Painswich is a small village within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds that’s greatest identified 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 only a few miles from the Gloucestershire market city of Stroud the place associates of mine stay. I’ve explored a lot of this a part of the nation and Painswick is certainly one of my favourite small villages because of its attractive seems to be, close by climbing trails, and abundance of native pubs.
There are additionally loads of locations to go to close to Painswich reminiscent of different Cotswolds cities and villages, historic buildings, nature parks, and extra. One factor’s for certain, for those who’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.
Finest 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 a few of the best nature to be present in England. The village is certainly one of 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 a few of the most stunning 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 Avenue which is residence to a few of 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 outlets.
The picturesque village is certainly one of my favourite locations to wander by way of and take within the serene Cotswold environment. If you happen to’re questioning what to do in Painswick, then the perfect place to start out is with a stroll across the village. Simply don’t neglect your digicam.
2. Go to the Rococo Backyard
Probably the greatest issues to do in Painswick is to go to the gorgeous Rococo Backyard. Rococo is a Baroque-style, decorative backyard that was in style in England within the 18th and nineteenth Centuries. This is likely one of the prime Painswick sights 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 day by day throughout college holidays). An grownup ticket prices £11.50 and youngsters £4.90.
This can be a fantastic place to go to regardless of the time of yr, however in spring and summer season, the place comes alive with coloration. There are common occasions held right here from child’s workshops to talks, canine reveals, Shakespeare performs, and extra. Examine the web site to see what’s occurring throughout your go to.
Handle: Gloucester Highway, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TH. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Cotswold Discovery Path Self-Guided Tour
This self-guided Cotswold Discovery Tour is a good way to get a really feel for the world at your personal tempo. You’ll be equipped with a fold-out map that accommodates a few completely different trails so that you can discover over the course of some days. These maps include a number of helpful data that will help you get probably the most out of the area.
You’ll even be equipped with a collection of clues and questions that will help you study concerning the historical past of the locations you go by. You possibly can 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 vital enjoyable issues to do round Painswick and is one thing somewhat completely different. Click on right here to guide.
4. Take a Journey to the Previous Ebworth Centre
The Previous Ebworth Centre is a base for Nationwide Belief staff who take care of the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence This huge rural property consists of an previous farmhouse with stone cottages, stables, outbuildings, and mile upon mile of gorgeous countryside views.
There’s a pleasing two to three-hour round stroll by way of 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 prime issues to do close to Painswick, and is a good day trip for the entire household.
Handle: The Camp, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 7ES. Click on right here for instructions.
5. See the Painswick Beacon
The Painswick Beacon marks the positioning of an iron age hill fort on the sting of the village. Though there’s not a lot to see by way of archaeology, the beacon sits at nearly 1,000 ft above sea degree so affords gorgeous panoramic views of the encompassing countryside together with the Malvern Hills and Forest of Dean.
There’s a straightforward 2.25-mile (3.6 km) round stroll that passes by way of woodland and follows a part of the Cotswold Manner. That is certainly one of my favourite walks within the space and is a good way to get out into some attractive countryside (canine are welcome too).
Handle: Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6SZ. Click on right here for instructions.
6. See St Mary’s Church
The Parish Church of St Mary is likely one of the best examples of medieval structure within the space and there’s been a church on this web site since Saxon occasions round 1,000 years in the past. This stunning church together with its spire that dates again to 1632 could be seen from miles round.
Contained in the church, you may marvel on the biblical scenes depicting all the things from birds and animals to native individuals. Probably the most spectacular facet of St Mary’s is the attractive churchyard with seventeenth and 18th-century tombs and 99 yew bushes (it’s stated that if a one centesimal 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 day by day.
Handle: 3 New Avenue, Gloucestershire, GL6 6XH. Click on right here for instructions.
7. Marvel on the Previous Shares
One of many extra uncommon issues to see in Painswick is the set of shares that dates again to round 1840. If you happen to fell foul of the legislation in nineteenth Century Painswick then you definitely have been liable to be locked within the shares for the entire village to see (rotten greens price additional).
The shares are situated simply in entrance of St Mary’s Church, which is one other of the must-see sights in Painswick in itself for its sensible structure and big, yew-lined churchyard. This tranquil house away from the primary highway is certainly one of many prime sights in Painswick.
Handle: 6 St Mary’s Avenue, Gloucestershire, GL6 6QD. Click on right here for instructions.
