Painswich is a small village within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds that’s greatest recognized for its “chocolate field” look with quaint stone cottages and rolling countryside. There are many issues to do in Painswick to maintain guests busy from exploring the village to close by walks, pubs, and museums.
Painswick is just some miles from the Gloucestershire market city of Stroud the place pals of mine stay. I’ve explored a lot of this a part of the nation and Painswick is one among my favourite small villages because of its beautiful appears, close by climbing trails, and abundance of native pubs.
There are additionally loads of locations to go to close to Painswich resembling different Cotswolds cities and villages, historic buildings, nature parks, and extra. One factor’s for positive, if you happen to’re planning on visiting the Cotswolds, don’t miss out on this charming, sleepy village that’s nonetheless very a lot because it was a whole bunch of years in the past.
Greatest Issues To Do in Painswick, Cotswolds
Under, you’ll discover a wide array of locations to go to in Painswick from sculpted gardens to hidden museums, rustic pubs, and among the most interesting nature to be present in England. The village is one among my favourite locations within the Cotswolds and with so many issues to see in Painswick, it’s someplace I’ll proceed to discover.
1. Discover the Village
Painswick is called the Queen of the Cotswolds because of its well-preserved honey-colored homes nestled in among the most lovely countryside in England. This quintessential, sleepy English village has barely modified in centuries and sees fewer vacationers than extra generally visited locations like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Stroll alongside charming New Road which is house to among the oldest buildings in England, together with one of many oldest bowling greens within the nation. Pop into one of many pubs or cafes like Handmade in Painswick or The Oak for refreshments after looking second-hand shops and boutique retailers.
The picturesque village is one among my favourite locations to wander via and take within the serene Cotswold environment. If you happen to’re questioning what to do in Painswick, then the perfect place to begin is with a stroll across the village. Simply don’t overlook your digital camera.
2. Go to the Rococo Backyard
Among the finest issues to do in Painswick is to go to the gorgeous Rococo Garden. Rococo is a Baroque-style, decorative backyard that was standard in England within the 18th and nineteenth Centuries. This is likely one of the high Painswick points of interest and is a must-visit for anybody coming to the village.
The backyard was designed within the 1740s for the proprietor of the close by Painswick Home and has been delighting guests ever since. The Rococo Backyard is open from 10 am till 5 pm from Wednesday to Sunday ( and open each day throughout faculty holidays). An grownup ticket prices £11.50 and kids £4.90.
This can be a fantastic place to go to irrespective of the time of 12 months, however in spring and summer season, the place comes alive with shade. There are common occasions held right here from child’s workshops to talks, canine reveals, Shakespeare performs, and extra. Check the website to see what’s occurring throughout your go to.
Tackle: Gloucester Highway, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TH. Click here for directions.
3. Cotswold Discovery Path Self-Guided Tour
This self-guided Cotswold Discovery Tour is a good way to get a really feel for the realm at your personal tempo. You’ll be provided with a fold-out map that incorporates a few completely different trails so that you can discover over the course of some days. These maps comprise numerous helpful data that can assist you get probably the most out of the area.
You’ll even be provided with a sequence of clues and questions that can assist you be taught concerning the historical past of the locations you move by. You’ll be able to select from a spread of beginning factors together with Painswick, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Stroud, and others.
That is undoubtedly one of the enjoyable issues to do round Painswick and is one thing somewhat completely different. Click here to book.
4. Take a Journey to the Outdated Ebworth Centre
The Old Ebworth Centre is a base for Nationwide Belief staff who take care of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty This huge rural property contains an previous farmhouse with stone cottages, stables, outbuildings, and mile upon mile of gorgeous countryside views.
There’s a nice two to three-hour circular walk via the Gloucestershire countryside (that’s additionally appropriate for canine). If you wish to get on the market and uncover some gorgeous Cotswold surroundings, then this is likely one of the high issues to do close to Painswick, and is a superb day trip for the entire household.
Tackle: The Camp, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 7ES. Click here for directions.
