Painshill

About

Painshill is a beautiful 18th century landscape garden that makes a great out day for all ages.

Winding paths take you on a walk around a work of art, with a series of stunning views and vistas. Stroll around the Serpentine Lake, wander through woodland and discover the dramatically placed garden buildings.

Designed by Charles Hamilton, after he was inspired by Renaissance landscape paintings, Painshill is a ‘living canvas’. The 160 acre masterpiece has something for everyone. Discover the sparking Crystal Grotto (closed Mondays) and other buildings including the Gothic Temple, Ruined Abbey, Turkish Tent and Gothic Tower.

For horticulture lovers there are historic plantings including the John Bartram Heritage Collection of North American trees and shrubs (Plant Heritage, NCCPG) as well as veteran English Oaks and the largest cedar in Europe. A kitchen garden grows a huge variety of food and vegetables.

Other features include a restored Waterwheel, a Hermitage hidden in the woods, a Vineyard and amazing wildlife.

You can spend a whole day at Painshill or there are shorter accessible routes around the Serpentine Lake. Dogs are allowed on short leads. Picnics are very welcome and there are lots of lovely peaceful spots to spread out your blanket. Mr Hamilton’s Tea Room serves hot and cold light lunches and cream teas. A seasonal menu of specials are homemade with ingredients grown in the Kitchen Garden. The Gothic Tower Café (closed in winter) is a perfect half way stop around the landscape and has a menu that includes light bites, snacks, ice-cream and cake. 

Visit the shop for unique gifts, including Painshill Kitchen Garden Gin, Painshill honey and Painshill English Sparkling Wine, as well as greeting cards, books, jewellery and souvenirs.

For families there is a natural play area and, wildlife spotting trails.  There are regular Parent and Child Forest School sessions which can be booked for pre-school children. These sessions are the perfect way to get out and introduce your child to the great outdoors. Every magical session is 1 hour 30 minutes long and begins with sensory free play in our woods, giving children a chance to play and make friends and giving grown-ups a chance to play too!

An extensive event programme includes family events such as fun Easter and Christmas trails as well as historical tours and talks, photography workshops, live music and stand-up comedy. 

Painshill offers discounted rates for adult groups (numbers 10+).  Visits can be tailored to your group’s needs and interests with a guide or the Head Gardener available for tours. Lunches and refreshments can be arranged for group visits.  Advanced booking required.

Painshill has a broad range of outdoor learning activities for school visits. Activities are suitable for Early Years, Key Stage 1 and, Key Stage 2 curriculums. The experienced Education Team similarly run the day camps for children to enjoy outdoor activities including campfire cooking, bushcraft, den building and wild art.

Painshill offers a pre-booked buggy service and wheelchair hire for visitors with disabilities or mobility requirements. Service dogs are allowed in all areas. A disabled toilet is found outside the Visitor Centre and Tea Room, both of which are accessible.

Why not join up as a Painshill member and enjoy the garden all year around? Members can see the garden in every season with unlimited free entry, free tickets to talks and tours as well as discounts to other events.