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 set of ales sadly, although you’ll find that on the pub). The gathering consists of arts, crafts, and furnishings with the centerpiece being a phenomenal stained glass window by pre-Raphelita artist, Edward Burne-Jones.
The museum is situated in an previous church (the Christchurch) and accommodates items from outstanding artists and designers. This is likely one of the greatest free issues to do in Painswick for these involved in 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.
Handle: Christ Church, Gloucestershire, GL6 6QN. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Have a Pint in The Royal Oak
For such a small village there are fortunately fairly just a few respectable pubs to check out, and The Royal Oak needs to be my favourite because of its rustic appeal 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 ambiance; it’s an important place to chill out after an extended stroll at any time of the yr.
The Oak has a superb collection of actual ales (craft beers), native ciders, and imported drinks. It affords 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.
Handle: St Mary’s Avenue, Gloucestershire, GL6 6QG. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Trench Hill
The gorgeous gardens at Trench Hill, only a few miles from Painswick, include a rose backyard, wildflower meadows, vegetable plots, woodland walks, picket sculptures, and a kids’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 Nationwide Nature Reserve.
Trench Hill is a pleasing stroll from the middle of the village and you may tie it in with close by sights such because the Painswick Beacon and Previous Ebworth Centre, rounding off with a pint on the Butchers Arms.
Handle: Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TZ. Click on right here for instructions.
11. Hike the Cotswolds Manner
The extremely scenic Cotswolds Manner is a 102-mile (164 km) climbing path that goes by way of the guts 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 Bathtub.
The Cotswolds Manner passes proper by way of 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 by way of a few of 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 pleasing city nicely value spending just a few hours attending to know and has some glorious pubs together with The New Inn.
12. Barnwood Park and Arboretum
The Barnwood Park and Arboretum is a pleasing parkland with gardens, woodland strolling paths, a wildlife pond, and a collection of stunning 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 stunning Cotswold countryside. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Painswick or you may stroll the 6 miles (9.7 km) for those who’re feeling match!
Handle: Church Lane, Barnwood, Gloucestershire, GL4 3JB. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Take a Day Journey to Bathtub
The historic metropolis of Bathtub 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 automobile. There are many glorious issues to do in Bathtub from exploring the well-preserved Roman baths to being pampered for a spa day or admiring the gorgeous Georgian structure.
Probably the greatest methods to get a really feel for Bathtub is to take a tour like this enjoyable 90-minute strolling tour which incorporates tickets to the Roman baths and takes in a few of the metropolis’s prime landmarks reminiscent of Bathtub Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and the Royal Crescent. Click on right here to search out out extra.
It’s round an hour’s drive from Painswick to Bathtub alongside the A46 or you may take one of many hourly trains from Stroud (by way of Swindon) which takes simply over an hour. Visiting Bathtub is certainly top-of-the-line issues to do close to Painswick for those who’re in search of day journey inspiration.
14. Go to the Village of Slad
The village of Slad is certainly one of my favourite locations to go to close to Painswick as its the birthplace of certainly one of 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 good 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 nicely value a learn. It’s simple to get to Slad by taking Bus 228 which matches between Stroud and Painswick by way of Slad.
15. See the Market City of Stroud
The quaint market city of Stroud is only a few miles from Painswick (I’ve associates that stay right here so I’m a frequent customer). There’s lots to do from looking the weekly farmers’ markets to sampling the native beers and ciders on the Stroud Brewery, exploring the picturesque excessive road, 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 eating places within the city. The Clothiers Arms is nicely value a go to and serves up hearty pub fayre for very cheap costs (mains price round £12).
Stroud is simple 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 stroll the three.6 miles (5.8 km ) to Stroud in simply over an hour, and return by bus (good for those who fancy just a few pints within the pub).
Fast Journey Itineraries For Painswick
Under, you’ll discover a few journey itineraries for sightseeing in Painswick that will help you get probably the most out of your go to. They embody all the highest vacationer sights in Painswick and a few of the greatest day journeys from the village.
1 Day in Painswick Itinerary
With simply sooner or later to spend within the village, go to the charming Rococo Backyard and get misplaced within the maze, go for a woodland stroll, or take pleasure in 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’ll want to see the previous tombs and yew bushes within the churchyard. Don’t neglect 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 just a few pints of native ale or cider.
2-3 Days in Painswick Itinerary
With just a few days to spend within the village, comply with the above itinerary to 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 quick ambles across the village to the extra adventurous Cotswold Manner.
