Where the walk is a work of art.
Painshill is a stunning, award-winning 18th century landscape garden created between 1738 and 1773, by the Hon. Charles Hamilton. Inspired by landscape paintings and his Grand Tours across Europe, he created a sequence of breath-taking and surprising vistas. The landscapes form living works of art with theatrically placed architectural buildings.
From the sparkling Crystal Grotto to the enchanting Gothic Tower, each of the beautifully unique buildings celebrates a different style of architecture. Other key features include the Waterwheel; one of the largest working wheels in the UK, a quaint Hermitage hidden in the woods and the Painshill Vineyard with beautiful views across the North Downs. It’s a photographer’s paradise where, with each turn you take, you will discover a picture perfect view.
A 14 acre lake sits at the heart of the Painshill landscape which attracts an abundance of wildlife and lake birds including swans, Egyptian Geese, herons and coots. Stroll along the banks and enjoy the tranquillity of the calming waters. Designed to curve away out of view, the lake will draw your eye to the beautiful vistas, like the Roman style Five Arch Bridge that casts its reflection across the surface.
Built at the Parks highest point, the 27-meter tall square tower dominates the landscape at the western end. Climb to the top and you are rewarded with a view that includes four different counties. On a clear day, Canary Wharf and Windsor Castle can be seen.
At the end of the day your visit includes a delicious cream tea at Mr Hamilton’s Tea Room.