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At the entrance to Painshill, close to the Visitor Centre, is a feature that is often overlooked. Two large walled gardens were part of the original 18th century estate and vital to Charles Hamilton’s operations. They were built in 1756 to grow fruit and vegetables for his estate and its workers. He also used them to start growing new exotic plants that he received from America in seed boxes, before planting them out in his landscape. The warmth of the walls creates an environment that was described at the time as “some of the most productive in Surrey with extensive ranges of Hot Houses, Grapery and Peach Houses”. Pits for growing pineapples, a rarity in 18th century Britain, were discovered when the Painshill Park Trust undertook archaeology work.

Today the Kitchen Garden is once again thriving due to the charity’s gardening team and our landscape volunteers. It produces a huge variety of fruit and vegetables. Each week from spring to autumn they harvest whatever is in season, from the first salad leaves to October pumpkins.

Much of the produce heads to Mr Hamilton’s Tea Room, where our amazing catering staff get creative. Daily specials with ingredients from the Kitchen Garden can be purchased on your visit and there are often sweet and savoury options. The fresh and tasty ingredients could not be more seasonal or more local!

In our latest initiative to reduce waste, surplus fruit and vegetables will now be available in the Gift Shop. They can be taken away for a donation of your choice to Painshill Park Trust and the ongoing upkeep and restoration of the landscape.

We hope you will stop by the Kitchen Garden on our next visit and see it for yourself!

The school holidays are here and August is all about getting together with your family and making special memories.

With heaps of history and heritage, vast beauty and outdoor adventure, Painshill appeals to all ages.

Here’s 5 things to enjoy at Painshill in August.

1. Enjoy a family day out

School is out for summer!

Put Painshill on your list this summer holiday for a fantastic family day out. Go in search of a fairy-tale castle or a sparkling crystal cave. Get back to nature with our children’s wildlife spotting trails and activity sheets or bring along a picnic and relax all day.

Did you know we offer free tickets for the under 5s? They can also bring a bike or scooter with them.

2. Relax with a festival of Wellbeing

Join us this August as we team up with Wisdom on Wellness to bring you a festival full of good vibes. Take a guided tour of the landscape, listen to guest speakers, shop wellbeing products and try a taster workshop in Forest Bathing, Sound Healing and more!

3. Treat yourself to ice-cream

In the summer sun there is nothing better than a cold sweet treat! Our ice-cream hut is open over the school holidays serving the absolutely delicious Joe Delucci’s Gelato.

4. Enjoy family favourite Alice in Wonderland

The end of August (Sat 27th) brings our last outdoor theatre event for 2022. The family favourite Alice in Wonderland is one for all ages. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and on one amazing adventure!

5. Listen to jazz music on the Amphitheatre

Relax with a chilled drink from Corks Occasions and listen to live jazz on the Amphitheatre lawn from The Sarah Jane Eveleigh Jazz Quartet every Sunday in the month, plus the bank holiday Monday!

With a heat wave just around the corner we are truly in the height of summer. Now is the time to enjoy the tranquility of Painshill and soak up the sun!

We have recently cut the lawns to make the hay. Now the grass is short why not bring along a picnic and spread out on a blanket for a relaxing summer afternoon in the landscape.

Here’s 5 things to enjoy at Painshill in July.

1. Enjoy Live Music Lates

Cover bands and world renowned tribute bands will bring a festival vibe to our stunning gardens every Wed and Thur. In July don’t miss brit pop covers from Jump the Gun or rock from Lady Luck and the Riverside Boys. We will also welcome Rick Parfitt Jr, son of a Status Quo legend. Read our interview with him here.

2. Spot the Hollyhocks

Look out for one of the most beautiful summer flowers – the Hollyhock. It gives that cottage garden vibe to the beds around the Temple of Bacchus and in the Walled Garden. The Walled Garden is open for our summer events including stand-up comedy on Tuesdays.

3. Find out about the Crystal Grotto

Step into the Crystal Grotto and you will not want to put your camera down. The shimmering cave is covered in sparkling crystals.

One of the tunnels to enter the Crystal Grotto is currently being repaired. If you see our volunteers at work please do stop and chat. They would be very happy to tell you what they are working on and show you how the Grotto walls are created and maintained. In the below video Warwick Hutchinson tells us a bit about it.

The Grotto chamber is open Tues to Sun.

4. Stroll in the Kitchen Garden

On your visit don’t miss the Kitchen Garden just outside the entrance to Painshill. in summer it is alive with a variety of plants. We are currently busy harvesting lots of fruit and veg for use in our Tea Room.

5. See some Shakespeare

440 Theatre are 4 actors delivering exciting, engaging and energetic pieces of theatre in 40 minutes! They bring a double-bill – Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet – to Painshill on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 July.

