Clandon Park Estate

A landscape-led enhancement of Grade II Capability Brown parkland

The Clandon Park Estate is consulting on proposals to deliver a landscape-led enhancement of a part of its historic parkland near Guildford, Surrey, originally designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Before a planning application is submitted, we want to share information about the proposals and hear your views. This website explains what is being proposed, why the work is needed, and how it would be carried out. It also sets out how you can take part in this early stage of engagement and provide feedback to help inform the next steps.

A concept masterplan of the proposed development (click plan or key to enlarge)

The Vision

  • The vision for this project is to enhance the historic landscape of the Clandon Park Estate, bringing it closer to the original design created by renowned landscape artist Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

  • Over time, changes to the surrounding area and new road infrastructure have disrupted the natural shape, views and setting of the parkland. This project aims to gently reshape parts of the land and introduce new planting so the park once again sits more naturally within the wider landscape context.

  • The proposals are carefully designed to respect the history of the estate, while delivering new benefits to meet today’s highest biodiversity standards. The proposals include improved habitats for wildlife, stronger connections between existing landscape features, and a quieter, greener setting with reduced visual and noise impacts from nearby roads.

Site Context

Clandon Park Estate is a historic landscape on the eastern edge of Guildford, set within the Surrey countryside. The estate includes a Grade II listed Registered Park and Garden and forms the wider setting for the Grade I listed Clandon House, which is owned and managed by the National Trust.

The area covered by the proposals sits within the south-western part of the estate, to the north of the A25. It is currently open parkland, used mainly for grazing and haymaking, and crossed by public footpaths. The land is largely green and undeveloped, with mature trees and hedgerows around its edges.

Over time, major changes around the site (including the construction of the A25, the Merrow roundabout and nearby development) have altered the original shape and setting of the parkland. These changes have interrupted historic views, increased noise and visual intrusion, and weakened the connection between the estate and the wider landscape beyond.

Site boundaries of the proposed development (click plan or key to enlarge)

The Need

Clandon Park is a nationally important historic landscape. Over time, changes beyond the estate’s control have altered how the park looks, feels and functions.

As a result, the park no longer reflects the original design intent or landscape character that made it significant. Historic England has recognised these challenges by placing the park on its Heritage at Risk Register.

This project forms part of that response. The aim is not to change how the land is used, but to improve its shape, appearance and environmental quality in a way that is sensitive, carefully considered and rooted in the estate’s history.

Without this kind of intervention, the impacts of surrounding infrastructure will continue to erode the character of the park over time. The proposed works are intended to secure the future of this historic landscape, improve habitats for wildlife, and ensure Clandon Park can be responsibly cared for over generations to come.

About Clandon Park Estate

Clandon Park Estate is a historic country estate set within the Surrey countryside. At its heart is Clandon House, owned by the National Trust, with the surrounding parkland remaining in private ownership.

The wider estate includes a Grade II listed Registered Park and Garden, much of which was designed in the 18th century by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, one of England’s most influential landscape designers. His approach shaped the gentle slopes, open parkland and long views that once connected Clandon Park seamlessly to the surrounding countryside.