The Cotswolds is full of beautiful villages and honey baked houses. We spent a long weekend exploring all the cobbled streets and stunning gardens. We had a long list of villages to explore, of course, they where all incredible and with there own unique feel, out of all the villages Painswick was our favourite. Here is our guide to the best things to do in Painswick village.
Painswick Street
Why is Painswick so great?
This village is quintessential English. It has everything typical of a village in the Cotswolds, a winding river, honey-coloured houses and iconic red telephone boxes. The key difference between this village and some of the others on this list is the number of tourists. Painswick is a lot less busy than other villages such as Castle Combe and Lower Slaughter.
This Village has perhaps the most beautiful backdrop. It sits on a very gradual hill that suddenly drops off into a deep valley revealing a gorgeous set of rolling hills that are in contrast to the locally quarried limestone houses and blue skies.
Painswick is a bigger village than many others in this area. This is why we enjoyed it so much. We took the time to walk around all the winding lanes admiring all the crooked houses.
The Top 10 things to do in Painswick Village
1. Rocco Gardens
The Rocco Gardens in Painswick is by far the best thing Painswick has to offer. The gardens are exceptionally beautiful and different from other Gardens we have experienced. Visiting the gardens is perhaps one of the most unique things the Cotswolds has to offer. There is also a little cafe that serves hot drinks and cakes, and a plant shop. If you are looking for a souvenir they have products made from the local lavender fields.
History of the Rocco Gardens
To this day, the Rocco Gardens in Painswick are the only surviving Rocco Gardens in England. Rocco describes a period of art from the 17th century that is defined by pastel hues and asymmetry. Once the Rocco style went out of fashion, the garden was left for ruin.
Many years after it was then restored to its former beauty.
It is such a unique place it has now been added to the Historic England Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.
What to see At Rocco Gardens
- Cotswolds viewpoint – a beautiful viewing point at the end of a path.
- Enjoy the cafe. They have freshly baked cakes and ground coffee, the perfect addition to the gardens.
- The woodlands are such a beautiful place for a memorable walk.
- Maze, there is nothing more entertaining than trying to find the centre of the maze!
The Gardens are known for their bluebells in spring and there snowdrops in the winter. Of course, in summer everything is in bloom and beautiful, there is something unique to see in each season. To really make the most out of your time at the Rocco Gardens check their seasonal guide.
Entry prices and Opening Times
- Adult ticket £10.30
- Child ticket £4.75
For more information check here.
2. Painswick Beacon
This place was one of the highlights from our long weekend in the Cotswolds. We are both obsessed with sunsets and this spot looked perfect.
To make the most of this viewpoint pack up a picnic and head up here to watch the sunset and enjoy a picnic, it really is the perfect spot.
There is a car park really near to the view point, so although this area provides some amazing walking opportunities, if you wanted to come here for sunset you can park up and do the short walk to the beacon.
The beacon was quite busy, so we decided to sit a little further down away from the crowds and found our own viewpoint.
How to get to Painswick Beacon
The easiest way to get to the beacon is to search for Painswick Beacon Car Park, (GL6 6SU) from here it is only about a ten-minute walk to the viewpoint.
3. Afternoon Tea at The Painswick
With Afternoon Tea offered Monday through to Sunday why not indulge in some traditional delights. The views that are offered here are beautiful and nothing could be more Cotswolds then afternoon tea looking over the Slad valley.
Although slightly pricey, if you are looking for the most memorable experience you can stay at The Painswick.
4. House spotting
Because Painswick is a bigger village than some others in the Cotswolds it allows you to explore for longer. We spent ages walking up and down narrow streets, finding the hidden crooked houses, houses covered in ivy and heavily beamed swoon-worthy cottages.
5. Ashton Beer Collection Museum, Gallery of the Arts and Crafts Movement
This museum is only open on weekdays, so make sure to bear this in mind if you wish to visit.
Set in a former Christ Church, which is beautiful in its own right. The collection is awe-inspiring, and a must view for anyone who is interesting in the Arts and Crafts Movement. The collection is made up of mostly furniture. Notable artists include the Barnsley’s, Willaim Morris, Gimson, Gordon Russell and many more. The museum is curator a couple that are so enthusiastic about what they do and knowledgeable about everything they have in their museum.
