New entrance gates befitting what were once the pleasure grounds of the foremost royal palace in the country have been installed.


Claremont Landscape Garden, the National Trust property in Esher, enrolled local carpenters with traditional craftsman’s skills to create the wooden double entrance gates.


The gates’ iron work was crafted by a foundry in Oxford.


With more than 190,000 visitors a year, the new gates offer an impressive entrance to the 18th century garden.


Michelle Kent, visitor services manager, said “We are delighted with our new gates, particular as the money of the project was raised by our visitors through our property raffle.


“Everyone has worked hard to ensure the work has been completed in time for the Olympic cycle race on August 1, which passes right past our new gates.”


The mayor of Elmbridge, Councillor Janet Turner, officially opened the gates on Tuesday, July 17.