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 only a few miles from the Gloucestershire market city of Stroud the place associates of mine dwell. I’ve explored a lot of this a part of the nation and Painswick is one in all my favourite small villages due to its attractive appears to be like, 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, should you’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
Beneath, you’ll discover a big selection 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 one in all 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 due to its well-preserved honey-colored homes nestled in a few of 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 Avenue which is dwelling 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 searching second-hand shops and boutique retailers.
The picturesque village is one in all my favourite locations to wander by and take within the serene Cotswold environment. Should you’re questioning what to do in Painswick, then one of the best place to begin is with a stroll across the village. Simply don’t overlook your digicam.
2. Go to the Rococo Backyard
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Painswick is to go to the beautiful Rococo Backyard. Rococo is a Baroque-style, decorative backyard that was well-liked in England within the 18th and nineteenth Centuries. This is among the prime 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 daily throughout college holidays). An grownup ticket prices £11.50 and youngsters £4.90.
It is a great place to go to irrespective of the time of 12 months, however in spring and summer time, 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. Test the web site to see what’s happening throughout your go to.
Tackle: 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 an effective way to get a really feel for the realm at your personal tempo. You’ll be equipped 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 include a number of helpful info that will help you get essentially the most out of the area.
You’ll even be equipped with a collection of clues and questions that will help you study in regards to the historical past of the locations you cross by. You’ll be able to select from a variety of beginning factors together with Painswick, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Stroud, and others.
That is undoubtedly one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do round Painswick and is one thing slightly completely different. Click on right here to e-book.
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 beautiful countryside views.
There’s a nice two to three-hour round stroll by the Gloucestershire countryside (that’s additionally appropriate for canine). If you wish to get on the market and uncover some beautiful Cotswold surroundings, then this is among the prime issues to do close to Painswick, and is a superb day trip for the entire household.
Tackle: The Camp, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 7ES. Click on right here for instructions.
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 by way of archaeology, the beacon sits at virtually 1,000 ft above sea degree so presents beautiful panoramic views of the encircling 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 woodland and follows a part of the Cotswold Approach. That is one in all my favourite walks within the space and is an effective way to get out into some attractive countryside (canine are welcome too).
Tackle: Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6SZ. Click on right here for instructions.
6. See St Mary’s Church
The Parish Church of St Mary is among 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 lovely church together with its spire that dates again to 1632 might be seen from miles round.
Contained in the church, you’ll be able to marvel on the biblical scenes depicting every part from birds and animals to native folks. Probably the most spectacular facet of St Mary’s is the gorgeous churchyard with seventeenth and 18th-century tombs and 99 yew timber (it’s stated that if a a 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 daily.
Tackle: 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. Should you fell foul of the regulation in nineteenth Century Painswick you then had been liable to be locked within the shares for the entire village to see (rotten greens value further).
The shares are positioned 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 good structure and big, yew-lined churchyard. This tranquil house away from the principle highway is unquestionably one of many prime points of interest in Painswick.
Tackle: 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 group of ales sadly, although you’ll find that on the pub). The gathering consists of arts, crafts, and furnishings with the centerpiece being a gorgeous stained glass window by pre-Raphelita artist, Edward Burne-Jones.
The museum is positioned in an previous church (the Christchurch) and incorporates items from distinguished artists and designers. This is among 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.
Tackle: 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 a number of first rate pubs to check out, and The Royal Oak must be my favourite due to its rustic appeal and comfy really feel. It is a correct British pub with an open fireplace, a heat welcome, and a canine (and other people)-friendly ambiance; it’s an ideal place to loosen up after an extended stroll at any time of the 12 months.
The Oak has a wonderful number of actual ales (craft beers), native ciders, and imported drinks. It presents 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 among the greatest issues to do in Painswick at night time.
Tackle: St Mary’s Avenue, Gloucestershire, GL6 6QG. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Trench Hill
The beautiful gardens at Trench Hill, only a few miles from Painswick, include 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 Nationwide 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 Previous Ebworth Centre, rounding off with a pint on the Butchers Arms.
Tackle: Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TZ. Click on right here for instructions.
11. Hike the Cotswolds Approach
The extremely scenic Cotswolds Approach is a 102-mile (164 km) climbing path that goes by 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 Tub.
The Cotswolds Approach passes proper by 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 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 nice city nicely price spending a number of 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 nice parkland with gardens, woodland strolling paths, a wildlife pond, and a number of lovely previous timber 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 ideal day trip within the lovely Cotswold countryside. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Painswick or you’ll be able to stroll the 6 miles (9.7 km) should you’re feeling match!
Tackle: Church Lane, Barnwood, Gloucestershire, GL4 3JB. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Take a Day Journey to Tub
The historic metropolis of Tub is simply 34 miles (54 km) from Painswick and is the proper selection for a day journey because it takes simply over an hour to get there by automotive. There are many glorious issues to do in Tub from exploring the well-preserved Roman baths to being pampered for a spa day or admiring the beautiful Georgian structure.
