Situated in the very heart of Surrey, England, Painshill Park is a great blend of all three: art, nature and history. Conceived in the 18th century, it still stands to this day as a popular destination for a Londoner’s day out.  

 
Painshill Park is quite an example of the detail behind gardening, designed by the politician Sir Charles Hamilton in the 18th century. Within the marvellous 158 acres (about twice the area of a large shopping mall) of land, dotted around are ‘follies’ which are replica statues often made of local resources.  The iconic crystal grotto is a must see in the park and there is a lot to admire about the construction of such a precise crystalline structure achieved within the folly. The park has many different landscapes and doesn’t seem to be the average green space. There are many areas such as the Vineyard and the central Chinese Bridge which add to their surroundings – expressing a deeper meaning within the park linked to their construction.  

The park served as a gathering place for authors, artists and politicians in the 1700s. Even though it is evident that the park seems to contain images of the Georgian period, lots of diversity is included with structures such as the Turkish Tent. With the wide variety of plants and natural species, the park's management promotes conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of its natural habitats. Many species of birds can be spotted nestling in the trees along the paths. 
 

It’s a great place to visit for a picnic during this Springtime when the sun is out, and it is relatively accessible if you choose to stop by (just off the M25 motorway).