Further Afield For A Pleasant Day Out: Clandon Park and Hatchlands Park

Published on: 24 Mar, 2013
Updated on: 24 Mar, 2013

This month John Gilbert takes a trip to National Trust properties Clandon Park and Hatchlands Park.

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

Although many readers may be ardent members of the National Trust and therefore well acquainted with these local venues, experience and a few searching questions often reveal surprises.

First and foremost, more than a generous majority of people still able to declare that they remain under a certain magical, golden age, whatever age that might now suggest, have never thought about joining the National Trust.

Secondly, many members are unaware that their membership has lapsed, while others, although still active and supportive, appear to have forgotten the delight that a renewed visit could bring. And, so very often, the splendour of wonders nearby can sadly become overlooked. Perhaps this review might help?

East lawn at Clandon Park. Picture courtesy National Trust.

Clandon Park***

Home to the Onslow dynasty for over 300 years, each heir continued to improve the estate in recognition of their increased standing in both the London social scene and within the powerful walls of Westminster’s parliament. Although the prestigious mansion and seven acres of gardens were given to the National Trust in 1956, the highly influential family still own and tend the wider parkland.

The house***

Designed around the 1720s for the second Lord Onslow by the fashionable Venetian architect, Giacomo Leoni, the stately home is an outstanding example of the neoclassical Palladian mode and its architectural style, favoured by the innovative 16th-century Venetian architect Andrea Palladio, lavishly welcomes structural elements of ancient Greek and Rome.

Marble hall ceiling at Clandon Park. Picture by James Duffy, National Trust.

The ground floor: Take time to study the dramatic marble hall where guests would be received and parties arranged. Marvel at the stunning Carrara marble, the fresh white walls and wonder at the sense of space and light created by the truly inspirational ceiling.

Don’t miss the Speakers’ Parlour, used as a dining room and named after the three Speakers the family have provided for the House of Commons.  Look out for the Hunting Room with its superb collection of 17th- and 18th- century Chinese porcelain birds, acquired and donated in the late 1960s from the remarkable connoisseur, Mrs David Gubbay.

First floor: Whereas all the first floor rooms are interesting, don’t forget to take a closer look at the porcelain collection on display in the gallery. Thereafter, having admired the stone staircase, continue down the wooden stairs to the Surrey Infantry Museum which provides a comprehensive up-to-date history of Surrey’s proud military tradition.

The Maori meeting house in the garden at Clandon Park. Picture courtesy National Trust.

Gardens**

Take a relaxing stroll or picnic on the lawn within the family friendly gardens, home to a small parterre, sunken Dutch beds and the unique Maori meeting house, Hinemihi, which was brought to Clandon in 1892 when the fourth earl finished his term of office as governor of New Zealand. During August last year, members of the New Zealand Olympic team and invited guests were formally welcomed to Hinemihi, the only Maori meeting house in the UK.

NB: assistance dogs only.

Undercroft restaurant: National Trust-approved concession. **

Gift shop *

Hatchlands pictured by James Duffy, National Trust.

Hatchlands Park***

Unquestionably Hatchlands, with more than 400 acres of woods, lush grassland, and a peaceful lake, is one of the foremost country estates which nestles upon the fringes of our much treasured Surrey Hills.

House and guided tours**

Originally built for Georgian naval hero, Admiral Edward Boscawen in 1756, the compact yet elegant stately house has since been home to over five influential families. Now cherished by tenant – art restorer, interior designer, musician and collector – Alec Cobbe, the splendid house also accommodates his inspiring collection of artwork, fine furniture and musical instruments. Among these are keyboards previously owned by Marie Antoniette, Chopin, Elgar and Bizet.

The Jekyll Garden*

With the clue clearly within the grand title, most green-fingered readers and many others will immediately guess that the bijou, parterre garden was designed by Gertrude Jekyll. The celebrated garden artist is best known for her admiration of formal patterned beds, made more prominent by low evergreen hedges – usually box.

Children will love the wooden sculptures waiting to be discovered. Picture by Matthew Batchelor, National Trust.

Parkland***

To reiterate on the introduction, the 400 acres of woods, grassland and peaceful lake are an inspiration. Along with the enchanting Wizard Wix’s Willow Warren, where children can romp in delight around an array of hand-crafted sculptures, there are also five colour-coded walks that offer a range of disciplines – 30 minutes up to one and a half hours.

Bluebells at Hatchlands Park pictured by James Duffy, National Trust.

Other regular activities include ‘pony magic’ rides for children and ‘have a go archery’ or, in stark contrast, a gentle stroll within the spring bluebells of Little Wix Woods will ensure that the time spent at Hatchlands parklands will be a complete joy!

Tea room ** (National Trust-approved concession) in the original kitchen while the adjoining courtyard provides outside seating.

Gift shop *

Clandon Park is off the A247, three miles from Guildford, while Hatchlands is off the A246, a few miles on from the Clandons towards West Horsley.

Click here for National Trust website.

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