Painshill Park Surrey
An enchanting 18th-century landscape garden near London, featuring a magical Crystal Grotto, follies, and serene lakes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Painshill Park Surrey
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An enchanting 18th-century landscape garden near London, featuring a magical Crystal Grotto, follies, and serene lakes.
"A truly magical and picturesque escape, Painshill Park offers stunning scenery and unique features for all to enjoy."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The historic route has steep sections. Opt for sturdy footwear for exploring the extensive grounds.
🗺️ Grab a Map (and be patient!)
Maps can be tricky. Embrace getting a little lost; it's part of the adventure!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Grotto
Central area of the park
A mesmerizing, man-made cave adorned with thousands of sparkling crystals. A truly magical and photogenic spot.
Gothic Tower
Overlooking the lake
An imposing folly offering panoramic views of the landscaped gardens and lake. Perfect for a moment of reflection.
Serpentine Lake
Heart of the park
A picturesque lake with a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by diverse flora and follies. Ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls.
Chinese Water Bridge
Across the lake
An elegant, historic bridge offering scenic vistas and a charming architectural element within the gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The historic route has steep sections. Opt for sturdy footwear for exploring the extensive grounds.
🗺️ Grab a Map (and be patient!)
Maps can be tricky. Embrace getting a little lost; it's part of the adventure!
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic with stunning views. Plenty of spots available.
📸 Camera Ready!
The Crystal Grotto is a photographer's dream. Don't miss capturing its magic.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The historic route has steep sections. Opt for sturdy footwear for exploring the extensive grounds.
🗺️ Grab a Map (and be patient!)
Maps can be tricky. Embrace getting a little lost; it's part of the adventure!
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic with stunning views. Plenty of spots available.
📸 Camera Ready!
The Crystal Grotto is a photographer's dream. Don't miss capturing its magic.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
Dogs must be on a short leash at all times to ensure safety for all visitors.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Slightly cheaper and saves time at the entrance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Painshill Park's stunning beauty, extensive grounds, and unique features like the Crystal Grotto and follies. It's praised as a peaceful escape and a great spot for photography and picnics. Some find the maps difficult to follow and note that dogs off-leash can be an issue, but overall, it's considered a highly enjoyable and worthwhile visit.
"Beautiful park with stunning scenery. There are two trails to choose from, the historic route and the accessible route. The historic route has some very steep sections so keep this in mind before visiting!
We found that the map was hard to follow as it didn’t quite match up with the actual paths in the park and there weren’t many signs so we did get lost quite a bit. We ended up going backwards on the trail for half of it but we still managed to see everything.
The Chinese Water Bridge is closed for renovations which is very exciting and shows us what our entrance fees are being used for. There is no mention of this on the map but in order to access the Crystal Grotto you have to follow the path around to the other side of the lake where there is another bridge to cross over.
Lots of places to sit and have lunch and visitors are encouraged to bring their own blankets etc for a lovely picnic.
My only complaint is that I saw quite a few dogs running around off-leash even though the rules are that they have to be on a short leash at all times. This could put other park users and their dogs at risk. I did not see any staff around the park enforcing these rules.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day out here and will definitely consider visiting again."
Chelsea
"Very beautifulpark. Good place for photographers who loves taking nature photos. Also good for wedding photos too. For Bluepeter batch holders free and for others I would recommend buying the entrance tickets online which is slightly cheaper. Live out door performance also can be booked online and hiring for the wedding ceremony too."
Kishor Kumar
"Beautiful park with an interesting history. The grounds are well kept with different routes to follow. Entry price wasn’t too expensive and the price of refreshments was what you would expect, although a little on the pricier side. Spent 5 hours with two young children strolling through the grounds and visiting the different sights. If you’re a fan of the recent Taskmaster series it’s also a must to see the filming locations!"
Adam M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Painshill Park is easily accessible from London. By car, it's about a 30-50 minute drive depending on traffic.
Yes, free parking is available for visitors at Painshill Park, which is a great perk for those driving.
Absolutely! You can take a train from London Waterloo to Cobham & Stoke d'Abernon station, which is about a 40-minute journey. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to the park.
Painshill Park is located at Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE.
Painshill Park offers an accessible route in addition to its historic route, making it more manageable for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are around £13.50 for adults, though booking online may offer a slight discount. Blue Peter badge holders get free entry.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance, but booking online in advance is recommended for potential savings and to guarantee entry, especially during busy periods.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official Painshill Park website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, Blue Peter badge holders receive free entry. Booking tickets online might also offer a small discount compared to purchasing on the day.
