Painswick Village
The village of Painswick is best known for its parish church's yew trees, the local Rococo Garden and its fine buildings of pale grey limestone, as the village is mainly constructed of locally quarried Cotswold stone. Its narrow streets and traditional architecture make it the epitome of the English village.
The Painswick Beacon
Besides the Cotswolds Way, there are many ways to just kick off and explore, one of which is Beacon Walk.
There is a golf course near the Painswick Beacon and that is where the walk takes you but only after a circular excursion of the wonderful surrounding countryside.
Painswick St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s is a lovely old church well worth visiting to hear its stories of Roundheads and Cavaliers, learn the history of its bells and the fascinating legend of its 99 stunning trees, all over 200 years old having been planted in 1792. Legend says that 99 is the maximum number of trees that can be planted as the Devil will always see to the demise of the 100th. Visitors are invited to count them but you may just prefer to look and enjoy.
Painswick Rococo Garden
Painswick Rococo Garden is the country's sole surviving complete rococo garden. Designed in the 1740s as a fanciful pleasure garden for Benjamin Hyett and his guests, this hidden valley offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and intriguing garden buildings.
Farmers Market in Stroud
Multi award-winning Stroud Farmers’ Market is well known as one of the biggest, busiest and most popular farmers’ market in the UK. It takes place every Saturday between 9am and 2pm. Full of fresh, local produce and so many colours and smells, just walking around it alone is a joy.
PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK
You are spoilt for choice around places to eat, drink and relax. Here are a few that we recommend:
St Michael’s Bistro
Nestling in Painswick village, overlooking the spectacular yews of St. Mary’s Church, St Michael’s offers a picture-postcard setting for wonderful food and great atmosphere.
The Falcon
Dating back to 1554 the Falcon is a small, select hotel and restaurant in the centre of Painswick, offering great hospitality with a warm welcome and a delicious menu.
The Butchers Arms
The Butchers Arms is a traditional free pub in the beautiful Sheepscombe Valley near Painswick. It is well known for its distinctive home cooked food and still very much a village pub where everyone is welcome to drop by.
The Painswick Hotel
Housed in an 18th-century stone mansion, this boutique hotel is a fifteen minute walk from Painswick Rococo Garden. Its fabulous restaurant offers a most exquisite and sophisticated menu, as well as more simple fare.
Stroud Centre
A picturesque, thriving town with everything you could hope to find there.
The Museum in the Park is set in the beautiful grounds of Stratford Park in Stroud. Situated in a Grade II listed 17th Century wool merchant’s house; the collection tells the fascinating story of the Stroud District’s rich and diverse history.
With over 4,000 objects on display, including dinosaur bones, historical paintings and even one of the world’s first lawnmowers, there is something to spark the interest of any visitor.
C-Side Spa
Cowley Manor,Cowley Nr Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 9NL
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Cotswold countryside, C-Side offers a range of holistic treatments including therapeutic massages and advanced facials. The design embraces the surrounding landscape with the use of Cotswold stone and floor to ceiling glass walls, offering inspiring views from nearly every vantage point.
With natural springs and a series of lakes found in the grounds, water is at the heart of C-Side with a spectacular 15 metre outdoor pool and a 17 metre slate lined indoor pool, both open all year round. In addition, there are four treatment rooms, gym, relaxation area, steam room, drench showers and sauna.
Barton End, Nailsworth, Nr Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 0QF
A family run equestrian centre for all abilities, Barton End Equestrian Centre is a friendly riding centre set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside. It offers a wide selection of activities to suit all standards, with qualified Instructors (BHSII, AI or PTT qualified), from beginner to advanced and from tiny tots to adult riders.
MORE THINGS TO DO
There are hundreds of activities that are interesting and fun for young and old alike. We can help you plan your stay at Highgrove Barn if you like. In the meantime, here are the links to two good website to see just how much there is to do and see.
www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/things-to-do/south-west/gloucestershire/stroud
www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186291-Activities-Stroud_Cotswolds_England.html
