Painswich is a small village within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds that’s finest 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 mates of mine dwell. I’ve explored a lot of this a part of the nation and Painswick is considered one of my favourite small villages because of its beautiful appears, close by mountain climbing trails, and abundance of native pubs.
There are additionally loads of locations to go to close to Painswich equivalent to different Cotswolds cities and villages, historic buildings, nature parks, and extra. One factor’s for positive, 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 lot of years in the past.
Greatest Issues To Do in Painswick, Cotswolds
Beneath, you’ll discover a wide array of locations to go to in Painswick from sculpted gardens to hidden museums, rustic pubs, and among the best nature to be present in England. The village is considered 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 named the Queen of the Cotswolds because of its well-preserved honey-colored homes nestled in among 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 dwelling 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 shopping second-hand shops and boutique retailers.
The picturesque village is considered one of my favourite locations to wander by way of and take within the serene Cotswold environment. For those who’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
Among the finest issues to do in Painswick is to go to the beautiful Rococo Backyard. Rococo is a Baroque-style, decorative backyard that was common 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 every single day throughout faculty holidays). An grownup ticket prices £11.50 and kids £4.90.
This can be a fantastic place to go to regardless of the time of 12 months, however in spring and summer season, the place comes alive with colour. There are common occasions held right here from child’s workshops to talks, canine reveals, Shakespeare performs, and extra. Verify the web site to see what’s happening throughout your go to.
Deal with: 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 incorporates a few totally different trails so that you can discover over the course of some days. These maps comprise a lot of helpful data that will help you get probably the most out of the area.
You’ll even be equipped with a sequence of clues and questions that will help you study in regards to the historical past of the locations you go by. You may select from a variety of beginning factors together with Painswick, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Stroud, and others.
That is undoubtedly probably the most enjoyable issues to do round Painswick and is one thing somewhat totally 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 contains an outdated farmhouse with stone cottages, stables, outbuildings, and mile upon mile of beautiful 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 beautiful Cotswold surroundings, then this is likely one of the high issues to do close to Painswick, and is a good time out for the entire household.
Deal with: 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 when it comes to archaeology, the beacon sits at nearly 1,000 toes above sea degree so gives beautiful 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) round stroll that passes by way of woodland and follows a part of the Cotswold Manner. That is considered one of my favourite walks within the space and is a good way to get out into some beautiful countryside (canine are welcome too).
Deal with: 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 website since Saxon instances round 1,000 years in the past. This stunning church together with its spire that dates again to 1632 might be seen from miles round.
Contained in the church, you possibly can marvel on the biblical scenes depicting all the things from birds and animals to native folks. Probably the most spectacular facet of St Mary’s is the attractive 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 every single day.
Deal with: 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. For those who fell foul of the regulation 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 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 sensible structure and big, yew-lined churchyard. This tranquil house away from the principle highway is unquestionably one of many high points of interest in Painswick.
Deal with: 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 gorgeous stained glass window by pre-Raphelita artist, Edward Burne-Jones.
The museum is positioned in an outdated church (the Christchurch) and incorporates items from distinguished artists and designers. This is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Painswick for these fascinated with 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.
Deal with: 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 couple of respectable pubs to check out, and The Royal Oak must be my favourite because of its rustic attraction and comfy really feel. This can be a correct British pub with an open hearth, a heat welcome, and a canine (and folks)-friendly ambiance; it’s a fantastic place to loosen up after a protracted 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 gives a mouthwatering menu of tasty treats from venison streaks to caramelized beetroot and onion tarte, in addition to gentle bites, baguettes, and extra for lunch. Popping in for a drink or two is likely one of the finest issues to do in Painswick at evening.
Deal with: 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, 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 mountain 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 points of interest such because the Painswick Beacon and Previous Ebworth Centre, rounding off with a pint on the Butchers Arms.
Deal with: 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) mountain 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 among the most scenic landscapes within the nation.
To return, you’ll must take the 65 bus to Stroud after which change for the 228 bus. Dursley is a pleasing city nicely value spending a couple 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 pleasing parkland with gardens, woodland strolling paths, a wildlife pond, and a number of stunning outdated timber from large Redwoods to Black Mulberry, Turkey Oak, and Beech. The park as soon as surrounded Barnwood Home which was an outdated 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 a fantastic time out within the stunning Cotswold countryside. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Painswick or you possibly can stroll the 6 miles (9.7 km) for those who’re feeling match!