The Crystal Grotto is a key attraction and is generally accessible during park opening hours. However, it's always wise to check for any temporary closures or maintenance notices on their website.
📸 📸 Photography
Painshill Park is a photographer's paradise! The Crystal Grotto is a must-see, with its sparkling crystals creating magical shots.
Yes, photography is encouraged inside the Crystal Grotto, but visitors are reminded not to touch the crystals to preserve their delicate nature.
Absolutely! The beautiful landscapes, historic follies, and romantic atmosphere make Painshill Park an excellent location for wedding photos.
Typically, drones are not permitted in national parks and heritage sites like Painshill Park to protect the environment and visitor experience. It's best to check their specific drone policy.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset often provide the most beautiful light for photography. However, the park's diverse features mean good photos can be captured throughout the day.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Painshill Park boasts a stunning 18th-century landscape garden featuring a Crystal Grotto, Gothic Tower, follies, a lake, and a vineyard.+1 You can explore various walking trails, enjoy picnics, and visit the tearoom.
Yes, there is a tearoom on-site offering refreshments, coffee, and sweet treats. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own picnics to enjoy in designated areas.
Dogs are welcome at Painshill Park but must be kept on a short leash at all times to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors and wildlife.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, the park's historical significance suggests that guided tours might be available or recommended for a deeper understanding of its history. Check their official website for details.
The historic route is one of the main trails through the park, offering a more challenging and immersive experience of the landscape, but it can include very steep sections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
The Gothic Tower provides stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. Don't miss the Serpentine Lake and the various follies scattered throughout the park, each offering a picturesque scene. The park's historical architecture and natural beauty make it a versatile location for portraits, nature shots, and capturing the essence of an 18th-century landscape. ❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Crystal Grotto
Visitors are often mesmerized by its shimmering beauty and the illusion of a natural cavern. It's a highlight for many, offering a truly magical experience that feels like stepping into a fairytale.+1 Remember to admire its beauty without touching the delicate formations to preserve it for future visitors.This grotto is not just visually stunning; it's a testament to the ingenuity of 18th-century landscape design. The way light plays off the crystals creates an ethereal glow, making it a prime spot for photography.
Many visitors describe it as a 'must-see' and a highlight of their trip, often spending a good amount of time simply taking in its unique atmosphere. It's a relatively small area but leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.While the grotto itself is a focal point, its placement within the broader landscape of Painshill Park enhances its allure. It's strategically located to be discovered as part of a journey through the gardens, adding to the sense of wonder and discovery that Charles Hamilton intended when he designed the estate. The surrounding area often features water elements that further complement the grotto's mystical ambiance.
Exploring the 18th-Century Landscape
+1 The park's design encourages exploration, with winding paths leading visitors through diverse vistas, including valleys, hills, and water features like the Serpentine Lake.Key features that contribute to this picturesque design include the Gothic Tower, offering commanding views, and the Chinese Water Bridge, an elegant architectural element. The park also features a vineyard, a testament to Hamilton's ambition to create a self-sufficient estate. The intention was to create a series of 'scenes' for visitors to discover, making a walk through Painshill a journey of continuous visual delight. Many visitors appreciate the extensive grounds, noting that even on a busy day, it feels spacious and uncrowded.
When visiting, be aware that the historic route is designed to showcase the full landscape but can be quite steep and challenging in places.
Bridgerton Filming Location
The park's stunning 18th-century landscape gardens, with their romantic follies and picturesque scenery, provide the perfect backdrop for the show's opulent historical setting. Fans of the series often visit to see the locations where their favorite scenes were filmed, adding a layer of celebrity allure to the visit.Specific areas within Painshill that have featured in 'Bridgerton' include the elegant follies and the sweeping lawns, which evoke the grandeur of the Regency era. The park's naturalistic design, with its winding paths and hidden vistas, lends itself perfectly to the romantic and dramatic narratives of the show. This connection has drawn many visitors who are eager to experience the real-life setting of their beloved series.
+1For those who are fans of 'Bridgerton', a visit to Painshill Park offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of the show. It allows visitors to imagine themselves amidst the lavish balls and romantic encounters depicted on screen, all within the beautiful and historic surroundings of this Surrey gem. It's a great way to combine a love for history, nature, and popular culture.
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