176K views · 643 reactions | I work as Head of Estates at Painshill in Surrey and the rustic Hermitage is probably my favourite of all the amazing follies and garden buildings in this amazing 18th century landscape #gardenbuildings #historicgardens #englishlandscapemovement #eighteenthcenturygardens | Simon Akeroyd Garden Writer | Facebook

The Crystal Grotto (1760-1769) ~ Painshill, Surrey “The spectacular Grotto is a magical, naturalistic dripstone cave with shimmering, bubbling water, skull-like limestone, and stalactites covered in sparkling crystals. On a sunny day, shafts of light pierce the interior through carefully placed openings in the ceiling. The light makes the crystals sparkle as it bounces off the coral pools and lake water.” In 1738 the Hon. Charles Hamilton began to transform land at Painshill, Cobham, into a vast

13K views · 75 reactions | Did you know about this hidden crystal grotto near London?   @londonfamilydaysout  Painshill, Surrey #travel #travelgram #travelling #uk #uk_greatshots #uk_shots #visituk #uk_shooters #uk_outdoors #ukscenery #uktravel #ukhiddengems #exploreuk #exploremore #explore_britain #travelphotography #travelgram #visitbritain #venturetheunknown | UK Hidden Gems | Facebook