Rick Parfitt Jr, son of a Status Quo legend, has promised to “rock the proverbial roof off the place” when he and his band of seasoned musicians bring their live show to Painshill on Wed 13 July.

Rick is, of course, the son of Status Quo’s late, legendary rhythm guitarist Rick Parfitt. He and his bandmates in the RPJ Band are experienced rock musicians who between them have shared a stage with stars such as ELO, Belinda Carlisle, Gary Barlow, Teenage Dirtbag, Robert Plant and Jack Savoretti – to name just a few.

“I have lived all over the county and have known about Painshill all my life,”

says Rick, who was born and grew up in Surrey. I’m looking forward to getting there a bit early, lying out in the sunshine and then, as the sun goes down, rocking the proverbial roof off the place!”

As the number one corporate events band in the UK, the RPJ Band travels all over the world and sets the standard for the industry. This year, the band will open the Isle of Wight Festival along with a raft of others across the country.

“I’m so passionate about this band,” says Rick. “When we started, there was no one doing what we were doing in the event world. No one dared to – they all played it safe. I wanted to raise the bar.

“Everyone frowned on functions and wedding bands – there was a stigma to it and there still is to an extent, but I really believe that shouldn’t mean you can’t get an absolutely amazing experience with incredible musicians playing the best songs ever; really pushing them across as they should be played to give that proper Wembley Stadium-style experience.

“We’ve become very good at that over the years – we fire energy into people, and they go nuts.”

Being the best was always the aim of a musician who struggled with all the insecurities that being the son of a rock star brings.

“People say there’s nothing more balanced than kids of rock stars as they have a chip on both shoulders, and I think that’s probably pretty fair. It’s very difficult to make your way in the same profession as your father, especially when you have the same name.

“People just want to put you down – it’s the easiest thing. If you do well, it’s because of your father, if you don’t do well, then you must be rubbish. You can’t win.

“When I was younger, I had big management, but I was very naïve and surrounded by sharks who thought they could make money off my name. I wasn’t sure who I was an artist, and I was racked with the insecurities of having a famous dad and what people would say. It just didn’t end up working.

“That’s probably the reason I went into the corporate events side of music and called my band the RPJ Band, so nobody would know it was me.”

Hiding from the crowd was something Rick, who has had Crohn’s Disease from the age of nine, was used to.

Suffering all the way through his teenage years, by the age of 21 he weighed just five and a half stone and had to have his first major bowel resection.

“When everyone else was formulating their lives, I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t do anything; I looked awful. I thought I was going to spend all my life in pain. Motorsport is my other passion away from music. I had my first experience of a go kart on a track in the field at Queen drummer Roger Taylor’s house – I couldn’t reach the brakes, so I just pressed the accelerator and went round and round for hours until the petrol ran out!

“When I was at my lowest point with Crohn’s, it was motorsport and karting that actually gave me my life back because I could hide behind a helmet and a race suit, and no one would look at me and see that thin, ill kid.

“Instead, they just said – oh look, he’s quick. They were judging me on talent and nothing else.

“I have always somehow found the reserves to get through. I won’t ever let it defeat me and I won’t be defined by the illness.

“With the racing, with the music, the whole point of my message is to say to everyone look, I’ve had nearly 20 operations, four major ones, I have no gut left, I carry all the scars of insecurity that this illness gives you, but you can still achieve your dreams. I’m living proof of it. You just have to believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you, too.

“I’m the first and only driver to be both GT3 and GT4 champion, and I’m currently in British Touring Cars, the hardest championship in the word. I’m on stage in front of thousands. It can be done. 

“I get countless people reaching out to me and I will talk to anyone. Crohns and Colitis UK is amazing at bringing people together to support each other, and I’m proud to be an ambassador for them.”

Rick is now 47 and married to Rachel, with whom he runs a corporate events agency. They live in Nottingham with their Cavachon, Charlie.

“He’s awesome! When he was a puppy, Quo used to rehearse in Shepperton and I would take him along. They’d be smashing it out at a million decibels, and he would just go to sleep. I thought, how is he doing that? This dog is definitely a Parfitt. He’s a rock and roll little dog!”

So, will Rick be playing any Quo at Painshill?

“I tend to avoid playing Status Quo, but on occasions I’ve not been averse to putting one in. The one that occasionally makes it is Rockin’ All Over the World – and that’s because that is a cover as well.

And if it’s a return to Painshill, my home, I’ll have a lot of friends and family there, so, you know, I’m sure to throw something in…”

As we head into June, rich summer greens cover the landscape. From the long grass of the meadows to the trees in leaf, the gardens feel full and busting with life. 

It is also the start of our summer events programme! During June and July join us for Live Music Lates, or outdoor theatre in our Walled Garden

Here’s to the start of summer!

