Cost £23
We will leave Mitcham at 9.00am, Wimbledon at 9.30 and Raynes Park at 9.40 for the journey to the Devil’s Punch Bowl at Hindhead, where we will have a coffee stop before proceeding to Uppark.
Perched on its vantage point high above the South Downs ridge, Uppark, a Grade 1 listed building, commands views as far south as the English Channel.
Built in the late 17th century for Ford Grey, the first Earl of Tankerville, it was sold in 1747 to Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh and his wife Sarah. They extensively redecorated Uppark and much of what you will see was collected on their Grand Tour. Their only son Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh added to the collection and commissioned Humphrey Repton to add the portico and redesign the gardens.
On arrival you are free to explore the property as you see fit. The house is open for free-flow from 12.30 but before then the Servant’s quarters with the Doll’s House is open and of course lunch will be available in the cafe.
There is currently an Exhibition on Women and Power entitled ‘In Her Shoes: Women of Uppark’ about five women who shaped Uppark’s history, including Emma Hamilton, Lord Nelson’s mistress, and outside the garden is gradually being restored to its original 18th century design.
We will depart about 4.00pm and, traffic permitting, would hope to be back by 5.30pm at Raynes Park.