5. See the Painswick Beacon
The Painswick Beacon marks the location of an iron age hill fort on the sting of the village. Though there’s not a lot to see when it comes to archaeology, the beacon sits at virtually 1,000 toes above sea stage so gives gorgeous panoramic views of the encompassing countryside together with the Malvern Hills and Forest of Dean.
There’s a simple 2.25-mile (3.6 km) circular walk that passes via woodland and follows a part of the Cotswold Way. That is one among my favourite walks within the space and is a good way to get out into some beautiful countryside (canine are welcome too).
Tackle: Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6SZ. Click here for directions.
6. See St Mary’s Church
The Parish Church of St Mary is likely one of the most interesting examples of medieval structure within the space and there’s been a church on this web site since Saxon times round 1,000 years in the past. This lovely church together with its spire that dates again to 1632 will be seen from miles round.
Contained in the church, you possibly can marvel on the biblical scenes depicting all the pieces from birds and animals to native individuals. Essentially the most spectacular side of St Mary’s is the attractive churchyard with seventeenth and 18th-century tombs and 99 yew bushes (it’s said that if a a hundredth is planted the satan will destroy it).
The church and grounds are free to go to and are open year-round from 9 am till 6 pm each day.
Tackle: 3 New Road, Gloucestershire, GL6 6XH. Click here for directions.
7. Marvel on the Outdated Shares
One of many extra uncommon issues to see in Painswick is the set of shares that dates again to around 1840. If you happen to fell foul of the regulation in nineteenth Century Painswick then you definately have been liable to be locked within the shares for the entire village to see (rotten greens value additional).
The shares are situated simply in entrance of St Mary’s Church, which is one other of the must-see points of interest in Painswick in itself for its sensible structure and big, yew-lined churchyard. This tranquil house away from the principle street is certainly one of many high points of interest in Painswick.
Tackle: 6 St Mary’s Road, Gloucestershire, GL6 6QD. Click here for directions.
8. Go to the Museum of Arts and Crafts
This quirky museum within the coronary heart of Painswick homes the Ashton Beer Assortment (no, not a group of ales sadly, although you could find that on the pub). The gathering consists of arts, crafts, and furnishings with the centerpiece being a lovely stained glass window by pre-Raphelita artist, Edward Burne-Jones.
The museum is situated in an previous church (the Christchurch) and incorporates items from outstanding artists and designers. This is likely one of the greatest free issues to do in Painswick for these considering native historical past and the humanities, however keep in mind that it’s solely open from 2 pm to five:30 pm on Saturdays when planning your go to.
Tackle: Christ Church, Gloucestershire, GL6 6QN. Click here for directions.
9. Have a Pint in The Royal Oak
For such a small village there are fortunately fairly a number of first rate pubs to check out, and The Royal Oak needs to be my favourite because of its rustic allure and comfy really feel. This can be a correct British pub with an open hearth, a heat welcome, and a canine (and other people)-friendly environment; it’s an important place to chill out after an extended stroll at any time of the 12 months.
The Oak has a wonderful collection of actual ales (craft beers), native ciders, and imported drinks. It gives a mouthwatering menu of tasty treats from venison streaks to caramelized beetroot and onion tarte, in addition to mild bites, baguettes, and extra for lunch. Popping in for a drink or two is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Painswick at night time.
Tackle: St Mary’s Road, Gloucestershire, GL6 6QG. Click here for directions.
10. Trench Hill
The gorgeous gardens at Trench Hill, just some miles from Painswick, comprise a rose backyard, wildflower meadows, vegetable plots, woodland walks, wood sculptures, and a youngsters’s play space. The gardens are set inside the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and there are many climbing and strolling routes close by together with the Cotswolds Commons and Beechwoods National Nature Reserve.
Trench Hill is a nice stroll from the middle of the village and you’ll tie it in with close by points of interest such because the Painswick Beacon and Outdated Ebworth Centre, rounding off with a pint on the Butchers Arms.