1. Live Music Lates

World renowned tribute bands will bring a festival vibe to our stunning gardens every Wed and Thur. In June we will be listening to music from The Bon Jovi Experience, Majesty, Dirty DC and more.

2. Foxgloves and daisies

In summer the wildflower meadows, woodlands and long grass look at their best. Look out for the foxgloves in the woodlands and the large oxeye daisies in the meadows.

3. Outdoor Theatre

Outdoor Theatre in the Walled Garden starts in June and carries on until August. Join us for Shakespeare classics surrounded by beautiful flower beds. On June 9, The Handlebards bring us their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. These cycling actors carry everything on their bikes as they tour the country. On June 18, Illyria presents an evening of romance, music and sheer joy – all performed on a stage inspired by those of the Elizabethan touring troupes.

4. Baby birds

We have many goslings and ducklings around the lake this year. Look out for Greylag Geese, Canadian Geese, Egyptian Geese, Coots, Swans, Mallards and Grebes.

5. Common Broom

Common Broom is in bloom around the Ruined Abbey the Temple of Bacchus. Not only is it pretty to look at it gives the area around it a beautiful scent. They are lovely spots to stop for a picnic.

Painshill Park Trust are delighted that our partners in a Surrey-based project to boost biodiversity have won £1.25m from the People’s Postcode Lottery’s Dream Fund.

The three year ‘Space 4 Nature’ project will see the University of Surrey and the Surrey Wildlife Trust working in partnership with Buglife and the Painshill Park Trust. The team will develop the newly emerging field of Earth Observation to monitor and improve nature restoration work.

The University of Surrey’s academics will use very high-resolution images from space satellites and drones and combine them with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to map areas of the Surrey Hills and Painshill Park. The sophisticated technology means the team can zoom in to less than 0.5m² to identify habitats, spot where dangers and threats to wildlife species lie, and find solutions which help to protect nature, for example, where to create wildlife corridors and B-Lines, a series of insect superhighways.

Paul Griffiths, Director of Painshill Park Trust, said, “We are thrilled that Painshill can contribute important data needed to protect wildlife in Surrey and we look forward to working with all the partners involved in this exciting project. Thank you to all the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery who have made this possible.”

Sarah Jane Chimbwandira, CEO of Surrey Wildlife Trust, said:

“Space 4 Nature will transform our ability to survey and assess land, allowing us to target conservation work so that it can have the biggest impact on biodiversity. During the project, we will create at least 30 hectares of habitat for pollinators. Coupling hi-tech solutions with boots on the ground will allow us to monitor the impact of this habitat creation on individual species and apply successful interventions for these species elsewhere in Surrey and beyond.  

The vision for this project is to connect Surrey’s nature by mapping and identifying the best areas of Surrey which can act as corridors to support a huge variety of species including bees, butterflies, birds and small mammals. Working with landowners, volunteers and community groups we aim to transform the plight of threatened species in Surrey.”    

Richard Murphy, Professor of Sustainability at the University of Surrey and academic lead on the Space 4 Nature project, said, “This project will be the first to involve expert ecologists and citizen scientists with the latest Earth Observation technology and artificial intelligence. It will fundamentally change the way we work in biodiversity and habitat management, providing the data so desperately needed to identify and monitor the best conservation approaches. It’s a new, powerful innovation for nature’s recovery which gives future generations a solution to a systemic problem and protects our planet.”

Launched in 2011, the Dream Fund gives charities a chance to deliver projects they have always dreamed of but never had the opportunity to bring to life. The fund has so far supported 40 ‘Dream’ projects, awarding £24 million to inspirational initiatives. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £900 million for charities and good causes working across Britain and beyond. 

Painshill was delighted on 16 May to welcome James Hamilton, 5^th Duke of Abercorn, to visit the Park and take a tour of the landscape. He was accompanied by his son James Hamilton, Marquess of Hamilton. 

The Duke of Abercorn is a Patron of the Painshill Park Trust and lineal descendant of The Honourable Charles Hamilton, who created Painshill between 1738 and 1773.

The title is a Peerage of Ireland.  The first Lord Abercorn received his title in 1603 from James VI (James I of England) in acknowledgement of his service to the King.  The family title was elevated to Earl in 1606, Marquess in 1790 and Duke in 1898.

Sir Stephen Lamport, Chairman of Painshill Park Trust, said “Charles Hamilton was a brilliantly gifted garden designer who created one of the finest English Landscape Gardens in the world. But Painshill’s family connection was lost over the years.  The father of the present Duke of Abercorn never had the delight of a visit to Painshill because the garden had fallen into disrepair and been effectively lost, so it was a particular pleasure to be able to show the present Duke and his son the wonderful progress the charity has made to restore Painshill to their ancestor Charles Hamilton’s original vision.”

