This time, we visited Painshill Park in the Summer and loved it even more. Our first visit is a hazy memory of a cold winter evening. My eldest was an infant, and our second was a toddler. However, I do remember entering the magical crystal cave. When the path opened up to the larger chamber, there was Santa in all his ruby glory. After our visit, we stumbled along the trail in the dark evening to the car. Our second visit was Winter 2020. We were given a press pass to explore their Snowfari. The kids were old enough to engage with the trail. This summer, we didn’t go on our usual 2-week beach getaway. Instead, we explored more of London, Surrey and East Sussex. Painshill was the kids’ choice. We had a fun summer day walking, talking, picnicking and exploring film locations at Painshill Park.
About Painshill Park
Painshill Park is an 18th-century property with a Grade 1 Historic Landscape. Charles Hamilton designed it. Hamilton was a painter, plantsman and designer between 1738 and 1773. He wanted the park to have the appearance of a living painting influenced by the Renaissance art movement.
In 1981, the Painshill Trust was formed to restore the estate. It’s now looked after by staff and volunteers.
Nowadays At The Park
Due to its grand views, the park is sometimes hired out for events such as weddings, concerts, photography and more. They also host their own seasonal events.
I was keen to see the film location for some of my favourite films and series, such as The Picture of Dorian Gray, Netflix’s Bridgerton and Black Mirror.
Free parking is available for drivers. However, if you are commuiting the nearest train stations are Cobham & Stoke d’Abernon Station and Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge Station. Taxis are on site from both stations.
Visit their website if you need information about assessibilty access.
Our Time At Painshill Park
It was a sunny August day when we set off for the park. The sky was such a clear, brilliant blue with fluffy white cirrocumulus clouds. First stop, we visited the Kitchen & Walled Garden. I wanted inspiration on companion planting when growing fruit and vegetables. I’m thinking maybe potatoes or even sweet corn. The garden is located before the ticket booth.
Visitor Tip: For Heritage Open Days, the Kitchen & Walled Garden will be free to visit on select days.
Since it was a Bank Holiday, the Crystal Grotto was open, which was a real treat for us. We had not seen the inside since our first visit. By daylight, it was still magical, just more crowded with visitors. On this occasion, we crossed the Woollett Bridge because the Chinese Bridge is currently undergoing restoration.
After the Crystal Grotto, we head up to the Turkish Tent, which has a spectacular viewpoint to see the lake and the iconic 5 Arch Bridge. Then, we picnicked under the trees near the Temple of Bacchus.
After lunch, Hubby took the reins and directed us to the Gothic Tower and the Hermitage. They were two points of interest I never had the opportunity to see prior to this visit. Of the two, the positioning of the Hermitage was quite picturesque. Legend has it that Hamilton spent three weeks there before ditching it and popping into a local pub. We didn’t go because by then we were flagging from all the walking. Around the bend is the Waterwheel which sits along the course of the River Mole. It was the perfect place to linger/rest before carrying on.
NOTE: If you enjoy long walks why not check out the Mole Gap Trail for more stunning Surrey Hills views.
Before leaving, we walked up to the Gothic Temple, film location for Netflix’s Black Mirror (Season 4 Episode 4 Hang the DJ) and The Picture of Dorian Gray 2009, staring Ben Barnes. We also walked to the area known as Keyhole Plantation, which is opposite the spot where the Bridgeton picnic scene (Season 1 Episode 2 Shock And Delight) was filmed.
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The beauty of Painshill Park is that from each viewpoint, it’s like looking out onto a living paintings. Believe it or not there are still viewpoints I missed. So, here’s hoping to 4th time lucky, when we next able to vist.
Don’t forget in September there are Heritage Open Days and the Kitchen & Walled Garden ONLY will be free to visit. Then in October half-term it’s a magical time to vist. Look out for fairy doors and vibrant autumnal coloured leaves.
I hope you enjoyed this blog. You will find more things to do in Surrey on the blog. Stay a while. Please register for the newsletter to stay in the loop. You can also find me on Instagram @Xpatathome and @MsXpat