Discover extra of the pubs and eating places reminiscent of The Oak, The Falcon Inn, and St Michael’s Bistro. Though small, you actually gained’t go hungry or thirsty in Painswick – it’s certainly one of 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 to your first few days and add in day journeys to close by sights and locations of curiosity. Take the bus to the charming village of Slad to see the grave of creator 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 outlets, and the wonderful Stroud Brewery for an evening of fine meals, domestically 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 just a few of the perfect lodging choices in Painswick for vacationers:
St Michael’s Bistro – Finest 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 toilet. Click on right here for more information.
Courtroom Home Manor – Finest for {Couples}
The Courtroom Home 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 ready inside a stunning sixteenth Century nation property on the outskirts of the village. The deluxe rooms include all the things you want for a cushty keep together with an en-suite toilet, TV, and kettle. Click on right here to guide.
The Star Inn – Finest for Households
The wonderful Star Inn is situated between Painswick and Stroud and has a spread of household suites sleeping as much as 4 individuals. Rooms include a personal toilet 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 on right here to search out out extra.
Finest Eating places in Painswick
Under, you’ll discover a few of the greatest locations to eat in and round Painswick:
St Michael’s Bistro: This glorious little restaurant and mattress and breakfast within the coronary heart of the village is the place to come back for a few of the greatest, domestically 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 on right here for instructions.
The Painswick: If you happen to’re in search of somewhat tremendous eating within the village then head alongside to this cozy restaurant that was awarded Effective Eating Restaurant of the 12 months 2023. You possibly can pattern all the things from Sunday lunch or a night meal to afternoon tea. The menu options native dishes like Cotswold lamb and venison, plus an intensive vegetarian vary. Click on right here for instructions.
The Falcon Inn: This stunning previous pub inside a Georgian townhouse is product of the trademark, honey-colored Cotswold Stone. It’s one of many prime pubs within the village and is a good place to eat. The kitchen serves up pub classics like beer-battered fish and chips in addition to extra authentic dishes like aubergine (eggplant) katsu curry and pea and mint ravioli. Click on right here for instructions.
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 exterior for al-fresco eating. Click on right here for instructions.
Karibu Vegan Bar and Kitchen: If you happen to’re in search of somewhat extra alternative than the same old pub fayre, then it’s only a five-minute drive into Stroud the place you may feast on vegan-friendly delights on the Karibu Bar and Kitchen. From their scrumptious smoky, pink pepper goulash to plant-based burgers and Thai curries, that is certainly one of my favourite locations to eat. Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Painswick
The closest worldwide airport to Painswick is Bristol which is an hour’s drive away. You’ll want a automobile 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 straightforward 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 possibly can then simply hop on the 288 bus for 10 minutes to Painswick.
Visiting all of the vacationer sights in Painswick could be accomplished on foot because it’s a tiny village, nevertheless, to get probably the most out of your journey hiring a automobile is greatest so you may 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 understood 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 a few of the greatest espresso within the Cotswolds.
Spring by way of to fall is the perfect time to go to Painswick if you wish to benefit from the hotter climate for lengthy walks and revel in al-fresco eating and the beer gardens of nation pubs. That being stated, the village seems to be attractive 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 value visiting for its attractive, Cotswold Stone buildings, picturesque Rococo Backyard, and exquisite countryside good for brief walks or longer hikes.
Because it’s a small village, you may 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 may 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 secure place for vacationers. Violent crime is sort of remarkable and the village is safer than inner-city areas. Take the identical precautions you’ll touring to anyplace unknown; control valuables and lock doorways.
The preferred factor to do in Painswick is to go to the 18th Century Rococo Backyard. Different in style 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 attempt native dishes from domestically farmed meats to cheeses, craft beers, and ciders. St Micheal’s Bistro is likely one of the greatest locations to attempt the native fayre.
In Closing
Now you realize what to see in Painswick in addition to a few of the prime close by sights. This charming village actually is value your time because it’s one of many best-preserved conventional Cotswold villages that is still somewhat underneath the radar (so go now earlier than the key’s out). Discover out for your self why it’s often called the Queen of the Cotswolds.
Wander across the historic Rococo gardens, stroll up the Painswick Beacon for unbelievable views throughout the valleys of the Cotswolds, and stroll amongst the yew bushes and historic 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 reminiscent of Slad and Stroud.
