Painshill - a walk in a work of art

About

The Painshill landscape is a walk in a work of art. The garden was designed as a series of living paintings in the 18th century. Winding paths take the walker on a journey to discover stunning views and dramatically placed garden buildings, including a Ruined Abbey, Grotto and Gothic Tower.

The historic route is approximately 3 miles long and includes a mixture of made and unmade paths. There are some inclines and uneven surfaces.

From the Visitor Centre head uphill along made up paths towards the first amazing view across the Vineyard, scroll along the lines of trees before turning right into the Amphitheatre, where you can enjoy tiered planting and the Sabine Statue. After you have enjoyed the incredible view from the Gothic Tower, make your way downhill through winding woodland where there are bluebells in spring and beautiful colour in autumn. Cross the Chinese Bridge and take in the splendour of the sparkling Crystal Grotto. Continue over Grotto Island and around the Serpentine Lake, spotting wild birds and taking in views of the Five Arch Bridge. When you leave the lake behind, the paths become unmade as the garden becomes wilder. Head through wildflower meadows to the fir tree lined Alpine Valley, finding the hidden Hermitage on the way. At the far end of the landscape you will find the Gothic Tower which you can climb (please check its opening times) to find views across four counties. Heading back, do not miss the latest garden building to be restored by the charity, the Temple of Bacchus, as well as the vista from the Turkish Tent. When you re-join the lake you can take one of two paths. The first, along the north bank, will take you past the Great Cedar tree and the second, on the south, offers an picture perfect outlook on the Ruined Abbey.

Dogs are very welcome but must be kept on leads.

There is a Tea Room at the Visitor Centre for hot meals or Afternoon Tea and a Café in the Gothic Tower, half way around, for light bites and ice-cream.

For those who do not wish to do the historic route there are plenty of made up paths around the lake that offer shorter or more accessible walks with beautiful views.

And for those wishing to extend their walk there is an extra meadow to circuit where you will find the Painshill bee hives.