Captivating Claremont
Above: Claremont Landscape Garden
by Emma Ward
Claremont Landscape Garden is one of Esher’s true gems - a green and leafy oasis where busy people can go to escape the hectic commuter lifestyle. Home to many beautiful trees and plants, with several unusual features and a peaceful lake, the 18th-century landscape garden is owned by the National Trust and open all year round for visitors to enjoy.
Widely regarded as one of the finest gardens of the English Landscape style, this enchanting estate was created by some of the greatest names in horticultural history, including Sir John Vanbrugh, Charles Bridgeman, William Kent and 'Capability' Brown.
The restoration of Claremont
The first gardens were begun around 1715 and, later, the delights of Claremont were famed throughout Europe. Since 1975, the National Trust has been restoring the historic layout.
“Many features have been faithfully maintained at Claremont, including the Serpentine lake, set in the centre of the garden, and an island with its own pavilion,” says Claremont’s visitor services manager, Michelle Kent. “We also have a grotto, several viewpoints and vistas and a highly unusual 18th-century turf amphitheatre. A number of paths have been laid around the lake and garden for our visitors to wander along and enjoy the constantly changing views.”
Last year, the Claremont gardening team restored an area of the garden formerly known as the North Terrace and opened it to the public for the first time since the 18th century. The area had previously been covered in a dense patch of cherry laurel – growing up to eight or ten metres high in some places. The only clue to what was hidden underneath was halfway along a pathway where the original area could be seen more clearly. The team used this and historical photographs to work out where to clear the laurel and open up a portion of the terrace. They also re-laid a circular ‘hoggin’ walkway, a mix of gravel, sand and clay, to link the North Terrace to other walks around the garden.
Restoration work continues at Claremont, and this summer will see the creation of a children’s play area. Screened from the rest of the garden by an attractive laurel hedge, it will provide the perfect place for younger visitors to let off steam and enjoy playing games in a safe and attractive environment. There is also a children’s trail, specially designed to help young families find out more about the garden and to get more out of their visit. Trail sheets can be collected from the entry kiosk and are free after normal admission prices have been paid.
“Claremont Landscape Garden prides itself on being a top choice for families in the area to spend time during the school holidays or to take part in its exciting and varied events programme running throughout the year,” says Michelle.
A home for wildlife
Many types of wildlife enjoy coming out to play at Claremont, and the lake provides a home for around 52 species of resident and visiting waterfowl and other birds. A wildfowl guide is available from the entrance kiosk for visitors wanting to find out more about these lakeside inhabitants. The visiting wildlife enjoys the shelter of hundreds of different types of plants and trees, including some of the finest examples of Lebanese cedars to be found in England and the famous Camellia Terrace, which displays its vibrant blooms from late December right through to mid May.
Garden tours are also run by the Claremont Fine Arts and Decorative Society every first and third Saturday, second Wednesday and last Sunday of the month from April through to October, starting at 2pm from the entrance kiosk.
For visitors wanting to take a breather during their time in the garden, Claremont provides the ideal way to stop and refuel in its tearoom, open Wednesdays to Sundays, serving a selection of delicious snacks and light meals. The café also offers a special children’s menu and hot and cold drinks. In addition, there is a well-stocked gift shop selling books, cards and keepsakes, including a range of souvenirs at pocket money prices.
“Whether you’re an avid gardener, a wildlife enthusiast or just someone who enjoys spending time in beautiful surroundings, a visit to Claremont Landscape garden is the perfect choice for a day out,” adds Michelle.
- Claremont Landscape Garden is in Portsmouth Road, Esher. For more information visit the National Trust’s web site at www.nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01372 467806.
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We have a selection of other town features available online - To visit these simply click on one of the following links… Addlestone Claremont Croydon Haselmere Hindhead Kingston