The Garth
Gardens covering nine acres and designed by renowned architect Walter H Godfrey.
Newchapel Road, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6BJ
Facilities
- Accessible loos
- Accessible parking
- Bike storage facilities
- Cafe / restaurant
- Easily accessible without car
- Free parking
- Garden only
- Mostly wheelchair accessible
- Parkland / open spaces
- Pet friendly
- Picnic area
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
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.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
Monday 1 May to Saturday 6 May, Monday 8 May to Sunday 14 May 2023 from 1.00pm to 5.00pm, with free access for Historic Houses members.
Also open for the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday 30 April and Sunday 7 May from 1.00pm to 5.00pm and on Sunday 17 December from 1.00pm to 4.30pm – no free access for Historic House members on these three days
For further times, dates and changes please check their website prior to attending.
2024
NGS Open Days (not free for HH members) – 5, 12 May (1-5pm) and 15 December (1-4.30pm)
Open Days for general public (free for HH members) – 6-11 May (1-5pm)
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 half price.
Groups up to 40 visitors are welcome by arrangement. Please get in touch by email. Limited parking available on site. Public car park is in Gunpit Road which is 10 min walk away
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
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.
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £65 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
