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The Garth

Gardens covering nine acres and designed by renowned architect Walter H Godfrey.

Newchapel Road, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6BJ

The Garth Pleasure Grounds summerhouse

Experience this house

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Free admission to members of Historic Houses when you show a valid membership card.
Free admission to members of Historic Houses when you show a valid membership card.
Facilities
  • Accessible loos
  • Bike storage facilities
  • Cafe / restaurant
  • Easily accessible without car
  • Garden only
  • Mostly wheelchair accessible
  • Parkland / open spaces
  • Pet friendly
  • Picnic area
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair ramps/routes
  • Accessible toilets
Does our information need updating?
Let us know here

The origins of The Garth, also known as The Garth Pleasure Grounds, 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 provided basic schooling for boys making shoes, hats, bonnets and waistcoats.

The garden at the Garth covers 9 acres and was designed in 1919 by a distinguished historic Arts and Crafts buildings and landscape architect Walter H Godfrey (1881-1961). “The Garth Pleasure Grounds” as the garden was described, includes various features designed by Godfrey such as a terrace, gazebo, pergola, bird bath, well, the courtyard bench, small fountain and ornate iron gates.

The grounds were altered in the late 20th Century but a plan of the garden from 1922 shows that it retained many key features from Godfrey’s original design. The garden is subdivided into many separate ‘rooms’, often by hedges or walls, and with paths linking the individual areas. The garden represents an idyllic setting surrounding the former parish workhouse which was also refurbished by Godfrey.

Tea, coffee, and cakes will be available on the days we are open.

The owner will personally provide a tour to highlight the history of the workhouse and the features of the garden designed by W H Godfrey. The tour can be adapted to suit visitors’ requirements. Please contact us regarding requirements for tours and refreshments.

Opening Times

Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.

The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.

View website

The Garth Pleasure Grounds, located in Lingfield, Surrey, is a Grade II* listed house with a rich history and beautiful gardens. The grounds are open to visitors on specific open days and for private visits by arrangement. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and events:

Upcoming Open Days and Events

  • NGS Open Days: Bluebell Nuttery and Spinney at The Garth Pleasure Grounds. Scheduled for 3 May 2026 and 10 May 2026, from 1 PM to 5 PM. Tickets are £10 per person, with children under 5 admitted by donation. Tea and cakes will be available, and there will be live singing and Tudor music on some days.
  • Historic Houses Open Days: Bluebell Nuttery and Spinney at The Garth Pleasure Grounds. Scheduled for 4 to 9 May 2026 and 11 to 17 May 2026, from 1 PM to 5 PM. Tickets are free for Historic Houses members, £10 per person for non-members, and children under 5 are admitted by donation. Tea and cakes will be available, and there will be live singing and Tudor music on some days.
  • Pumpkin Quest Open Days: Explore the spooky grounds and find all the pumpkins. Scheduled for 31 October 2026 from 1 PM to 4 PM and 1 November 2026 (NGS Pumpkin Quest) from 1 PM to 4 PM. Tickets are £10 per person, with children under 5 admitted by donation.

Private Visits

The Garth Pleasure Grounds are open for group visits (minimum 10 people) throughout the year by private arrangement. Interested parties should contact the management to confirm availability.

Additional Information

  • There is no on-site parking for open days. Visitors are advised to check the contact section for parking details.
  • Visitors are requested not to touch the ornaments, decorations, or lighting.
  • Some areas of the grounds have uneven ground, so caution is advised.

Enjoy your visit to The Garth Pleasure Grounds and immerse yourself in its history and beauty.

Admission

Free entry for Historic Houses members except on the days we open for the National Gardens Scheme. Entry for non-members is £10 for adults, children under 5 free.

Group Visits

Groups up to 40 visitors are welcome by arrangement. Please get in touch by email ([email protected]). Limited parking available on site. Public car park is in Gunpit Road which is 10 min walk away

Accessibility
  • Wheelchair ramps/routes
  • Accessible toilets
Does our information need updating?
Let us know here

Getting here

Newchapel Road, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6BJ

We are on the west side of Lingfield village on the north side of Newchapel Road, nearly opposite the Barge Tiles shop.

The main visitor entrance is at ///rungs.clown.salad What does this mean?

By Car
From A22 take B2028 by Mormon Temple to Lingfield. The Garth is on the left opposite Barge Tiles.

By Public Transport 
Trains go from London Victoria or Clapham Junction to Lingfield station. We are 20 min walk from the station.

We spent time researching the house and grounds and are refurbishing the gardens following the plans we located in the Lewis archives. Our project is still in progress.

The Garth Pleasure Grounds terrace

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The Garth Pleasure Grounds courtyard

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