Winter Inspiration at Painshill Park

As a gardener, i'm used to being outside every day, and despite the protestations of my 7 year old, we made the most of the sunshine and went for another walk today.

We are spoiled by great Scenery and landscapes locally in the Surrey Hills, but today's venue is a little more manufactured than the walks on the North Downs.

Painshill park was created as a romantic landscape by Charles Hamilton in the 18th Century. The trees and shrubs collected from all over the world, frame the wonderful lakes and valleys, and include a vineyard and a NCCPG heritage collection of plants.  It fell into ruin after the 2nd World War, but has been fully renovated in the last 30 years, including the follies and Towers, and is now a fantastic place for a walk, and inspiration.

This water wheel is used to raise water from the nearby river to fill the lakes and cascades, - but with the river in flood today, it was spinning but not raising water.

This Turkish tent which dominates the view down the valley is not actually a temporary structure like it looks, but a solid folly designed to be a place for vistors to have rest and tea, and look back over the valley.

If you'd like to visit Painshill during this month, they have a free entry offer every Wednesday in January

Comments

[Sarahl]

Beautiful! Nothing like the charm of English nature. Even in winter. Here in Aus it's stinking hot mid summer, even though la nina is blessing us with her presence :)

[Claire, Plantpassion]

i'm an English Rose, -can cope with cold winters by wrapping up warm and walking fast. - i'd be scuppered by too hot, and not as much change in the seasons

[Jacqui_Hurst]

Just love wintery view of Painshill, looking along the lake.

[Thomp Bill]

I really love the lake. It's really adorable and amazing. Whenever I saw a lake I use to plant seedlings beside it and try to go fishing. It's fun and interesting. My memories flashes back when I was a child. Thanks for sharing this page. I hope to see more next time.