Hatchlands Park, East Clandon
A bit of a hidden gem, this charming Georgian mansion is set among 422 acres of sweeping parkland, woodland and wildflower meadows at East Clandon just outside Guildford.
3 April 2023Add to My Favourites
Part of the National Trust, the country house at Hatchlands Park was built in the 1750s for Georgian naval hero, Admiral Edward Boscawen and his wife Fanny. It’s now home to tenant Alec Cobbe and his remarkable collection of paintings, furniture and musical instruments. The instruments have their own amazing history, having been played by famous composers including JC Bach, Chopin and Elgar.
There are more than 400 acres of sweeping parklands here. They were designed in part by Humphry Repton, who is often regarded as the successor to Capability Brown. You’ll find waymarked walks throughout as well as Wizard Wix’s Willow Warren, a natural adventure area with balance beams, wigwams and totem poles. It’s one of the largest country estates in the area.
The west lawn in front of the house and the wider parkland are open year-round. And there’s plenty enjoy here, whatever the season. In the spring, the bluebells in the ancient woodland are not to be missed. And the swathes of daffodils that burst up under the magnificent London plane tree, are also a stunning site.
The house, wildflower meadow and parterre gardens are open to visitors six afternoons a week between March and October.
Inside the house you can explore six beautifully restored rooms, richly decorated with a family feel. There’s a chance to see some of Robert Adam’s earliest work, plus wonderful collections of paintings and a world class group of musical instruments brought together by Alec Cobbe.
There’s are two cafés. The Kitchen Café is at the top of the cobbled courtyard in spaces originally occupied by the house kitchens. The Coach House Café is in the lower courtyard, where the carriages were once kept. Snacks, cakes and bakes, sausage rolls, pasties and toasted sourdough sandwiches plus hot and cold drinks are available.
At a glance
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Address:
East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RT
Website:
nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park
Email:
hatchlands@nationaltrust.org.uk
Telephone:
01483 222482
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