The Painswick Rococo Garden is one of the most beautiful places in Gloucestershire – and it’s perfect for an autumn day trip or weekend escape.
Gloucestershire is harbouring a double secret.
Nestled amidst the stunning countryside, the delightful town of Painswick, often hailed as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds ‘, is already a hidden jewel. Previously acknowledged as one of the UK’s most picturesque towns by The Telegraph – it’s easy to see why.
This tucked-away gem in Gloucestershire is perfect for an autumn day trip or weekend escape. Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, this beautiful town is one of the best-preserved spots in the region and its allure has remained untouched over the decades.
The best part? Painswick remains a peaceful haven, unaffected by the overwhelming surge of tourists that descend on nearby villages like Bibury, The Slaughters, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Perched atop a hill with views over the verdant Stroud Valley, the town sits beautifully and offers a harmonious mix of history, architecture, and awe-inspiring natural beauty – which isn’t surprising, really, since it’s located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Its honey-coloured stone buildings, winding lanes, and charming chocolate-box cottages radiate that quintessentially English charm, while the town’s serene atmosphere provides a welcome respite for visitors from the hustle and bustle of the more popular Cotswold must-see destinations.
If you’re still not convinced to pay a visit, the charming town boasts an open secret that its residents take great pride in – the Painswick Rococo Garden.
The Painswick Rococo Garden, the only one of its kind in the UK, has been acknowledged as one of the top 10 per cent of attractions worldwide by Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards for 2025. Just a stone’s throw from the town centre, it’s safe to say this stunning garden is Painswick’s crowning glory.
Brief history of the Rococo Garden
The history of the garden is rich and layered, stretching back nearly three centuries when Benjamin Hyett designed this unique and captivating haven to entertain his guests at Painswick House in the 1740s. In 1748, he hired local artist Thomas Robins to paint the garden, and it’s this very painting that has served as the blueprint for the garden’s restoration from 1984 to the present day.
Today, this 18th-century treasure on Gloucester Road stands as the only fully preserved rococo garden in the UK, making it a truly one-of-a-kind destination for visitors. Since 1984, it has been painstakingly restored into a beautifully kept outdoor space, saved from certain ruin.
The term ‘rococo’ refers to an art period that was popular in Europe in the 1700s, characterised by ornate decoration, the use of pastel colours and asymmetry, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Why it’s so famous
The garden’s popularity is well-earned, with up to 1,000 visitors descending on the garden daily during snowdrop season, which spans from late January to early February, when the snowdrop displays are at their most spectacular.
Currently, the Rococo Garden is featured on the Historic England Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. It has been under the care of the Painswick Rococo Garden Trust, a registered charity that has been rejuvenating the garden since 1988.
This esteemed garden, offering stunning views of the Cotswolds, includes enchanting follies, woodland strolls, a café, and a maze. There’s also a charming wooden play area for children along with a gift shop selling locally crafted produce and souvenirs, as well as top-quality plants.
How to get there and ticket prices
If you’re contemplating a trip to the Rococo Garden, you might want to consider becoming a season ticket holder. Single membership begins at £37, granting free entry throughout the year.
Alternatively, you can buy a ticket on the day. Prices range from £5.70 for children and £12.20 for adults, to £10.95 for seniors (60 and above) and £31.50 for a family ticket.
The nearest train station is Stroud, which is approximately 5 miles away from the garden. You can also utilise the Stagecoach 66 local bus route, operating hourly from Cheltenham to Stroud, Monday through Saturday.
On Sundays, the Stagecoach 166 service runs between Cheltenham and Stroud. The closest stop is at the foot of Pullens Road, roughly half a mile from the Garden.