Tackle: Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TZ. Click here for directions.
11. Hike the Cotswolds Manner
The extremely scenic Cotswolds Manner is a 102-mile (164 km) climbing path that goes via the center of the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB). The route begins within the picturesque village of Chipping Campden and finishes within the historic Roman metropolis of Bath.
The Cotswolds Manner passes proper via Painswick enabling you to get out onto the path for a brief stroll, or for hardcore hikers like myself, try the trek from Painswick to Dursley. This 18-mile (29.31 km) part takes between 8 and 9 hours to finish and passes via among the most scenic landscapes within the nation.
To return, you’ll have to take the 65 bus to Stroud after which change for the 228 bus. Dursley is a nice city properly price spending a number of hours attending to know and has some wonderful pubs together with The New Inn.
12. Barnwood Park and Arboretum
The Barnwood Park and Arboretum is a nice parkland with gardens, woodland strolling paths, a wildlife pond, and a collection of lovely previous bushes from big Redwoods to Black Mulberry, Turkey Oak, and Beech. The park as soon as surrounded Barnwood Home which was an previous manor home earlier than being transformed right into a hospital, after which demolished in 2001.
Barnwood is open year-round and is free to enter; it makes an important day trip within the lovely Cotswold countryside. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Painswick or you possibly can stroll the 6 miles (9.7 km) if you happen to’re feeling match!
Tackle: Church Lane, Barnwood, Gloucestershire, GL4 3JB. Click here for directions.
13. Take a Day Journey to Bathtub
The historic city of Bath is simply 34 miles (54 km) from Painswick and is the proper alternative for a day journey because it takes simply over an hour to get there by automotive. There are many wonderful things to do in Bath from exploring the well-preserved Roman baths to being pampered for a spa day or admiring the gorgeous Georgian structure.
Among the finest methods to get a really feel for Bath is to take a tour like this enjoyable 90-minute walking tour which incorporates tickets to the Roman baths and takes in among the metropolis’s high landmarks resembling Bathtub Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and the Royal Crescent. Click here to find out more.
It’s round an hour’s drive from Painswick to Bathtub alongside the A46 or you possibly can take one of many hourly trains from Stroud (by way of Swindon) which takes simply over an hour. Visiting Bathtub is certainly the most effective issues to do close to Painswick if you happen to’re searching for day journey inspiration.
14. Go to the Village of Slad
The village of Slad is one among my favourite locations to go to close to Painswick as its the birthplace of one among my favourite authors (Laurie Lee) who grew up within the village and is buried within the cemetery of the Holy Trinity Church. Reverse the church is The Woolpack Inn which is a superb place for a spot of lunch and panoramic views throughout the valley.
There are many nice walks across the village and the surroundings right here is totally spectacular. Lee wrote about this a part of the Cotswolds in his first guide Cider with Rosie (which you’ll choose up within the Stroud Bookshop) – it’s properly price a learn. It’s straightforward to get to Slad by taking Bus 228 which fits between Stroud and Painswick by way of Slad.
15. See the Market City of Stroud
The quaint market city of Stroud is just some miles from Painswick (I’ve pals that stay right here so I’m a frequent customer). There’s a lot to do from looking the weekly farmers’ markets to sampling the native beers and ciders on the Stroud Brewery, exploring the picturesque excessive avenue, and visiting the Museum within the Park.
Exploring this charming city is likely one of the greatest issues to do close to Painswick, and makes for an important day journey as there are many fantastic pubs and restaurants within the city. The Clothiers Arms is properly price a go to and serves up hearty pub fayre for very cheap costs (mains value round £12).
Stroud is straightforward to succeed in by way of bus 228 which takes simply 8 minutes. If you wish to get somewhat train whereas taking on this gorgeous a part of the Cotswolds you can walk the three.6 miles (5.8 km ) to Stroud in simply over an hour, and return by bus (good if you happen to fancy a number of pints within the pub).
