π¬π§ Day Trip from London: Painshill Park
π Sometimes, you just need to get out and enjoy the scenery! The weather in London has been quite nice lately, but the trip to Painshill Park was a bit overcast. Even so, it was incredibly picturesque and had a lovely atmosphere. π€οΈ β€οΈ Painshill Park is a Grade I listed landscape garden. Inspired by landscape paintings, Charles Hamilton, an Irish nobleman, created this Renaissance-style garden and grotto between 1738 and 1773. We visited in early May and were lucky enough to catch the Bluebell season (see photo 2)βit was absolutely stunning! πΈ π The "Ruined Abbey" (see photo 3) is the last garden building constructed by Charles in 1772. He also expanded the lake, so the ruins reflect beautifully in the water, creating a truly enchanting view. π° π The Crystal Grotto is a major highlight of the park and the main reason we visited. Inspired by Renaissance garden grottoes in Italy and natural coastal caves, Charles designed a cave that looks like a natural cavern. The grotto is made of bricks and lined with calcite, quartz, fluorite, and other minerals. It's designed to capture sunlight, illuminating the crystals and creating shimmering light bands on the ceiling. It's definitely worth a visit and a photo! π π§‘ We loved the small cafΓ© by the lake, converted from a stableβit was so charming. We took our time, enjoying a leisurely outdoor stroll. The adult ticket price was Β£16 per person, purchased on-site. π΅ π Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE #UK #London #LondonLiving #WeekendNature #ForestPark #NatureAdventure #ParkEnergy #WeekendParkVisit #UKLiving #ParkLife