Painshill Park, in Cobham, Surrey, is one of my very favourite local photography locations. An eighteenth century landscape garden, with several ‘follies’ ideally positioned to be ‘picturesque’ in the true sense of the term, it pleases the camera in any season. The top image is a view of the Lake from the Gothic Temple.
‘Painshill was created between 1738 and 1773 by the Hon Charles Hamilton, 9th son and 14th child of 6th Earl of Abercorn. A painter, plantsman and brilliantly gifted and imaginative designer, he dedicated his creative genius to the layout and composition of a landscape garden which was unique in Europe and still remains so.’
‘Painshill was created as a romantic landscape to stimulate the senses and emotions of the visitor…The gardens were among the earliest to reflect the changing fashion from geometric formality to the naturalistic style.’
The ruined abbey catches the morning sun. The use of still water to create reflections was one of the typical elements in landscape gardens of the period.
‘Rescuing and restoring this exceptional Grade I landscape has been very challenging and difficult but ultimately exceedingly rewarding, capped with the award of the rare Europa Nostra Medal in 1998 “for the exemplary restoration from a state of extreme neglect, of a most important 18th century landscape park and its extraordinary buildings”. Painshill Park is of international importance and therefore The Painshill Park Trust now has a long-term aim to become a world heritage site.’
The-Story-of-Painshill
The Park is big enough that it never feels crowded. Largely maintained and staffed by volunteers, it is a fascinating and beautiful place to visit.
The grotto is another of the follies, and it looks very spooky in fog. Father Christmas holds court inside every year.
There is even a working vineyard.
Wildlife abounds…
… from the small…
…to the not so small.
If you are ever in the area, Painshill Park is a must see!
There are more images in my Flickr set.
Focused Moments 
Love your photos! So clear – esp like the reflective shots of the water. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much! I am really pleased you like it. Thank you for commenting!
Lovely post Rachael and beautiful shots too. I have not been here since I was in my teens when I went with my parents, which is a rather a long time ago now! I really should go again 😮
Thanks, Karen. You definitely should go back. It has changed a lot since then. You would love it!
Thank you-I feel like I was there!
Thank you very much. Perhaps you will be able to go there in person one day!
I know, I know, I really must go! Beautiful photos – you’ve pushed this place to the top of my to-do list!
Excellent. I am so glad you enjoyed it. I know you won’t be disappointed when you go. Did I mention they have a nice tea room? 😉
Rachael, I adore the shot with the leaves in the foreground. Such an inviting scene!
Thank you very much, Trish. It is one of my favourites too.
Wonderful images!
Thank you very much, Silvia.
What a wonderful location and these shots are gorgeous. I love that third one with the two leaves on the grass in the foreground, and what is it about fog that adds instant atmosphere? Great post Rachael.
Thank you, Barbara. It’s very hard to go wrong in a place as lovely as Painshill.
I really think you have captured this magnificent place, and only in a few stunning pictures.
Thank you very much! Hard to go wrong with a location this good.
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