The Grotto in a Greenhouse
The London Borough of Sutton is lucky enough to be able to boast of three, yes three, historic Grottoes. These are Victorian oddities designed to enthral and entertain guests. In Carshalton Park there’s a Grotto nearly 300 years old, and one of the oldest in the country. There’s one at St.Philomena’s (though strictly speaking that’s […]
The old wooden building in The Grove used as a Cricket Pavilion, Park Cafe, Bowling Club, and possibly Stables
*Historical* We take a look at the long and varied life of the wooden clubhouse in The Grove which is currently maintained and used by Carshalton Bowling Club. It’s also been used as a cricket pavilion, park cafe and possibly started life as stables. Let’s take a look at its history. The first map I’ve […]
The Stunning Watermill Pub and a Wander Around Denbies Vineyard in Dorking
*lazy wknds* About 20 minutes by car from Carshalton*. This is the Watermill pub in Dorking where you can sit in the peaceful garden looking up at the famous Box Hill. It’s a sunny spot with comfy seating and a lots of menu options. Walk off a meal with a short circular wander around nearby […]
Photogenic trail around the Surrey village of Shere providing some Movie Magic
*Localish Walks* Have you been to Shere? An ever-so quaint Surrey village on the Tillingbourne river. It’s been used as a location in films such as The Holiday, Bridget Jones and Four Weddings and a Funeral. It was a rather overcast day when we went, but that doesn’t spoil anything. It takes around 40 minutes […]
The Carshaltonian that changed TIME
*Historical* Spare a thought that 270 years ago, the New Year didn’t start until the end of March. It was thanks to a previous owner of Carshalton House, that the new year now starts on 1 January. Lawyer Sir Philip Yorke, later Lord Chancellor and first Earl of Hardwicke enjoyed Carshalton House as his country […]
The 2000 year old farmstead that stood at the top of Carshalton Park
*Historical* The image above is a recreation of how an ancient iron age settlement looks, and is similar to the farmstead that once existed at a high point by Carshalton Park. It was situated around the patch of land, pictured below, behind the fence on the corner of two roads, The Park and Park Close. […]
Explore Wimbledon and Putney Commons
*Localish Walks* About 30 minutes by car from Carshalton brings you to the wonderful Wimbledon and Putney Commons. This is one of my favourite places as it’s a great mix of history, architecture, open space and eateries. There’s the old Wimbledon Windmill which also has a museum inside and a reasonably priced cafe next door. […]
A sneak peek around Carshalton’s quirky stone Hermitage
Join us for a brief pictorial tour around Carshalton’s very own Hermitage, plus a few facts and figures. This quirky place stands in the grounds of St Philomena’s school, and was most likely built in the early 18th century by Sir John Fellowes. Sometimes wealthy homeowners would employ someone to impersonate a hermit, to entertain […]
Introducing Kathryn Vincent from Long White Cloud Accounting
*People* Please offer a warm welcome to Kathryn Vincent, the newest member of the Secret Carshalton business directory. It was lovely meeting up with financial specialist Kath to have a chat about the local area. It was by this exact spot she first fell in love with Carshalton. Kath was on the London to Brighton […]