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The Garth Pleasure Grounds

Mature 9 acre Pleasure Grounds created by Walter Godfrey in 1919, present an idyllic setting surrounding the former parish workhouse refurbished in Edwardian style. The formal gardens, enchanting nuttery, a spinney with many mature trees and a pond attract wildlife. Wonderful bluebells in spring. The woodland gardens and beautiful borders are full of colour and fragrance for year-round pleasure.

Owner Info

The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds
The Garth Pleasure Grounds

About The Garth Pleasure Grounds

The origins of The Garth go back to 1729, when the Lingfield parish drew up a contract with a local carpenter, Thomas Stanford, to build a new workhouse at a cost of £290. It was sold by the Charity Commissioners in 1860 to Mr Cross, who divided it into 6 cottages. It was then purchased in 1918 by Stanley Hazell, by which time it was in a state of disrepair and contained squatters. Hazell employed a distinguished architect, antiquarian and a garden designer, Walter H Godfrey (1881-1961) to convert it into a single house. ‘

Walter H Godfrey, who had particular associations with the Society for Preservation of Ancient Buildings carefully restored a number of notable historic buildings, including Herstmonceux Castle and Anne of Cleves House in Sussex and the Temple Church, Chelsea Old Church and Crosby Hall in London.

Stanley Hazell was a successful financier and a local historian. He was co-author of a book published in 1933, the ‘History of Lingfield’ covering the local area and documenting its past. He also had a passion for interesting and exotic plants. Horticulturists will appreciate a few adult species of trees Hazell collected since 1919 from the Mediterranean and Far East.
Visitors interested in the past of the old workhouse will be able to travel back in history by looking through records which we will make available on request including a few historic items previously found.

Godfrey designed the Pleasure Grounds including gardens and various features in the grounds of The Garth, such as a terrace, gazebo, pergola, the courtyard bench, small fountain, bird bath, well and ornate iron entrance gates. The gardens have been altered and greatly simplified in the later 20th century. A plan of 1922, however suggests that they retain many key features of his design. The 9 acre gardens are subdivided into many separate ‘rooms’, often by hedges or walls, and with paths linking the individual areas. The gardens are designed to relax, delight and surprise. Some areas of the gardens are under refurbishment.

We open by arrangement and as part of the Historic Houses scheme (free for HH members) from May to September. Please check our website for details.

https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/homes-and-gardens/places-to-live/22585211.fascinating-visit-garth-pleasure-grounds-lingfield/

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Website:

https://www.thegarth.info

The Garth Pleasure Grounds features

Location details

The Garth Pleasure Grounds,
Lingfield,
Surrey,
RH7 6BJ

Directions to The Garth Pleasure Grounds
From A22 take B2028 by the Mormon Temple to Lingfield. The Garth is on the L after 1½m, opp Barge Tiles. Parking: Gun Pit Rd in Lingfield & limited space for disabled at Barge Tiles.

The Garth Pleasure Grounds openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake. Refreshments in aid of Mind.
Admission Adult: £10.00
Child: Free
Opening times 13:00-17:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake. Refreshments in aid of Mind.
Admission Adult: £10.00
Child: Free
Opening times 13:00-17:00

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access to most areas of the garden.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at The Garth Pleasure Grounds at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at The Garth Pleasure Grounds. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at The Garth Pleasure Grounds, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at The Garth Pleasure Grounds are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. The Garth Pleasure Grounds seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.