Painshill
Painshill, Cobham, Surrey
Charles Hamilton's restored eighteenth-century landscape garden at Cobham, Surrey, where paths around the Serpentine Lake reveal a Crystal Grotto, Gothic Temple, Ruined Abbey, Turkish Tent and vineyard.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit Painshill?
Painshill is a garden designed to be walked, with each turn of the path revealing a new scene. Charles Hamilton made it between 1738 and 1773 as a kind of living painting, using trees, water and buildings to create moods, from the dark evergreens around the Mausoleum to the bright planting at the Temple of Bacchus. It is one of the finest examples of the English landscape garden style.
The circuit leads around the Serpentine Lake and up through woodland to the hillier western part, which Horace Walpole compared to an Alpine scene. On the way you meet the Gothic Temple looking over the lake, the Ruined Abbey, the Turkish Tent, the Hermitage, the Chinese Bridge and the Gothic Tower. The Crystal Grotto on the lake is the largest in England, decorated with quartz, feldspar and Blue John, and it is included in general admission, but it closes on Mondays except Bank Holidays. Do not miss the Great Cedar by the lake, reputed to be the largest multi-stemmed cedar in Europe, or the vineyard on the slopes. There is a tea room and a gift shop.
Gardeners will learn about framing views, using shrubs to hide and reveal, and planting for autumn colour. The John Bartram Heritage Collection of North American trees and shrubs has National Collection status, so this is also a place to see the exotics that Hamilton grew in the 1740s and 1750s.
What to see
- The Crystal Grotto, the largest in England, decorated with crystalline minerals.
- The Gothic Temple overlooking the Serpentine Lake.
- The Ruined Abbey, built by Hamilton in 1772 to hide his brickworks.
- The Turkish Tent and Hermitage, both reconstructed during restoration.
- The Great Cedar, reputed to be Europe's largest multi-stemmed cedar.
- The vineyard and the restored Chinese Bridge.
Painshill through the year
- spring
- Fresh green across the woods and lakeside, with shrubs flowering around the Temple of Bacchus area.
- summer
- Long days suit the full circuit of the lake and the western woods.
- autumn
- Hamilton's North American trees, such as tulip trees and Nyssa, give strong autumn colour.
- winter
- The follies stand out clearly among bare trees; high winds can close the park, so check before travelling.
The story behind the garden
Charles Hamilton, a son of the Earl of Abercorn, bought the land in 1737 and created the garden between 1738 and 1773 on heathland and woodland, inspired by paintings he saw on Grand Tours. He planted exotic trees, some from seed sent by John Bartram in Philadelphia. Debts forced him to sell in 1773, and later owners added the Bath House, the Ice House and Victorian conifers.
After requisition in the Second World War, the estate was split up in 1948 and fell into decay. Elmbridge Borough Council bought much of the land in 1975 and 1981, and Painshill Park Trust was formed in 1981 to restore it to Hamilton's design. The Gothic Temple was restored first, in 1985, and lost buildings such as the Turkish Tent and Hermitage were rebuilt. The park reopened in 1989, opened seven days a week from 1997, and won a Europa Nostra medal in 1999.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Walkers, history lovers and anyone who enjoys a garden that unfolds as a series of scenes.
- Getting there
- Painshill is in Cobham, Surrey, beside the River Mole; the official site gives directions by car, rail, bus and bike.
- Before you go
- The full circuit is a fair walk with some slopes, and National Trust or English Heritage cards do not give entry. Check the official website for current opening times, Crystal Grotto hours and tickets.
Source: Painshill visitor information
Questions about visiting Painshill
Is Painshill National Trust?
No. Painshill is run by Painshill Park Trust, an independent charity, and National Trust or English Heritage membership cards do not give free entry. Painshill has its own membership scheme.
Is the Crystal Grotto included in the ticket?
Yes. The Crystal Grotto is included in general admission. It is closed on Mondays for maintenance, except Bank Holiday Mondays, so check its opening times on the official website.
How long do you need at Painshill?
Allow at least half a day to walk around the Serpentine Lake and see the main follies at a relaxed pace. Visiting the western woods and Gothic Tower as well will take longer.
Who created Painshill?
The Hon. Charles Hamilton created Painshill between 1738 and 1773. Inspired by landscape painters, he arranged trees, water and follies as a series of scenes. He sold the estate in 1773 to repay debts.
Is there a café at Painshill?
Yes. Painshill has a tea room near the visitor centre, as well as a gift shop. The site is cashless, so bring a card for food and drink.
Garden features
Location
Painshill, Cobham, Surrey
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