Further Afield For A Great Day Out: Painshill Park, Cobham

Published on: 12 Jun, 2013
Updated on: 12 Jun, 2013

This month John Gilbert takes a trip to Painshill Park near Cobham.

Author’s star-rated system:
*** Worth a visit
** Worth a detour
* Interesting

Painshill Park’s ruined abbey in late afternoon. Picture by Fred Holmes. Painshill Park Trust Ltd.

Situated less than 30 minutes drive north on the A3 from the centre of Guilford, and just a few miles left (east) along the Portsmouth road at Cobham lies one of England’s stunning 18th-century landscape gardens.

Created by the Dublin-born designer/politician the Honourable Charles Hamilton, between 1738 and 1773, and restored to its former glory by the Painshill Park Trust, a registered charity, the world renowned park and garden can proudly claim to accommodate an amazing and comprehensive collection of North American trees and plants.

Gothic Temple with silver birches. Picture by Fred Holmes. Painshill Park Trust Ltd.

Readers will quickly recognise that, in keeping with my earlier guides, this review will not simply reiterate readily available information found on the internet or Painshill’s own website, but will select a few personal favourite parts of the park and amazing follies, as well as highlighting all three main disciplines that perhaps should be described as adventure routes.

Turkish Tent in autumn. Picture by Fred Holmes. Painshill Park Trust Ltd.

First and foremost however, Painshill is undeniably expansive and visitors should be aware that it is not in any way similar to other landscaped gardens locally, which offer numerous more commercialised refreshment outlets. With its river, lake and numerous bridges it is more akin to a splendidly designed landscaped arboretum, where naturalists, walkers, strollers and dog owners can romp or stroll in delight.

Having stressed its adventurous intent, information of forthcoming events, membership and a variety of gifts, books as well as Painshill wines can however be readily obtained from the visitor centre and shop.*

Meanwhile, Mr Hamilton’s Tea Room**, provides an abundance of goodies, from morning coffee, light lunches and regal afternoon teas.

Historic Route ***

This adventure of around 2.5 miles will be a delight, especially for walking enthusiast and dog owners.

It does however have its drawbacks for those of us who are no longer sprightly. Although visitors will find some footpaths challenging, the rewards are numerous.

My favourite spot was the Gothic Temple with its scenic views. *** Followed by the Waterwheel *** And, the outstanding views from the Gothic Tower ***. On a clear day, you will quickly forget climbing the 99 steps!

NB: The Grotto is under restoration funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Water wheel in summer. Picture by Fred Holmes. Painshill Park Trust Ltd.

Accessible Routes: – routes that avoid the paths with step slopes.

Route A **

A central walk way: with lake views and beautiful bridges.

Route B alternative **

Includes: lower lake-side stroll.

Opening times

March – October
10.30am – 6pm or dusk if earlier (last entry 4.30pm)

November – February
10.30am – 4pm or dusk if earlier (last entry 3pm)
*except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Crystal Grotto opening times
The fully restored crystal Grotto will be open to visitors at weekends (1pm – 4pm) from June 29, 2013. Painshill relies on volunteers to steward the Grotto therefore opening times may change. Call to check opening times before travelling to avoid disappointment.

Admission prices:
Adults £6.60
Concessions £5.80
Children (5-16) £3.85
Under 5s Free
Family Ticket (2 Adults + 4 Children) £22
Pre-booked discounted group rates available (10+)
Children must be accompanied by an adult (max 4 children per adult)
Dogs welcome on a short lead

Painshill offers pre-booked wheelchair loan and pre-booked guided buggy tours for disabled persons.

Tel: 01932 868113.

Click here for Painshill Park’s own website.