Top-of-the-line methods to get a really feel for Tub 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 resembling Tub Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and the Royal Crescent. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
It’s round an hour’s drive from Painswick to Tub alongside the A46 or you’ll be able to take one of many hourly trains from Stroud (through Swindon) which takes simply over an hour. Visiting Tub is unquestionably probably the greatest issues to do close to Painswick should you’re searching for day journey inspiration.
14. Go to the Village of Slad
The village of Slad is one in all my favourite locations to go to close to Painswick as its the birthplace of one in all 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 completely spectacular. Lee wrote about this a part of the Cotswolds in his first e-book Cider with Rosie (which you’ll choose up within the Stroud Bookshop) – it’s nicely price a learn. It’s simple to get to Slad by taking Bus 228 which fits between Stroud and Painswick through 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 dwell right here so I’m a frequent customer). There’s a lot to do from searching 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 among the greatest issues to do close to Painswick, and makes for an ideal day journey as there are many great pubs and eating places within the city. The Clothiers Arms is nicely price a go to and serves up hearty pub fayre for very cheap costs (mains value round £12).
Stroud is straightforward to achieve through bus 228 which takes simply 8 minutes. If you wish to get slightly train whereas taking on this beautiful 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 (excellent should you fancy a number of pints within the pub).
Fast Journey Itineraries For Painswick
Beneath, you’ll discover a few journey itineraries for sightseeing in Painswick that will help you get essentially the most out of your go to. They embrace all the highest vacationer points of interest in Painswick and a few of the greatest day journeys from the village.
1 Day in Painswick Itinerary
With simply at some point 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 be sure you see the previous tombs and yew timber 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 basic 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, observe the above itinerary on your first day. On subsequent days get out into the countryside which is among 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 Approach.
Discover extra of the pubs and eating places resembling The Oak, The Falcon Inn, and St Michael’s Bistro. Though small, you actually gained’t go hungry or thirsty in Painswick – it’s one in all my favourite locations to go and eat after I’m in close by Stroud.
1 Week in Painswick Itinerary
With every week in Painswick observe 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 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 retailers, and the superb Stroud Brewery for an evening of excellent meals, domestically made beers, ciders, and dwell 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 one of the best 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 variety of quirky rooms from Rococo to Artwork Deco and Bohemian, every with its personal distinctive design. All rooms include TV and streaming providers, a fridge, and an en-suite lavatory. Click on right here for more information.
Courtroom Home Manor – Greatest for {Couples}
The Courtroom Home Manor is a luxurious, five-star mattress and breakfast and is among the greatest locations to remain for {couples} due to its romantic location. The property is ready inside a stunning sixteenth Century nation property on the outskirts of the village. The deluxe rooms include every part you want for a snug keep together with an en-suite lavatory, TV, and kettle. Click on right here to e-book.
The Star Inn – Greatest for Households
The wonderful Star Inn is positioned between Painswick and Stroud and has a variety of household suites sleeping as much as 4 folks. 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 on right here to seek out out extra.
Greatest Eating places in Painswick
Beneath, 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 return for a few of the greatest, domestically sourced meals within the space. It’s additionally nice for individuals 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: Should you’re searching for slightly high quality eating within the village then head alongside to this cozy restaurant that was awarded Nice Eating Restaurant of the Yr 2023. You’ll be able to pattern every part 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 lovely 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 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 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 outdoors for al-fresco eating. Click on right here for instructions.
Karibu Vegan Bar and Kitchen: Should you’re searching for slightly extra selection than the same old pub fayre, then it’s only a five-minute drive into Stroud the place you’ll be able to 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 in all 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 automotive as there aren’t any direct transport hyperlinks from the airport to the village.
I normally 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’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 might be finished on foot because it’s a tiny village, nevertheless, to get essentially the most out of your journey hiring a automotive is greatest so you’ll be able to discover extra of the beautiful 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-about the Queen of the Cotswolds due to the picture-perfect village and countryside views. It’s additionally famed for a few of the greatest espresso within the Cotswolds.
Spring by to fall is one of the best 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 appears to be like 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 unquestionably price visiting for its attractive, Cotswold Stone buildings, picturesque Rococo Backyard, and delightful countryside excellent for brief walks or longer hikes.
Because it’s a small village, you’ll be able to see all the highest sights in a few days. Should you want to discover the remainder of the Cotswolds, which you actually ought to, then every week is ideal as you’ll be able to add in some day journeys and lengthier hikes. I normally spend round 4 days right here when visiting.
Like most rural villages in England, Painswick is a really protected place for vacationers. Violent crime is nearly unparalleled 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 well-liked locations to see in Painswick embrace the previous shares, St Mary’s Church and grounds, and the Painswick Beacon.
Because the village is positioned 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 among the greatest locations to attempt the native fayre.
In Closing
Now what to see in Painswick in addition to a few of the prime 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 slightly below 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 timber 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 resembling Slad and Stroud.