Don’t mind the “weeds”,

we’re feeding the bees!

Many visitors to Painshill will be aware that over the summer we leave the grass to grow long across many of the meadows. Before you ask, no our Head Gardener hasn’t misplaced his lawn mower! Long grass encourages a wealth of wildflowers which in turn support pollinators and other insects. 

Biodiversity is key to combating climate change and the mass extinction of animal life. Ensuring the ground plants have light and are left to grow is an important part of Painshill’s plan. 

In recent years the science behind rewilding is growing in popularity and #NoMowMay is seeing millions take to social media to highlight the importance of allowing your lawn to grow a little wild. The gardeners at Painshill have been practicing this style of gardening for 250 years. Part of Charles Hamilton’s 18th century design always included open meadows of flowers. 

Pathways and picnic spots will be cut into the grass so our visitors can enjoy the landscape. We hope you will come along and sit near the wildflowers to experience the beauty of the long grass, enjoy the fluttering butterflies and take in the sounds of summer. 

Painshill Park Trust is delighted that The Great Cedar has been chosen as part of a nationwide network of 70 Ancient Trees to be dedicated to The Queen in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.

The tree at Painshill is part of a UK-wide network of 70 ancient woodlands and 70 ancient trees unveiled by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, in his role as Patron of The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC).

By sharing the stories behind the Ancient woodlands and trees, as well as the incredible efforts that are made to protect them, The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations.

The Prince of Wales, who is also a Royal Patron of the Painshill Park Trust, said: “Trees and woodlands have a profound significance for us all – their steadfast and reassuring presence a reminder of our long serving Sovereign and her enduring dedication. Let us ensure that in her name we can now protect and strengthen this wonderful living Canopy for the next seventy years and, hopefully, way beyond. And, above all, let us ensure that future generations can celebrate and enjoy them.”

Sir Stephen Lamport, Chairman of the Painshill Park Trust, said: “We are overjoyed that the Great Cedar at Painshill has been chosen to form part of this nationwide network, playing a meaningful part in the nationwide celebrations of Her Majesty’s work over 70 years of service. We are honoured to have The Prince of Wales as our Royal Patron and to be able to honour Her Majesty and her Jubilee in such a fitting way.”

The Great Cedar, a tree planted by Charles Hamilton in the 18^th century, has become the largest multi-stemmed Cedar in Europe and stands at 118 foot high. Hamilton, the creator of Painshill, was described as “painting with plants” and he used them to create atmosphere and beauty. He planted The Great Cedar to draw the eye of the visitor and create a dramatic moment in a view.

The tree has survived wars, drought, storms and a lighting strike. It has even survived the loss of the 18^th century garden after World War II. The garden was sold off in plots and fell into ruin. The Cedar lived on to see the restoration of the garden begin in 1981 with the founding of the Painshill Park Trust.

The Great Cedar has always been important to the community. It has inspired artists and poets, people have scaled its heights, Merrist Wood Collage have used it for training and many thousands of school children have enjoyed activities around it. It is labelled a Champion Tree for its width.

The Great Cedar is beloved today by Painshill members and visitors. Painshill grew in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when local people turned to nature and green outdoor spaces for some tranquility in troubled times. The community rallied behind Painshill and raised over £50,000 to help the garden survive lockdown and reopen safely. In summer 2020 we lit up The Great Cedar blue as a tribute to everyone working hard to get the country through the pandemic.

In 2022, Painshill Park Trust planted a new cedar to mark the Queen’s 70th year and celebrate what the species has brought to the landscape.

1. Bluebells

This bright blue spring flower is in bloom in areas across Painshill. Head to the woodland behind the Ruined Abbey or the bottom of the Turkish Tent to see them. Don’t forget to stop and take in their scent.

2. Wild Garlic in flower

Wild garlic grows all the way along the banks of the River Mole. You can spot the stunning delicate white flowers when walking along the south of the lake and around the Mausoleum and cascade.

3. Wildflower meadows

May is the month that the grass starts to grow long across the open areas at Painshill. We don’t mow it in order to encourage wildflowers. This aids the biodiversity of plants in the area and creates food and a habitat for butterflies, bees and other pollinators. The first to come up are the buttercups and daisies.

4. Daisies along the bottom of the vineyard

One of the first flowers growing in the grass is the daisy. This year there are are heaps on them along the bottom of the vineyard.

5. Nesting birds

Bring along a pair of binoculars on your visit and you can watch nesting birds on the islands in the lake. Painshill is home to ducks, geese, swans and many other lake birds. Although we can’t predict the timings, every year we will have families of coots, cygnets and often ducklings.