Visit Painshill
Painshill is an award-winning 18th century landscape garden where you are invited to walk around a work of art. Winding paths will take you on a journey to discover a living canvas with simply stunning views and beautiful garden buildings. Stroll around the Serpentine Lake, wander through woodland and promenade past follies, including the Ruined Abbey, Gothic Temple and Turkish Tent.
A Grade 1 listed garden, Painshill was created between 1738 and 1773 by the Honourable Charles Hamilton after he was inspired by Renaissance landscape painting. From the sparkling Crystal Grotto* to the amazing Gothic Tower*, each of the beautifully unique buildings is dramatically placed to create a living masterpiece. Other key features include the Waterwheel, a quaint Hermitage hidden in the woods and the Painshill Vineyard. Find out more about the history of the landscape and Hamilton’s vision by taking a guided tour.
For families there is a natural play area and wildlife spotting trials as well as wildflower meadows to run around in and get back to nature.
Dogs are very welcome.
You can spend a whole day at Painshill or there are shorter accessible routes. Bring a picnic or visit Hamilton’s Tea Room for some delicious treats and refreshments, and don’t forget to visit the Painshill Shop to view an extensive range of gifts, souvenirs, decorations and even Painshill’s very own Sparkling Wine.

Walk a work of art
Walk a work of art
and discover the landscape as Hamilton’s guests would have done. Follow the historic route and watch as buildings and vistas unfold before you.

Stroll around the lake
Stroll around the lake
and relax in the tranquil atmosphere. There is always wildlife to spot and beautiful reflections from the bridges.

Visit the Crystal Grotto
Visit the Crystal Grotto
and marvel in the magical sparkling cave.
Please check opening times.
Find out more
Discover the Temple
Discover the Temple
and learn about the restoration of Painshill. The Temple of Bacchus is the latest folly to be worked on and the inside is still to be restored.
Find out more
Take a trip to the tent
Take a trip to the tent
and admire the view from the top. It is known to have been Hamilton’s favourite!

Climb the Gothic Tower
Climb the Gothic Tower
and reward yourself with tea and cake!*
*please check the opening times
Find out more
Find the hidden Hermitage
Find the hidden Hermitage
and discover the legend of the Painshil hermit.

Soak up stunning views
Soak up stunning views
from all over the landscape, including the Gothic Temple.

Wander in the woodland
Wander in the woodland
and get back to nature. Visit at different times of the year and enjoy spring flowers or autumn leaves.

Amble along the vines
Amble along the vines
and learn about the Painshill sparkling wine produced every year from the grapes.

Picnic & play
Picnic & play
in our natural children’s play area with dens, balance logs and stepping stones.

Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink
in Mr Hamilton’s Tea Room or in the Gothic Tower Cafe*
*please check the opening times
Find out more