Deal with: 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 right 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 Bathtub from exploring the well-preserved Roman baths to being pampered for a spa day or admiring the beautiful Georgian structure.
Among the finest 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 among the metropolis’s high landmarks equivalent to 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 possibly can take one of many hourly trains from Stroud (by way of Swindon) which takes simply over an hour. Visiting Bathtub is unquestionably top-of-the-line issues to do close to Painswick for those who’re searching for day journey inspiration.
14. Go to the Village of Slad
The village of Slad is considered one of my favourite locations to go to close to Painswick as its the birthplace of considered 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 e book Cider with Rosie (which you’ll be able to 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 mates that dwell right here so I’m a frequent customer). There’s loads to do from shopping 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 finest issues to do close to Painswick, and makes for a fantastic 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 straightforward to achieve by way of bus 228 which takes simply 8 minutes. If you wish to get somewhat 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 for those who fancy a couple 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 probably the most out of your go to. They embrace all the highest vacationer points of interest in Painswick and among the finest 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 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 outdated tombs and yew timber 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 basic pub fayre washed down with a couple of pints of native ale or cider.
2-3 Days in Painswick Itinerary
With a couple of days to spend within the village, comply with the above itinerary in your first day. On subsequent days get out into the countryside which is likely one of the finest 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 equivalent to The Oak, The Falcon Inn, and St Michael’s Bistro. Though small, you definitely received’t go hungry or thirsty in Painswick – it’s considered one of my favourite locations to go and eat once I’m in close by Stroud.
1 Week in Painswick Itinerary
With per week in Painswick comply with the above itineraries in 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 luxuriate in strolling alongside the canal and visiting museums, second-hand retailers, and the wonderful Stroud Brewery for an evening of fine meals, regionally 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 couple 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 right 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 likely one of the finest locations to remain for {couples} because of its romantic location. The property is about inside a beautiful 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 lavatory, TV, and kettle. Click on right here to e book.
The Star Inn – Greatest for Households
The superb 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 company, and the lodging is nice worth for cash. Click on right here to search out out extra.
Greatest Eating places in Painswick
Beneath, you’ll discover among the finest 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 among the finest, 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 on right here for instructions.
The Painswick: For those who’re searching for somewhat high quality eating within the village then head alongside to this cozy restaurant that was awarded High quality Eating Restaurant of the 12 months 2023. You may 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 outdated 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 good 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: For those who’re searching for somewhat extra selection than the standard 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, pink pepper goulash to plant-based burgers and Thai curries, that is considered 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 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 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 may then simply hop on the 288 bus for 10 minutes to Painswick.
Visiting all of the vacationer points of interest in Painswick might be completed on foot because it’s a tiny village, nonetheless, to get probably the most out of your journey hiring a automotive is finest so you possibly can discover extra of the beautiful Cotswold countryside within the neighborhood.
Issues To Do in Painswick: FAQs
Listed below 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 finest 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 luxuriate 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 unquestionably value visiting for its beautiful, Cotswold Stone buildings, picturesque Rococo Backyard, and delightful countryside excellent for brief walks or longer hikes.
Because it’s a small village, you possibly can see all the highest sights in a few days. For those who want to discover the remainder of the Cotswolds, which you actually ought to, then per week is ideal as you possibly can 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 extraordinary and the village is safer than inner-city areas. Take the identical precautions you’ll touring to anyplace unknown; regulate valuables and lock doorways.
The preferred factor to do in Painswick is to go to the 18th Century Rococo Backyard. Different common locations to see in Painswick embrace the outdated 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 strive native dishes from regionally farmed meats to cheeses, craft beers, and ciders. St Micheal’s Bistro is likely one of the finest locations to strive the native fayre.
In Closing
Now you realize what to see in Painswick in addition to among the high close by points of interest. This charming village actually is value your time because it’s one of many best-preserved conventional Cotswold villages that is still somewhat beneath the radar (so go now earlier than the key’s out). Discover out for your self why it’s generally known as 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 equivalent to Slad and Stroud.