6. Lunch at the Falcon Inn
No trip to a village would be complete without a drink in a pub garden. If like us, you are lucky with the weather, this inn makes for the perfect stop for lunch and a drink. With its sun-bathed pub garden and beautifully presented food, it made for the perfect lunch spot.
For more information check out there website.
7. Walk from Painswick to Slad
Painswick sits right on the Slad Valley and is so close to Slad itself it makes for the perfect walk.
The Route
The Painswick to Slad loop is a muddy 11.7 kilometre/7.2 miles loop. The path offers scenic views and allows you to experience Painswick and Slad. The village of Slad a small yet charming village with a perfect pub, The Woolpack inn that provides the best place for lunch or a nice refreshing drink. Defiantly a worthy addition to your itinerary if you love walking.
8. Admire the churchyard
The Painswick Church grounds has a rather curious legend surrounding it. The church grounds are full of perfectly sculpted Yew trees that lead you right up to the Church Entrance. According to Legend, there are 99 yew trees and the Devil will not let the 100th one grow.
9. Painswick River
We stumbled upon the beauty of this river entirely by chance. Once we saw the beautiful views of the valley we decided to head down the streets to see more of the valley. Although you cant walk around the lake itself as there is a fence (the below picture is shot just above the fence), it’s lined with beautiful swaying willows and butter coloured houses that glow in the sunlight. There are also loads of white swans and ducks sleeping on the bank, it’s a peaceful place that’s completely residential.
There is not much to do here beyond admiring the beautiful houses, listen to the river flowing and slowly stroll back up to the town. If you are short for time, it’s probably worthwhile staying in the centre of Painswick, but if you want to explore then don’t miss out this lovely view.
10. The Bowling Green
There is a bowling green at the Falcon inn hotel. It is said to be the oldest in Great Britain and has been in use for over four hundred years. The green was first built in the 16th century.
Where to Park in Painswick Village
We were lucky enough to find a free car park spot, however, these go very quickly so it is best to be prepared to pay for a car parking spot. On our visit, we did see a traffic warden ticketing a few cars that had decided to park by the church and had not paid.
Free Parking
If you are early enough, try Gloucester Street in Painswick. You might be able to park for free and centrally located.
Paid Parking
The main car park for Painswick is near the church at New Street. It is fairly reasonably priced and will place you right by the church which is perfect to explore from.
Where to stay in Painswick Village
Cotswold hideaway – stunning views
We love this Airbnb. It has a beautiful bathroom with a bath made for ultimate relaxation. The master bedroom is up in the eaves with views over the valley. Although, perhaps the best things about this Airbnb is the terraced garden with valley views, perfect for that freshly ground morning coffee.
The Coach House
This Airbnb, is so dreamy, sit by the fire with a glass of wine, perfection. We love this cosy Airbnb and would provide the perfect hideaway for a romantic weekend away in the Cotswolds.
Honeysuckle Cottage – cosy with valley views
A grade two listed cottage full of period charm with beams and cosy window seats. This Airbnb is nestled right on the Cotswolds way gives you easy access to beautiful walks. With views right over the Church grounds and a private courtyard, this Airbnb is so cosy.
Villages that are near Painswick Village
The Cotswolds is full of beautiful villages so make sure to explore as many as possible. The following villages are some of our favourites.
Slad
If you choose not to walk here form Painswick, you should still take the time to visit this pint-sized village. There is a small church with beautiful grounds. The legendary author Laurie Lee, author of Cider with Rosie, is buried here. His book depicts what life was like in the Cotswolds in the early 20th century. The atmosphere of the village and way of life today is so inviting and simple, this village is certainly worth the time to visit.
Castle Combe
A beautiful chocolate box village with thatched cottages and medieval features. Castle Combe is a 45-minute drive from Painswick, and so worth it.
Check out our guide to the Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds here.
Summary
We hope you enjoyed our Guide to Painswick village and all it has to offer. Defiantly a worthy addition to your Cotswolds itinerary. We know you will love this beautiful village and appreciate its quaint charm.
Whats Next?
Check out our unique things to in the Cotswolds, or our guide to the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds.
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