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.
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.
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 18th 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 18th 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.
Who says a garden is just for summer! The Painshill landscape has a different kind of beauty over the winter months, but it is still spectacular. Low mists can hang over the lake in the mornings or snow can fall and turn it into a winter wonderland.
At the weekend families flock to Painshill for the winter statue trail and the atmosphere is fun and festive. In the week the landscape is often quiet, offering calm and tranquil walks to its visitors.
Here’s 5 things to enjoy at Painshill in December….
1. Frosty Follies
On cold days you might be tempted to stay indoors, but getting out into the landscape is worth it. Wrap up warm and you are rewarded with sparkling bridges and frost covered follies.
In winter the bare trees open up views that are covered in the summer months. 18th century visitors would delight in capturing a glimpse of the Temple of Bacchus or the Five Arch Bridge, in an order that was intended to intrigue and charm the visitor. Come along once the leaves and dropped and see the difference yourself.
2. Evergreens
As the leaves drop it can’t help but highlight the steadfast evergreens. Winter is the time to admire and celebrate them just as we decorate our houses with them and make wreaths from their branches. Painshill offers many beautiful spots to enjoy them including Alpine Valley and Fir Walk. Look out for incredible trees like The Great Cedar and winter heroes like holly and mistletoe.
3. Superheroes
Talking of heroes! Painshill’s festive winter trail runs throughout December. Go in search for Superman, watch out for Wonder Woman, hunt for Hulk and see if you can spot Spiderman. It’s fun for all children,(and for those young at heart too!).
4. Christmas Treats
Festive treats are now available in the Tea Room. Warm up with a mulled wine, indulge in a mince pie or bring a smile to someone’s face with a superhero cake.
5. Painshill Sparkling Wine
The Painshill Gift Shop is full of Christmas decorations and gifts. Pick up something for your tree or treat someone special to our signature Kitchen Garden Gin. We are expecting a delivery of wine in the next 2 weeks. Look our for our email once it is in stock and grab yourself a bottle, just in time for Christmas!
Painshill’s brand new car park will be open for its first visitors from 10am on Wednesday 9 November.
Visitors to Painshill will be very aware that the old car park deteriorated very quickly in bad weather. It become extremely uneven and muddy. In winter large sections of it unusable and Painshill struggled to provide people with easy parking, accessibility and a welcoming entrance.
We are delighted that the new car park offers a hard grid and stone surface which will offer a greatly improved visitor experience for drivers and secure the future of Painshill.
This project would not have been made possible without Elmbridge Borough Council who assisted us via the Community Infrastructure Levy. We offer them huge thanks for their continued support of Painshill Park Trust.
We would also like to say thank you to Motion for project managing, Breheny Civil Engineering for the construction of the site and to Councillor Simon Waugh, The Mayor of Elmbridge, for joining us to open it.
Thank you to all our members and visitors for their patience while the building work was completed. We very much hope that you will find arriving at Painshill a much better experience in the future!
Due to mild weather, autumn colour is late this year. Even though we are into November there is still plenty to enjoy! Come along for a walk in a work of art and enjoy the falling leaves and the stunning sights.
Here’s 5 things to enjoy at Painshill in November.
1. Autumn colour
The John Bartram Heritage Collection of American trees and shrubs can be found across Painshill, particularly around the Chinese Bridge which casts a stunning reflection on a still day.
2. Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing, a technique that was developed in Japan in the 1980s, is fast becoming very popular in the West.
Despite the name, the activity doesn’t involve getting into water! It is about practicing meditation while surrounded by trees. You can give it a go with our beginners guide or with one of our sessions in the landscape.
3. Superheroes!
Painshill’s festive winter trail starts on Saturday 19 November. Go in search for Superman, watch out for Wonder Woman, hunt for Hulk and see if you can spot Spiderman. It’s fun for all the family!
4. Walkies across the Woollett Bridge
We were hugely excited that our damaged Woollett Bridge was replaced with a brand new steel one last month. We have received lots of lovely pictures from our regular dog walkers. Why not join in the fun and send us a picture of your canine companions crossing the lake!
5. Autumn shopping
The Gift Shop at Painshill is full of autumn delights including hats, scarfs, blankets and ear warmers. Treat yourself or start your Christmas shopping early with Painshill Gin, Painshill honey or our new Painshill jigsaws in stock now.
