Chalk this one up for yet another London(ish) sight that makes absolutely no sense – and yet we’re completely here for it. Did you know there’s a crystal grotto just hidden away in a park on the outskirts of London?
Yup, over in Surrey, tucked away within Painshill Park (which is a sight to behold in and of itself), you’ll find a crystalline cave that dazzles all who visit. It’s the handiwork of one Charles Hamilton, a well-to-do member of the Irish aristocracy. Back in the 1700s, he set about creating his dream park, populating it with sights he’d seen around the world. And I guess he really liked crystal grottos – enough to install one within the park!
Painshill Park and the crystal grotto
Okay, so, first things first – no, this technically isn’t in London. But long-time readers of Secret London will know we love to write about all manner of attractions around and near the capital, as well as within the city itself. And besides, it’s within the M25, which is close enough for us to consider being pretty much part of London…
Painshill Park dates back to 1738. After touring around Europe, the above-mentioned Charles Hamilton was inspired to fill his own plot of land with eccentric follies, Renaissance architecture and, yes, this rather lovely grotto.
The works lasted all the way through to 1777 (!), and it’s safe to say that a lasting legacy has been left behind. At the centre of the park is a beautiful lake. Within the gardens, you’ll find bridges, valleys, a Gothic Tower, an amphitheatre, statues, and more. Basically, it’s home to whatever struck Hamilton’s fancy at the time.
The grotto itself is entirely manmade – as you might have guessed already – and features “shimmering, bubbling water, rough rock and stalactites covered in sparkling crystals”. Be sure to visit on a sunny day, when the sunlight shines through the ceiling to light up the coral pools and lake water, and make the crystals sparkle.
📍 The Crystal Grotto at Painshill Park, Painshill, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE.
🚂 The nearest station is Cobham & Stoke D’Abernon.