Fast Journey Itineraries For Painswick
Under, you’ll discover a few journey itineraries for sightseeing in Painswick that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to. They embody all the highest vacationer points of interest in Painswick and among the greatest day journeys from the village.
1 Day in Painswick Itinerary
With simply in the future to spend within the village, go to the charming Rococo Backyard and get misplaced within the maze, go for a woodland stroll, or get pleasure from a cream tea within the cafe. Discover the charming village with its Cotswold stone homes, have a look inside St Mary’s Church, and you should definitely see the previous tombs and yew bushes within the churchyard. Don’t overlook to go to the city shares.
Pop into The Painswick for lunch or afternoon tea earlier than taking a stroll as much as the Painswick Beacon for panoramic views of the Gloucestershire countryside. End off the day in The Oak for a hearty meal of traditional pub fayre washed down with a number of pints of native ale or cider.
2-3 Days in Painswick Itinerary
With a number of days to spend within the village, comply with the above itinerary on your first day. On subsequent days get out into the countryside which is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Painswick for households and people with canine. There are many choices for walks and hikes from brief ambles across the village to the extra adventurous Cotswold Manner.
Discover extra of the pubs and eating places resembling The Oak, The Falcon Inn, and St Michael’s Bistro. Though small, you definitely received’t go hungry or thirsty in Painswick – it’s one among my favourite locations to go and eat once I’m in close by Stroud.
1 Week in Painswick Itinerary
With every week in Painswick comply with the above itineraries on your first few days and add in day journeys to close by points of interest and locations of curiosity. Take the bus to the charming village of Slad to see the grave of writer Laurie Lee and have a pint in The Woolpack.
Proceed on to the market city of Stroud and revel in strolling alongside the canal and visiting museums, second-hand retailers, and the wonderful Stroud Brewery for an evening of excellent meals, regionally made beers, ciders, and stay music.
Add in a tour of the Cotswolds to see the picture-perfect villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold.
The place to Keep in Painswick
These are a number of of the perfect lodging choices in Painswick for vacationers:
St Michael’s Bistro – Greatest for First-Time Guests
The charming St Michael’s Bistro is a mattress and breakfast, and restaurant, within the coronary heart of the village and is the proper place to remain for first-time guests. Select from a spread of quirky rooms from Rococo to Artwork Deco and Bohemian, every with its personal distinctive design. All rooms include TV and streaming companies, a fridge, and an en-suite lavatory. Click here for more info.
Court docket Home Manor – Greatest for {Couples}
The Court House Manor is a luxurious, five-star mattress and breakfast and is likely one of the greatest locations to remain for {couples} because of its romantic location. The property is about inside a stunning sixteenth Century nation property on the outskirts of the village. The deluxe rooms include all the pieces you want for a cushty keep together with an en-suite lavatory, TV, and kettle. Click here to book.
The Star Inn – Greatest for Households
The superb Star Inn is situated between Painswick and Stroud and has a spread of household suites sleeping as much as 4 individuals. Rooms include a non-public lavatory and bathe, flatscreen TV, and complimentary toiletries. There’s an onsite bar and free parking for visitors, and the lodging is nice worth for cash. Click here to find out more.
Greatest Eating places in Painswick
Under, you’ll discover among the greatest locations to eat in and round Painswick:
St Michael’s Bistro: This wonderful little restaurant and mattress and breakfast within the coronary heart of the village is the place to come back for among the greatest, regionally sourced meals within the space. It’s additionally nice for many who don’t eat meat as there are some nice vegetarian choices on the menu (the goat’s cheese, spinach, and onion parcels are fab). Click here for directions.
The Painswick: If you happen to’re searching for somewhat effective eating within the village then head alongside to this cozy restaurant that was awarded Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year 2023. You’ll be able to pattern all the pieces from Sunday lunch or a night meal to afternoon tea. The menu options native dishes like Cotswold lamb and venison, plus an in depth vegetarian vary. Click here for directions.
