reconstruct this incredible landscape feature. The work involved rebuilding the brick walls, replacing the wooden frames for the stalactites and applying around 100,000 crystals into lime mortar by hand.

The Prince of Wales visits to see the Crystal Grotto in 2011

Throughout his life, King Charles has championed woodlands and the ancient trees of England. He was Patron of the Queen’s Green Canopy in 2022, which involved 70 ancient trees being dedicated to the Queen in celebration of her 70 years on the throne. The Great Cedar at Painshill was one of those trees. Thought to be the largest multi-stemmed cedar in Europe, the tree is over 250 years old and stands at 118 feet high.

To commemorate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, Painshill Park Trust planted a new cedar in May 2022.

This year the Trust plant an oak to mark to the new King’s Coronation and to celebrate his passion for the natural world.

Regular visitors to Painshill will no doubt have noticed that in recent weeks we have closed the Chinese Bridge.

After a routine inspection, by external Civil Engineers, we were advised in March 2023 that the Chinese Bridge had structural issues. The safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff is our top priority. As a precaution we chose to close the structure to the public whilst further investigations were carried out by divers and engineers.

Divers investigating the Chinese Bridge, April 2023

It is now becoming clear that the work required to reopen the Chinese Bridge might involve a major project. The Bridge was restored in the 1980s and, after 40 years of use, the wood is beginning to become unstable.

The first version of the 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 bridge using the traditional wooden materials in the 1980s. However, more recently, the Woollett Bridge was restored using the modern material of steel to ensure it lasts hundreds of years.

In order that we can open up the correct historical route for people quickly we have just installed a floating pontoon. This will allow visitors to safely cross the lake at this important point in Charles Hamilton’s journey.

This pontoon is a temporary solution and will remain in place until a project to repair or replace the Chinese Bridge can be put into action.  We will shortly be releasing more information about the condition of the Chinese Bridge and our plans.

We are delighted that for the Easter holidays the Gothic Tower and the Temple of Bacchus will be open for members and visitors to enjoy. Discover both follies on a visit between Saturday 1 April and Sunday 16 April. 

This Easter will be the very first time Painshill Park Trust open the interior of the Temple of Bacchus.

This beautiful building was rebuilt between 2017 and 2019. The inside is still to be restored, however a canvas covering and foam board statues will give visitors an impression of what it should look like. 

Charles Hamilton would have used the original building, in the 18th century, to house his statue of Bacchus, God of Wine. It had an ornate ceiling, designed by Robert Adam, and busts of Roman Emperors. Painshill Park Trust hopes to restore it fully one day.

Built at the Park’s highest point, the 27-metre tall square Gothic Tower dominates the landscape at its western end. The Gothic Tower appears before you, like a fairy-tale castle, from the woodland of Alpine Valley. Climb to the top to enjoy the views.

After taking on the 99 steps you definitely deserve to treat yourself to tea and cake in the pop-up café! Painshill volunteers open up the café in the holidays so you can offer hot drinks, snacks and cake.

In the late 1970s, Janie Burford climbed over a fence and stepped over into an overgrown secret garden.

“The very first time I saw Painshill, the history of which I had been studying for some time, was when a colleague and I climbed over the fence. We had a great adventure exploring the jungle, discovering the sad remains and thinking this was the last chance to see the site before the end of its life.

It was a dark, dense jungle. But then, covered in trees and grown, we stumbled upon the Gothic Temple and a plinth which I realised must have held a statue.

‘It was one of those life-changing moments. It was an incredible experience, and it became embedded in my mind”

The first time she saw Painshill she had no idea she would later become the first Director of the Painshill Park Trust and a leading female figure in the world of heritage and garden restoration.

Janie started her career working with the Home Office drawing up plans for historical buildings. However fate took her down a different route when a neighbour spotted an advertisement in the local newspaper. A job opportunity for a land agent at Painshill. Not realising Janie already had a strong interest in Painshill, the neighbour cut out the advertisement and posted it through Janie’s door.

Janie was appointed to the role in 1981 and Painshill Park Trust was born.

Elmbridge Borough Council had bought the land but the task of restoring the landscape to Hamilton’s 18th century vision was handed over to Janie. The challenge was huge and would involve vast amounts of time and skills. The small charity had no other staff at first and no money. Volunteers needed to be recruited and research undertaken. Janie proved herself an expert fundraiser and in her 20 years, raised £20 million for the project. The tasks the Trust needed to start with were enormous and included surveying and clearing trees, moving huge Victorian rock steps that covered the vineyard and extracting large amounts of silt to re-create a 14 acre lake. That was all before the Trust could get to the follies and buildings. A plan to open Painshill to the public needed to be put in place later in the process, starting with a few open days and a small hut serving tickets and tea.

