Painshill Park Trust urgently needs to rebuild the Chinese Bridge. The Bridge was restored in the 1980s and, after 40 years of use, the wood is unstable and needs replacing.

Created in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton as a living painting, Painshill invites visitors to walk around a work of art, discovering dramatic follies, calming waters and stunning views along the route.

The first version of the Chinese Bridge was built in 1760 and was created when all things “Chinoiserie” were in fashion. It created a beautiful way to take the walker across the lake to explore the Crystal Grotto, which is hinted at by the rock arch which the bridge heads towards. Painshill Park Trust restored the bridge using traditional wooden materials in the 1980s. This has lasted over 40 years.

The bridge is a vital part to Painshill Park, linking the park to Grotto island which is where the staggering Crystal Grotto lies. It is a crucial gateway of the journey to continue through the park as Hamilton had envisaged in his plans. Without the bridge, the journey is broken as is Hamilton’s vision.

Regular visitors to Painshill will have clearly noticed that throughout 2023 due to closure of the Chinese Bridge, a temporary pontoon was installed as a means of access to Grotto Island. The temporary pontoon is extremely costly which Painshill cannot keep in situ, it is not a permanent solution.

The existing bridge needs to be removed in its entirety and re-built completely which involves a major project.

We need to raise £250,000 for this project and we need your help. Be part of this amazing restoration journey and donate today.

Painshill’s Chinese Bridge has featured in television shows such as in the first season of Netflix’s popular series Bridgerton, through to classic BBC TV children’s favourite, ChuckleVision.

Supporting Painshill could be through one of the following ways:

• Make a donation towards to Chinese Bridge appeal.

• Become a member of Painshill.

• Book a day visit to Painshill for a walk in a work of art.

• Volunteer in one of the many roles available at Painshill.

• Sponsorship of an event, bench or plaque at Painshill.

• Leave a legacy in a will.

Painshill is regarded as one of the foremost and finest examples of the English Landscape Movement. A style of landscape design that has been described, by architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner, as “Britain’s’ greatest contribution to the visual arts”.

It’s a fantastic day out for all the family that’s full of heritage, beauty, adventure and outdoor fun.