The Falcon Inn: This lovely previous pub inside a Georgian townhouse is product of the trademark, honey-colored Cotswold Stone. It’s one of many high pubs within the village and is a superb place to eat. The kitchen serves up pub classics like beer-battered fish and chips in addition to extra unique dishes like aubergine (eggplant) katsu curry and pea and mint ravioli. Click here for directions.
The Royal Oak: The country Royal Oak is a comfy sixteenth Century pub within the coronary heart of the village and is my favourite place for a meal and some drinks. The menu boasts conventional pub dishes from burgers and pies to salads, all-day breakfasts, sandwiches, and extra for very cheap costs. There’s a small patio outdoors for al-fresco eating. Click here for directions.
Karibu Vegan Bar and Kitchen: If you happen to’re searching for somewhat extra alternative than the same old pub fayre, then it’s only a five-minute drive into Stroud the place you possibly can feast on vegan-friendly delights on the Karibu Bar and Kitchen. From their scrumptious smoky, crimson pepper goulash to plant-based burgers and Thai curries, that is one among my favourite locations to eat. Click here for directions.
Attending to Painswick
The closest worldwide airport to Painswick is Bristol which is an hour’s drive away. You’ll want a automotive as there aren’t any direct transport hyperlinks from the airport to the village.
I often drive to Painswick from London because it’s a simple three-hour drive alongside the M4 and A419. There are additionally a number of hourly trains from London Paddington to close by Stroud and the journey takes round 90 minutes. You’ll be able to then simply hop on the 288 bus for 10 minutes to Painswick.
Visiting all of the vacationer points of interest in Painswick will be accomplished on foot because it’s a tiny village, nonetheless, to get probably the most out of your journey hiring a automotive is greatest so you possibly can discover extra of the gorgeous Cotswold countryside within the neighborhood.
Issues To Do in Painswick: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Painswick:
Painswick is thought for its 18th Century Rococo Backyard, city shares, and picturesque honey-colored homes. It’s thought of the Queen of the Cotswolds because of the picture-perfect village and countryside views. It’s additionally famed for among the best coffee in the Cotswolds.
Spring via to fall is the perfect time to go to Painswick if you wish to reap the benefits of the hotter climate for lengthy walks and revel in al-fresco eating and the beer gardens of nation pubs. That being stated, the village appears beautiful in winter with a blanket of snow, and most of the native inns have open fires to heat up in entrance of.
Painswick is certainly price visiting for its beautiful, Cotswold Stone buildings, picturesque Rococo Backyard, and delightful countryside good for brief walks or longer hikes.
Because it’s a small village, you possibly can see all the highest sights in a few days. If you happen to want to discover the remainder of the Cotswolds, which you actually ought to, then every week is ideal as you possibly can add in some day journeys and lengthier hikes. I often spend round 4 days right here when visiting.
Like most rural villages in England, Painswick is a really safe place for vacationers. Violent crime is nearly extraordinary and the village is safer than inner-city areas. Take the identical precautions you’d touring to anyplace unknown; regulate valuables and lock doorways.
The most well-liked factor to do in Painswick is to go to the 18th Century Rococo Backyard. Different standard locations to see in Painswick embody the previous shares, St Mary’s Church and grounds, and the Painswick Beacon.
Because the village is situated within the coronary heart of the agricultural Cotswolds there are many alternatives to strive native dishes from regionally farmed meats to cheeses, craft beers, and ciders. St Micheal’s Bistro is likely one of the greatest locations to strive the native fayre.
In Closing
Now what to see in Painswick in addition to among the high close by points of interest. This charming village actually is price your time because it’s one of many best-preserved conventional Cotswold villages that continues to be somewhat below the radar (so go now earlier than the key’s out). Discover out for your self why it’s often known as the Queen of the Cotswolds.
Wander across the historic Rococo gardens, stroll up the Painswick Beacon for unimaginable views throughout the valleys of the Cotswolds, and stroll amongst the yew bushes and historical tombs of St Mary’s Church. Pop into one of many many pubs within the village for refreshment, and discover close by locations of curiosity resembling Slad and Stroud.
