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At the entrance to Painshill, close to the Visitor Centre, is a feature that is often overlooked. Two large walled gardens were part of the original 18th century estate and vital to Charles Hamilton’s operations. They were built in 1756 to grow fruit and vegetables for his estate and its workers.

Today the Kitchen Garden is once again thriving due to the charity’s gardening team and our landscape volunteers. It produces a huge variety of fruit and vegetables. Each week from spring to autumn they harvest whatever is in season and the produce is available in the Gift Shop. In exchange for a small donation you can take some home with you.

This year our landscape team are trialing the ‘no dig’ method.

‘No dig’ involves layering compost and mulch, rather than digging over the bed, to ensure the capture of carbon, fungi and worms in the soil. The no-dig gardener allows the fungi and soil organisms to break down and incorporate the organic matter into the soil, emulating natural processes. The method should control weeds, feed the soil and hopefully leads to healthier, stronger plants.

Lesley Shepherd, one of our landscape team, can tell you more… 

Painshill is a small independent charity and relies on nearly 300 volunteers to operate.

For Volunteer’s Week 2023, Paul Griffiths, Painshill’s Director, pitched in with some volunteer roles.

Painshill offers a huge variety of different ways for volunteers to get involved. Whether you would like to develop a new skill, make friends, improve your mental health or have a regular form of exercise, volunteering at Painshill can offer a huge amount to your life. And in the process you help and support a small charity preserve and protect this beautiful place for generations to come.

Find out, from Paul, all about the different roles he pitched in with:

Ticket Hut

“For my first shift of the day I was in the ticket hut.

This role is for anyone who enjoys being around people. We had a queue this morning of excited children who are coming to see the Bugs and Butterflies Trail and it was a lovely atmosphere. The volunteers hand out maps, take ticket bookings and advise people on their visit. The volunteers in the hut get to know each other well and it is a lovely role if you want to make new friends.”

Gift Shop

“Today we received a generous donation of books and I helped the volunteers in the Gift Shop sort and shelve them. Gift Shop roles are brilliant for anyone with a bit of a creative flair. You can get involved writing chalkboards or creating an attractive display.”

Ranger

“After being in the Visitor Centre, I joined Brenda and Bob, on Bob’s first day, for a walk around the landscape. Rangering is another very important role at Painshill. Rangers are our eyes and ears in the landscape and report back any problems. They help visitors, pick up litter and ensure everyone is safe and following our codes of conduct. If you would like to walk the landscape regularly as a great source of exercise and to watch the seasons change then this is a brilliant role.”

Landscape

“If you are looking for something to help improve your mental and physical health then you must consider volunteering in the landscape. Gardening can offer huge health benefits by getting you to connect with nature and enjoy time outdoors. With 160 acres at Painshill there is always something to do and a new skill to learn. The landscape volunteer team often get to know each other well and make good friends during their time at Painshill. On my shift I did some weeding and edging.”

All of the trustees and staff would like to thank the volunteers who give their time, skills and enthusiasm to keeping Painshill open, thriving and looking stunning.

If you are interested in joining our friendly team, please contact us today!

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.

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.