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A leisurely circuit of Painshill’s eighteenth-century landscape garden in Cobham, with the Serpentine Lake, Gothic Temple, Crystal Grotto, Turkish Tent and Gothic Tower along the way. The changing views are the reason to take your time here: a lakeside ruin, a bridge reflected in the water and a temple set above the trees. Allow around two and a half hours for this 4.8 km walk, including pauses at the garden features.
Start in the visitor car park off Between Streets, cross the pedestrian entrance bridge and pass through admission. Follow the garden paths towards the Gothic Temple, Chinese Peninsula and Crystal Grotto, then continue across the Woollett and Five Arch bridges. Visit the Turkish Tent, Temple of Bacchus and Gothic Tower, return through the Hermitage area, and follow the northern lake path back towards the visitor centre. This circuit combines paths shown on Painshill’s historic and accessible route map.
Admission is required: check ticket prices and book ahead if desired. Visitor parking is free, but the car park is locked after closing. Mr Hamilton’s Tea Room and toilets are near the entrance; use them before setting off. The Gothic Tower and grotto interiors have their own opening arrangements. The grotto normally closes on Mondays except bank holidays, and any posted closures take priority.
The Chinese Bridge reopened in September 2026 after restoration. Follow current garden signs if maintenance changes access. Paths are generally well defined, but the full circuit includes hills, uneven ground and narrower sections. Choose walking shoes with grip, take care on wet bridges and keep away from unguarded water edges. Dogs must stay on short leads throughout. Allow enough time to finish before the garden closes.
Map and visitor information: Painshill Park Trust, https://www.painshill.co.uk/explore-painshill/ . Check opening times before visiting: https://www.painshill.co.uk/visit-us/opening-times/
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