I asked Janie if, being a woman in charge of this project in the 1980s, brought with it any particular challenges;

“It was no problem for me to be appointed. I had the right experience as I had been to art school and then spent 7 years in the Home Office on existing landscapes.

I started at Painshill on 1 April 1980 and I turned up with my wee son Caio in a papoose on my front!

I heard about the potential to save Painshill and I wanted to be involved – so that was that!”

During Janie’s time as Director, the Waterwheel was restored and the lake re-instated, the vineyard and Amphitheatre were replanted and follies like the Gothic Temple, Ruined Abbey, Turkish Tent and Gothic Tower were all restored or completely rebuilt.

“After working for so long in a ‘jungle’, restoring the Gothic Temple was amazing. Standing in there, looking at the reopened views, gave us confidence and helped us realise why we were there. It was a very important moment and showed the conservation world that we could do the job“

Painshill became known for exemplary restoration practices and won the Europa Nostra Award for rescuing a landscape from ‘extreme neglect’.

Janie herself was given an MBE in 1998 for services to the Conservation of Historic Landscape. She was chosen as a Women of the Year for the Millennium Festival of Women’s Work. Janie was also one of the few women who, at the time, were Fellows of the Landscape Institute.

In the long list of amazing achievements, is there anything Janie is particularly proud of?

“At the time, university graduates were leaving with no jobs to go to. So the Government set up the Manpower Services Commission. It enabled young people to work on heritage projects. I was very proud of the young people who came to work at Painshill. They became very skilled and the Painshill restoration was helped enormously over many years.”

Janie retired from Painshill at the end of 2003 leaving an incredible legacy.

On Wednesday, March 1, Painshill Park Trust trustees, staff and volunteers gathered to pay tribute to Bill Tomlins, who passed away just before the COVID pandemic in March 2020.

Bill’s contribution to Painshill was vast.

He became a volunteer with the Trust from the very beginning of the restoration, in the 1980s, and remained passionate about Painshill until his passing. He became hugely knowledgeable about the garden, undertaking vast amounts of research into Hamilton’s vision. During his many years as a guide Bill led an amazing 942 tours and spoke at 320 talks.

The research required to understand Painshill is so often undertaken by incredibly passionate and dedicated volunteers. Painshill staff and trustees are extremely indebted to him and grateful for all the knowledge he has left with the Trust.

For his work at Painshill, Bill received an honorary doctorate from Writtle College in 2012.

We were very pleased to have been joined by Bill’s children, Jane and Charlie, to plant a tree in his memory.

Paul Griffiths, Director of Painshill Park Trust, spoke on the day:

“I first met Bill within a month or so of my arrival at Painshill in 2018 and was immediately struck by his immense knowledge and passion for Painshill.

The Trust is indebted to Bill’s amazing commitment and generosity of time which he gave to the restoration of our wonderful landscape.

Bill loved it up here near the Temple of Bacchus and as Bill’s favourite tree was a Tulip Tree, it seems totally appropriate that we gather here to celebrate Bill with this memorial planting.”

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.

In November 2022, Painshill Park Trust were delighted to welcome The Mayor of Elmbridge, Simon Waugh, together with Elmbridge Borough Councilors, supporters and trustees to officially open the newly replaced Woollett Bridge.

Painshill’s trustees, staff and volunteers have been have blown away by the generosity and passion of supporters and would like to thank everyone who contributed to this important project.

The fundraising target was met thanks to the generosity of individual supporters and a number of grants totalling over £110,000. Painshill Park Trust is hugely grateful to Elmbridge Borough Council for providing £41,429 as part of the Community Infrastructure Levy which enabled the project to proceed in October of this year.

Painshill was created in the 18^th century as a living work of art and is one of the finest examples of the English Landscape Movement. The bridge is a vital part of the garden and allows people access to one of the most impressive features in the historic park: the magical Crystal Grotto. Without the bridge, visitors cannot progress along the route planned by Charles Hamilton as a walk through a series of stunning views. 

In December 2019 and again in February 2020, the Painshill landscape was flooded and the old wooden bridge was under water for a number of weeks. The timber began to rot and the bridge’s stability was compromised. For many months the bridge has been supported by scaffolding to ensure it was safe for visitors.

To ensure longevity, in a climate where flooding is likely to recur, the new bridge is made of steel. Although this modern material was not used in the 18^th century the Trust is positive that the design will offer the correct aesthetic while ensuring supporter’s donations are invested in a lasting structure.

The bridge was manufactured by Nusteel Structures Limited in Kent. From there it was transported to Painshill by lorry. It needed to be floated across the lake into position.

The day after the official opening, in a stark reminder of how vulnerable the landscape is, Painshill flooded once again. The water can rise quickly and this time reached the new bridge, proving immediately how important the new steel structure is. To ensure the long term survival of the landscape likely winter flooding must be factored into designs and strategies and Painshill is grateful to everyone in the local community for their support.